IATA Urges Guatemalan Authorities to Ensure Safe Air Travel Amid Protests

With almost a hundred roads blocked and protests ongoing for ten days, the political and social situation in Guatemala is becoming more complex day by day and is also starting to cause disruptions in air travel.

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That’s why the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called on Guatemalan authorities to take measures to ensure the safety of passengers, crews, and flight operations.

As they explained in a statement, road blockades are causing passengers and crews to be unable to reach La Aurora International Airport, the most important in Guatemala, and have also interrupted the fuel supply chain, which jeopardizes the continuation of passenger and cargo flights, and therefore, the country’s connectivity with the world.

«We urge the authorities to adopt measures that allow the continuation of flight operations and thus ensure that the functioning of this important pillar of the Guatemalan economy is not disrupted«, concluded from IATA.

Protesters are demanding the resignation of the attorney general and head of the Public Ministry (Prosecutor’s Office), accusing her of trying to reverse the results of the general elections in which Bernardo Arévalo de León prevailed. The politician claims that the official is orchestrating a coup to prevent his inauguration scheduled for January 14, 2024.

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Flights, for now, continue

As can be seen on the flight panel of La Aurora International Airport, regular air activity continues for the moment, albeit with some disruptions.

US airlines operating in Guatemala such as American, United, Delta, and Spirit have posted travel alerts on their respective websites for those with tickets to the Central American country, offering flexible commercial policies for those who wish to reschedule or receive refunds without penalties.

Among the Latin American airlines, Copa Airlines posted a message on the main page of its website advising passengers to arrive at the airport at least three hours before their flight’s departure.

Aeroméxico, for its part, has enabled a flexible commercial policy for those with tickets on flights between October 9 and 12.