LATAM Sparks Dispute Over Ushuaia Airport Name
A major controversy has unfolded in Argentina’s southernmost province of Tierra del Fuego, and it all revolves around the name of Ushuaia’s international airport. The airport officially carries the name “Malvinas Argentinas” , a title chosen to reaffirm Argentina’s sovereignty claim over the Falkland Islands—known locally as the Malvinas. However, the Chilean airline LATAM is being accused of refusing to use this official name, instead referring to it simply as Ushuaia Airport.
According to Argentine authorities, this choice was not accidental. They claim that the decision may have been influenced by requests from the British side, since the airport plays a sensitive role in flights that connect South America with the Falklands. LATAM currently operates a weekly route between Punta Arenas in Chile and Mount Pleasant Airport in the islands, with a stopover that was previously in RÃo Gallegos but has now shifted to Ushuaia. The dispute has sparked anger in the province’s leadership.
Also Read:Gustavo Melella, governor of Tierra del Fuego, issued strong warnings against LATAM, even threatening to revoke the company’s right to use the airport if the name “Malvinas Argentinas” is not respected. For Argentina, this is not just a formality. The airport’s name is viewed as part of a broader historical struggle—one tied to the 1982 war, in which Argentina attempted to reclaim the islands but was defeated by British forces. The symbolism is deeply emotional for veterans, families of fallen soldiers, and the public at large.
The matter became even more charged this past weekend. A LATAM flight had to be canceled due to severe winds, stranding about 30 passengers. Reports suggested that many of them were former British combatants who had traveled to visit the islands. The timing of this incident, coinciding with the naming controversy, only amplified public debate.
In Ushuaia itself, the municipality recently welcomed a group of Argentine war veterans and relatives of those killed during the conflict. They had returned from visiting the islands as part of the 43rd anniversary commemorations. The reception was filled with emotion, pride, and remembrance. Local officials emphasized that their presence highlighted the importance of continuing to honor Argentina’s claim and its fallen heroes. During the gathering, strong criticism was also directed toward LATAM for its reluctance to acknowledge the airport’s name.
So far, LATAM has not issued any official statement in response to these accusations or threats. But the issue has clearly become more than a technical matter of aviation terminology. It touches on identity, history, and sovereignty. For many in Argentina, ignoring the name “Malvinas Argentinas” is seen as an act of disrespect, one that reopens old wounds tied to a war that remains etched in national memory.
In short, what started as a naming dispute has quickly evolved into a political and emotional crisis—one that shows just how powerful symbols can be when tied to history and national pride.
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