What is good news for some is probably not to the delight of the Argentine airline Aerolineas: the low-cost airline Flybondi, also Argentine, has added Ushuaia in the province of Tierra del Fuego to its flight schedule. Since last Saturday, locals and tourists can travel from Buenos Aires to the southernmost city in the world three times a week at lower prices.
Ushuaia, as one of the gateways to Antarctica, is a popular destination, not only among international tourists who want to travel to the seventh continent. A trip to the “end of the world” is also very popular with Argentines, who will now certainly come to Ushuaia in greater numbers thanks to cheaper prices. And this also pleases the tourism authorities and the governor of Tierra del Fuego.
Dante Querciali, president of the Tourism Institute of the Province of Tierra del Fuego, considers the additional flight connection very useful and hopes to be able to bring the number of flights closer to the level as before the pandemic. “This is great news for tourism and the province’s economy, and we pledge all necessary support for Flybondi’s efforts,” Querciali said.
Flybondi operates the flights with a Boeing 737-800, which can carry 189 passengers. Over the next 12 months, the low-cost carrier will fly from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia three times a week, currently always on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. The first two flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia and back last Saturday were almost fully booked, according to Flybondi. For a round-trip ticket with Flybondi, you have to expect 200 to about 400 euros, plus baggage fees. In comparison, a round-trip flight with Aerolineas costs between 260 and 450 euros.
In view of the still difficult covid situation due to the strong spread of omicron also on expedition ships calling at Ushuaia, there will probably be fewer international tourists in the coming weeks, as some planned Antarctic voyages cannot be carried out as hoped.
Julia Hager, PolarJournal
