Lima Airport Partners (LAP), the concession company of Jorge Chávez International Airport, this Wednesday warned travelers to check the status of their flights due to delays and cancellations at the airport due to a white strike at the airport. Air Traffic Controllers Union (Suck up).
In a statement, the LAP emphasized the importance of passengers keeping in touch with their airlines to receive updated information about their journeys. “Jorge Chávez flights have been recorded delays and cancellations due to Body (an entity that manages air traffic control) has been implementing more space in the waiting times between take-off and landing, which has affected the departure and arrival times of flights,” the entity noted.
The concessionaire stated that since last Tuesday, travelers have experienced changes in their flight schedules, which is why he stressed the need for passengers to be careful and stay informed about their flights . “We encourage our travelers to contact their respective airlines to verify the status of their flights,” the letter said.
Previously, national aviation unions reported that thousands of passengers were facing delays and cancellations due to the Corps’ technical provisions, known as NOTAMs, which increased separation times between flights in response to technical and union problems.
In addition, they expressed concern about undue pressure on the company to influence labor negotiations and asked the government to take urgent measures to normalize the service and punish those responsible. Around noon, Body he announced the normalization of air operations at the airport after reaching an agreement with Sucta.
The state-owned company promised to pay the arbitration awards requested by the union on November 20, which would prevent air traffic from falling during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. While the agreement was being reached, about 51 flights were affected, said Pablo Patrón, manager of Corpac Aeronautical Operators.
He explained that arbitration awards are negotiated annually and payments are usually made at the end of the year. “For the payment to be effective, an increase in the budget must be made which must be authorized by the Fonafe (National Fund for Financing State Business Activity). It is something that eludes the Corps, but we already have the commitment to give,” he said in an interview Canal N.
The executive indicated that new controllers are being sought to optimize personnel, as current shifts are insufficient and rely on voluntary overtime. Wednesday’s delays were due to a lack of overtime personnel, which forced the implementation of space measures in air traffic. “The gap in the surveillance area is 14, and we have 16 controllers in the simulation process. They should be preparing in March,” explained the Patron.
At the same time, the National Union of Aeronautical Specialists de Corpac SA (Sineacor) announced a strike for November 13 and 14, during the APEC forum. The workers, who are not air operators, but provide vital information for flights, demand that a debt of S/1.5 million be paid in labor bonuses.
The Ministry of Labor has requested a meeting to avoid the strike, which is scheduled for November 8. “We hope that the situation will be resolved then. This is what we hope, we are not going to negotiate anything else. On Friday we will see the decision made by Corpac,” said Manuel Málaga, general secretary of Sineacor, to this medium.
He also stated that the state company has not fulfilled the 2022 and 2023 arbitration awards, although it is in a position to do so. According to Malaga, Body You must act to avoid possible criminal prosecution for non-payment.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Air Traffic Management Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good morning, and welcome to our special segment. Today, we’re discussing the recent disruptions at Jorge Chávez International Airport caused by a white strike from the Air Traffic Controllers Union (SUCTA). With us is Dr. Maria Gomez, an expert in air traffic management. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Gomez.
Dr. Maria Gomez (DMG): Thank you for having me, it’s a pleasure to be here.
TNE: To start off, can you explain what a white strike is and how it differs from a traditional strike?
DMG: Certainly. A white strike involves workers reducing their normal productivity or working within the limits of regulations without outright abandoning their jobs. In contrast to a traditional strike, where employees stop working entirely, a white strike aims to highlight concerns without fully ceasing operations. This can lead to significant delays and cancellations, as we’ve seen recently at Jorge Chávez International Airport.
TNE: Exactly. The Lima Airport Partners (LAP) have reported substantial disruptions, advising travelers to stay in touch with their airlines. How does the air traffic management system ensure safety during these delays?
DMG: Maintaining safety is always the top priority in air traffic management. When air traffic controllers are working under stressful conditions, such as during a white strike, regulatory bodies will often increase the separation times between flights to mitigate risks. This means longer waiting times for departures and arrivals, which can lead to the type of delays we’re currently witnessing.
TNE: I see. The recent disruptions were reportedly due to technical provisions known as NOTAMs, which increased separation between flights. Can you explain what NOTAMs are and their role in aviation?
DMG: certainly. NOTAMs, or Notices to Airmen, are essential communications regarding significant changes in conditions, procedures, or hazards that may affect flight operations. They can provide information about things like runway closures, weather conditions, and, in this case, air traffic control instructions. Efficient handling of NOTAMs is crucial for the smooth operation of air traffic, especially during incidents like the current one.
TNE: So, what steps can be taken by airport authorities or the government to prevent such situations in the future?
DMG: Prevention requires a multifaceted approach. First, better communication channels between the unions, airport operators, and government are crucial. Establishing a framework for stakeholder negotiations can alleviate future tensions. Moreover, investing in staffing levels and ensuring that air traffic controllers feel their concerns are heard can prevent labor disputes from escalating. timely maintenance of technology and infrastructure is critical—increased funding can be vital.
TNE: It’s interesting to note from the article that negotiations are ongoing and there is a commitment to pay arbitration awards to the union. How important is it for labor issues in this sector to be addressed proactively?
DMG: Proactive measures in addressing labor issues are extremely important. Air traffic controllers are pivotal in ensuring flight safety and efficiency, and their well-being directly impacts air travel. By tackling these issues proactively and ensuring fair compensation and working conditions, we can create a more reliable aviation environment.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Gomez, for your insights. As we see air traffic slowly normalize at Jorge Chávez International Airport, it’s clear that effective communication and fair labor practices are key to maintaining this vital infrastructure.
DMG: Absolutely. Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this important topic.
TNE: And thank you to our viewers for joining us today. Stay tuned for more updates on this situation as it develops.