Between 25 October and 11 November 2026, Buenos Aires’ Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE), better known as Ezeiza, will operate under significant runway restrictions. The airport stays open and keeps its international connectivity, but air cargo moving to, from or through Argentina should expect schedule changes, capacity constraints and longer transit times. Vaclog, Conqueror member in Buenos Aires, Argentina, has shared an operational update so that agents across the network can plan ahead.

What is happening at Ezeiza?

The works are part of a US$110 million investment programme led by Aeropuertos Argentina. During the 18-day window, the secondary runway (17-35) and its intersection with the main runway (11-29) will be rehabilitated. That means all operations will be concentrated on runway 11-29, whose usable length will be temporarily cut from 3,300 metres to 1,850 metres.

This is not a full airport closure. But a shorter runway is a real constraint for long-haul, wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 777, Boeing 787 and Airbus A330/A350, which need far more distance to take off fully loaded with fuel, passengers and cargo.

How could the works affect air cargo?

Airlines have to reduce weight, change aircraft or add stops to operate from a shorter runway. For forwarders, that can translate into:

• Additional stopovers: several long-haul flights will refuel at nearby airports before continuing.
• Less available space: smaller aircraft and lower take-off weights mean less belly capacity.
• Cargo restrictions: airlines may limit or refuse shipments depending on aircraft type and route.
• Longer transit times: extra stops and rescheduled flights can extend delivery times.
• Operational adjustments: changes to departure times and connections.

These are potential impacts, not universal outcomes. The effect on each shipment will depend on the airline, route, aircraft and cargo.

Airlines continuing to operate at Ezeiza

According to Vaclog’s update, 16 airlines have confirmed they will keep operating, adapting their flights through technical stops, rescheduling or smaller aircraft:

Aerolíneas Argentinas, Air Europa, Andes Líneas Aéreas, Arajet, Avianca, Boliviana de Aviación (BoA), Copa Airlines, Flybondi, GOL Linhas Aéreas, Iberia, ITA Airways, JetSMART, LATAM Airlines, LEVEL, Plus Ultra and Sky Airline.

Examples of the adjustments:

• Intercontinental carriers such as Aerolíneas Argentinas, Iberia, LEVEL, Plus Ultra and ITA Airways are expected to use refuelling stops at nearby airports, such as Montevideo or Rio de Janeiro, so they can take off lighter from the shorter runway. Iberia, for instance, has announced a technical stop in Montevideo on Buenos Aires–Madrid departures.
• LATAM will keep its regional services but suspend its Santiago–Buenos Aires–Miami route for the period.
• Some carriers are changing more than their routing. Reports indicate Air Europa has stopped selling its Madrid route for these dates, so even airlines on the “continuing” list should be checked individually.

Continuing flights do not guarantee unchanged cargo space. Capacity should be confirmed shipment by shipment.

Airlines suspending direct flights temporarily

Fourteen airlines have announced temporary suspensions of direct flights to and from Ezeiza:

Aeroméxico, Air Canada, Air France, American Airlines, British Airways, China Eastern, Delta Air Lines, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, KLM, Lufthansa, SWISS, Turkish Airlines and United Airlines.

Some details:

• Lufthansa will cancel Frankfurt–Buenos Aires flights, rebooking passengers mainly via Rome with ITA Airways, and on some days via Rio de Janeiro.
• SWISS has suspended Zurich–Buenos Aires and will operate Zurich–São Paulo only, with partner connections to Argentina.
• Delta will not fly its Atlanta and New York services, and United will not fly its Houston service.
• American Airlines’ plans have been reported in different ways as the date approaches, from reduced Miami and New York frequencies to a broader suspension, so check its latest status directly.
• Air Canada, Emirates and Ethiopian Airlines are reported to be operating only as far as São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro.

Note: Airline schedules and cargo arrangements may change. The list above reflects the information provided by Vaclog; agents should confirm the latest operating status and cargo availability directly with their airline contacts.

What should freight forwarders do to minimise disruptions?

With the construction period approaching, freight forwarders handling shipments to, from, or through Buenos Aires should take a proactive approach to shipment planning.

1. Confirm flight schedules and cargo availability

Check with airlines and cargo operators whether planned services will operate as scheduled. Confirm available capacity, applicable cargo restrictions, and any changes to departure or arrival times.

2. Plan shipments well in advance

Where possible, arrange bookings early and allow additional time for shipments that depend on long-haul flights or connections through affected routes.

3. Evaluate alternative routing options

Consider alternative airlines, connecting airports, and routing arrangements where direct services are suspended or cargo capacity becomes limited. Compare the implications for transit times, costs, and handling requirements before confirming a booking.

4. Communicate proactively with customers

Keep shippers and consignees informed about possible schedule changes, additional transit time, and capacity constraints. Early communication can help manage expectations and reduce the risk of last-minute complications.

5. Coordinate closely with local partners

Maintain regular contact with agents in Buenos Aires and other relevant transit locations. Local partners can help verify operational updates, identify alternative solutions, and coordinate shipments as conditions evolve.

Vaclog’s perspective

As a freight forwarder in Buenos Aires, Vaclog is closely following the operational changes and their potential implications for international cargo movements. Mrs Maria Elina Vische, Forwarding Supervisor at Vaclog, highlights the importance of advance planning and close coordination between logistics partners during this period. “With Ezeiza Airport operating under temporary runway restrictions, advance planning and close coordination with airlines will be essential to minimise disruptions. Freight forwarders should verify cargo availability and transit times for each shipment, particularly those involving long-haul routes.”

She also emphasises the value of communication across the logistics chain: “Maintaining clear communication with overseas agents and customers will be key to managing expectations and identifying suitable alternatives. By working together and staying informed about operational changes, we can help ensure that shipments continue moving as efficiently as possible.”

Staying prepared

Ezeiza will not close, but for 18 days its capacity will be limited, and air cargo will feel it. Forwarders who check schedules early, build in extra time and keep customers informed will be best placed to avoid last-minute problems. This is where a network like Conqueror proves its value: members such as Vaclog share timely local intelligence, and agents around the world can act on it together. If you have shipments to or from Buenos Aires during this window, contact Vaclog and your Conqueror partners as early as possible.