Ezeiza Runway Works to Limit Air Cargo Capacity From October 25 to November 11

Ezeiza will remain open during its runway works, but the reduced take-off distance is likely to reshape some air cargo itineraries to and from Buenos Aires. From 25 October to 11 November 2026, forwarders should plan for possible aircraft changes, reduced capacity, technical stops and longer transit times. The effect will vary by airline, route, aircraft and shipment.

One runway in service, with less usable length

The 18-day project is part of a US$110 million investment programme led by Aeropuertos Argentina. Crews will rehabilitate secondary runway 17-35 and its intersection with main runway 11-29. During the work, operations will be concentrated on runway 11-29, whose usable length will temporarily fall from 3,300 metres to 1,850 metres.

That shorter distance can constrain long-haul aircraft, including the Boeing 777 and 787 and Airbus A330 and A350. These aircraft need more runway to depart fully loaded with fuel, passengers and cargo. Airlines may respond by limiting take-off weight, changing aircraft or adding a refuelling stop. Each option can affect the amount of cargo accepted and the time it takes to reach its destination.

Flights continue, but cargo plans may change

Vaclog, a freight forwarder in Buenos Aires and a Conqueror network member, reports that 16 airlines intend to keep operating at Ezeiza, adapting flights through technical stops, schedule changes or smaller aircraft. The carriers listed are 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.

Some long-haul operators, including Aerolíneas Argentinas, Iberia, LEVEL, Plus Ultra and ITA Airways, are expected to use nearby airports for refuelling before continuing. Iberia has announced a technical stop in Montevideo on Buenos Aires–Madrid departures. The added stop means more time in transit and may require changes to cargo handling or onward connections.

LATAM plans to maintain its regional services but suspend the Santiago–Buenos Aires–Miami route for the period. Vaclog’s update also says Air Europa has stopped selling its Madrid service for these dates. That illustrates why a carrier’s presence on the continuing-flight list does not establish that every route will operate or that cargo space will be available. Forwarders need to verify each booking against the planned aircraft and itinerary.

Fourteen carriers suspend direct Ezeiza flights

Vaclog’s update lists 14 airlines that 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.

Several carriers describe alternate arrangements. Lufthansa will cancel Frankfurt–Buenos Aires flights and rebook passengers mainly through Rome with ITA Airways, with some services routed through Rio de Janeiro. SWISS has suspended Zurich–Buenos Aires service and plans to operate Zurich–São Paulo, with partner connections to Argentina. Delta will not operate its Atlanta and New York services, while United will suspend its Houston service.

Air Canada, Emirates and Ethiopian Airlines are reported to operate only as far as São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro. American Airlines’ plans have been reported differently, ranging from fewer Miami and New York flights to a broader suspension. Its latest schedule and cargo arrangements should be checked directly. Airline plans may change as the work period approaches, and a passenger itinerary does not by itself confirm that cargo will be accepted on the same route.

Build time and routing checks into bookings

For shipments moving to, from or through Buenos Aires, forwarders should confirm flight schedules, available cargo space, shipment restrictions and revised departure or arrival times with the airline or cargo operator. This check matters especially for long-haul cargo and shipments that depend on a specific aircraft or connection.

Book early where possible and allow extra time for routes affected by technical stops, schedule changes or reduced capacity. If a direct service is unavailable, compare alternate airlines and connecting airports, including the resulting transit time, cost and handling requirements before confirming the booking.

Customers and consignees will need prompt updates if schedules or connections change. Regular contact with Buenos Aires agents and partners at transit points can help verify current operating details and coordinate alternatives while the restrictions are in effect.

Shipment-level confirmation is key

Maria Elina Vische, forwarding supervisor at Vaclog, said advance planning and close coordination with airlines will be essential during the temporary restrictions. She urged forwarders to verify cargo availability and transit times for each shipment, particularly those on long-haul routes. Vische also stressed keeping overseas agents and customers informed so teams can manage expectations and identify alternatives.

Ezeiza’s runway works do not amount to an airport shutdown, but the reduced runway length may narrow aircraft and cargo options for 18 days. For forwarders, the practical step is to check the actual service, aircraft and cargo allocation for every booking, then leave room in the plan for a revised connection or longer journey.

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