Argentina risks stranding its own citizens abroad, airlines warn

Argentina’s decision to limit the number of international travelers in a bid to curb the spread of Covid risks stranding thousands of its citizens abroad, according to airline industry groups. Argentina’s government, which has already banned foreign tourists from entering the country for months, announced late Friday that only 600 travelers per day will be allowed to arrive on international flights, down from a previous quota of 2,000 people. The measure, in effect since Saturday, is intended to reduce the circulation of people amid growing numbers of Covid-19 cases in the country. The IATA, among other airline groups, called for an urgent meeting with government officials to discuss the matter. “By taking such unilateral and short-notice decisions, the government risks further isolating the country,” Peter Cerda, IATA’s regional vice president for the Americas, said in a statement over the weekend. The measure “will force airlines to strand thousands of passengers, mainly Argentinian citizens and residents, outside the country.” <br/>