Aerolíneas Argentinas (ICAO: ARG) is the state-owned flag carrier and largest airline of Argentina, with a rich history spanning over seven decades.
Aerolíneas Argentinas was formally established in December 1950, formed by the merger of four existing airlines: Aeroposta Argentina, Aviación del Litoral Fluvial Argentino (ALFA), Flota Aérea Mercante Argentina (FAMA), and Zonas Oeste y Norte de Aerolíneas Argentinas (ZONDA), which had been nationalized in May 1949. The airline's operations began in December 1950, and it quickly became Argentina's national carrier, navigating periods of privatization and renationalization, most recently being renationalized in 2008.
The airline operates from two main hubs in Buenos Aires: Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP), which primarily handles domestic and regional flights, and Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE), also known as Ezeiza International Airport, which serves as its main international gateway. Aerolíneas Argentinas' current fleet, as of late 2025, consists of 83 aircraft, including Airbus A330-200s for intercontinental and transoceanic services, and Boeing 737 MAX 8s, Boeing 737-800s, Boeing 737-700s, and Embraer E190s for domestic and regional routes.
The route network is extensive, connecting Buenos Aires to over 39 domestic destinations across Argentina and more than 20 international destinations in the Americas and Europe, with a strong focus on South America. Aerolíneas Argentinas joined the SkyTeam alliance in August 2012, becoming the first South American member. This membership provides passengers with access to an extensive global network and benefits through its frequent flyer program, Aerolíneas Plus. The airline offers Business Class on international flights, featuring exclusive onboard service, and Premium Economy Class for domestic and regional flights with distinctive service and dedicated attention. Economy Class is available throughout its fleet.
Traveler reviews for Aerolíneas Argentinas present a mixed but generally improving picture, with several common positive and negative experiences highlighted.
What Travelers Love:
Common Complaints:
Overall, the sentiment suggests that while Aerolíneas Argentinas can offer pleasant and timely flights with good seat comfort, especially in its premium domestic cabins, inconsistencies in operational reliability, customer service, and cabin amenities on certain aircraft types remain significant pain points for travelers.
Aerolíneas Argentinas has a generally strong safety record in recent decades. According to the Aviation Safety Network database, the last fatal accident involving the airline occurred in 1970. As of June 2023, Aviation Safety Network records 47 accidents or incidents for Aerolíneas Argentinas since it began operations in 1950, and the company ranks among the safest airlines in the world.
However, recent reports indicate some mechanical issues. For example, in October 2025, a Boeing 737-800 experienced an engine failure on initial climb, and another 737-800 had a rejected takeoff due to engine failure earlier that month. In September 2024, a Boeing 737-800 reportedly lost a main gear wheel on landing.
Regarding regulatory certifications, an ICAO audit in 2022 found that Argentina's compliance with international aviation safety standards was below 60%, raising concerns about a potential downgrade of its Category 1 safety status. The Argentine government is actively working to address these issues and improve aviation regulatory oversight, implementing new decrees to enhance the powers of the aviation regulator. No specific mention of IOSA certification or EU safety list status was found in the provided information, but the ICAO audit is a significant indicator of regulatory standing.
The airline's fleet, as of November 2023, has an overall average age of 12.9 years, with newer aircraft like the Boeing 737 MAX 8 having an average age of 4.7 years. Aerolíneas Argentinas has been actively renewing and modernizing its fleet, with plans to introduce new Airbus A330neo and Boeing 737 MAX 9 and MAX 10 aircraft. The airline also focuses on its maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities, employing over 1,600 maintenance personnel and expanding its third-party maintenance services, aiming to reduce turnaround times and remain competitive.
