Argentina extends strict flight ban to September

Argentina has banned all commercial flights until September 1, extending the current air travel prohibition put in place to stem the spread of the coronavirus, reports New York Times.

The  International Air Transport Association wrote to the Argentine government warning the move violates bilateral agreements and could lead to the loss of more than 300,000 jobs.

The Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association also expressed its concern, claiming “many companies in the sector will not be able to survive if this resolution is implemented.”

The decree, which was published on Monday, does not explain why September 1 was chosen as the end date for the ban, which forbids all flights except for those carrying cargo or repatriating passengers, from entering or leaving the country. With the measure, Argentina has extended its travel ban longer than any other country in the region, but the decree also leaves open the possibility that the restrictions could be lifted earlier.

Argentina implemented a strict national lockdown that has been in place since March 20, including the closing of borders, as a measure that the government says has helped slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Argentina has 4,033 confirmed cases and 197 deaths attributed to Covid-19.

Over the weekend President Alberto Fernández extended the national lockdown order through May 10.