Based on available data, Aerolíneas Argentinas has a good overall safety assessment, particularly given the absence of fatal accidents in over five decades. While there have been some recent operational incidents and regulatory challenges regarding national compliance with international standards, the airline is actively engaged in fleet modernization and maintenance improvements. No specific safety awards or recognitions were detailed in the provided search results.
| Route | Destination | Flights | Distance | Aircraft | Last Seen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MDZ → AEP |
Jorge Newbery
Buenos Aires
|
193 | 609 mi | B738 | Dec 9, 2025 |
| MVD → AEP |
Jorge Newbery
Buenos Aires
|
173 | 137 mi | E190 | Dec 10, 2025 |
| BRC → AEP |
Jorge Newbery
Buenos Aires
|
166 | 831 mi | B738 | Dec 9, 2025 |
| COR → AEP |
Jorge Newbery
Buenos Aires
|
153 | 404 mi | B738 | Dec 10, 2025 |
| SLA → AEP |
Jorge Newbery
Buenos Aires
|
124 | 794 mi | E190 | Dec 9, 2025 |
| ASU → AEP |
Jorge Newbery
Buenos Aires
|
116 | 647 mi | E190 | Dec 11, 2025 |
| FTE → AEP |
Jorge Newbery
Buenos Aires
|
97 | 1287 mi | 73M | Dec 8, 2025 |
| AEP → BRC |
San Carlos de Bariloche Int'l
San Carlos de Bariloche
|
72 | 831 mi | B738 | Dec 9, 2025 |
| AEP → MDZ |
Governor Francisco Gabrielli Int'l (El Plumerillo Int'l)
Mendoza
|
70 | 609 mi | E190 | Dec 11, 2025 |
| AEP → COR |
Ingeniero Ambrosio L.V. Taravella Int'l
Cordoba
|
68 | 404 mi | E190 | Dec 11, 2025 |
| BRC → EZE |
Ministro Pistarini Int'l
Ezeiza
|
57 | 815 mi | B738 | Dec 9, 2025 |
| PUJ → EZE |
Ministro Pistarini Int'l
Ezeiza
|
55 | 3749 mi | A330 | Dec 8, 2025 |
| AEP → CRD |
General Enrique Mosconi
Comodoro Rivadavia
|
50 | 911 mi | B738 | Dec 11, 2025 |
| IGR → AEP |
Jorge Newbery
Buenos Aires
|
47 | 654 mi | B738 | Dec 11, 2025 |
| FTE → USH | Ushuaia-Malvinas Argentinas Int'l | 46 | 353 mi | B738 | Dec 8, 2025 |
| MDZ → EZE |
Ministro Pistarini Int'l
Ezeiza
|
45 | 605 mi | B738 | Dec 6, 2025 |
| NQN → AEP |
Jorge Newbery
Buenos Aires
|
45 | 619 mi | E190 | Dec 8, 2025 |
| AEP → SLA |
Martin Miguel de Guemes Int'l (El Aybal)
Salta
|
45 | 794 mi | E190 | Dec 9, 2025 |
| AEP → USH | Ushuaia-Malvinas Argentinas Int'l | 43 | 1481 mi | B738 | Dec 11, 2025 |
| MDZ → COR |
Ingeniero Ambrosio L.V. Taravella Int'l
Cordoba
|
43 | 288 mi | B738 | Dec 9, 2025 |
| USH → AEP |
Jorge Newbery
Buenos Aires
|
38 | 1481 mi | B738 | Dec 11, 2025 |
| AEP → REL |
Almirante Zar
Trelew
|
33 | 702 mi | B737 | Dec 11, 2025 |
| AEP → SCL |
Comodoro Arturo Merino Benitez Int'l
Santiago
|
33 | 714 mi | B738 | Dec 7, 2025 |
| MDQ → AEP |
Jorge Newbery
Buenos Aires
|
33 | 238 mi | E190 | Dec 6, 2025 |
| BHI → AEP |
Jorge Newbery
Buenos Aires
|
32 | 355 mi | E190 | Dec 6, 2025 |
Airline statistics are based on flight route observations collected from FlightAware AeroAPI and other sources. Flight counts represent observed operations, not scheduled frequencies. Route data is continuously updated as new flight information becomes available.