DALLAS — Colombian low-cost carrier (LCC) Wingo (P5) can now fly directly into Argentinian cities Córdoba, Mendoza, and Rosario to international destinations that skip Buenos Aires. Before, all P5 flights went through Ezeiza International Airport (EZE).

This expansion underpins Argentina's attempts at liberalization in the aviation sector, opening the interior regions for better access. The government looks forward to improving efficiency, competitiveness, and inclusion in air travel by connecting these cities with global markets.

Wingo: A Rising Low-Cost Leader

Wingo, a subsidiary of Copa Airlines (CM) and Copa Airlines Colombia, has become the leader in the low-cost airline market in South America. Since replacing AeroRepública in December 2016, Wingo has been flying from Bogotá with nine Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft, prized for their reliability and cost efficiency.

In 2024, P5 provided 3.6 million seats on nearly 20,000 flights, an 11% increase over 2023. Wingo Vacations, Seats Together, Extra Max Chair, and Hidden Destination Flight services helped increase its loyal customer base.

"We experienced an extremely positive 2024 by maintaining a double-digit growth trend on both supply sides of seats offered and demand with traveler uptake. Not only did we extend our route network, but also significantly improved our product with tailored solutions for our customers. We would like to thank over three million passengers who have relied upon us and enabled us to increasingly position ourselves in the air travel market," according to Eduardo Lombana, Chief Executive Officer Wingo.

Expanding Connectivity Across Argentina

It would operate passenger and cargo services, sanctioned directly from Córdoba, Mendoza, and Rosario by the Secretariat of Transportation within the Argentine Ministry of Economy, to host abundant Colombian destinations. Medellín, Cali, Cartagena, Barranquilla, San Andrés, Pereira, and Bucaramanga would be connected, besides plans for similar connectivity to Panama.

The Undersecretariat of Air Transport formalized the decision with Provision 04/2025, giving P5 the right to operate international scheduled air transport services for passengers and cargo.  

Franco Mogetta, the Secretary of Transport, stated this was strategically important for the country, "We keep on opening Argentina's skies. Today, we sanctioned a low-cost carrier from Colombia, Wingo, to expand its operations in Argentina to raise connectivity between the interior of Argentina and the world. This is an important step to enhance the federal connectivity that our country needs." 

Aviation Deregulation, Open Skies Policy

Deregulation is at the center of the Argentine government's strategy for the aviation sector. The government can encourage competition, enhance service quality, and invite private investment by lessening state intervention. The open skies policy will also make travel services outside Buenos Aires more transparent.

With less state intervention, the service improves and becomes more efficient. It also encourages healthy competition, which helps travelers and the aviation industry at large," Mogetta observed.

This will change the landscape of Argentina's aviation by engaging more private capital, reducing this dependence on subsidies, and creating a sustainable competitive market.

Wingo's development results from Argentina's greater interest in developing regional connectivity. In May 2024, Argentina carried out a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Peru wherein both countries' airlines agreed to open routes between each other without any restriction.

This week, it is the turn of a similar arrangement with Qatar that had expanded air traffic rights and granted unrestricted routes toward the Middle East.

These agreements highlight Argentina's goal of becoming an international air travel center in South America, providing regional and worldwide connections.

A Vision for Argentina’s Aviation Future

Expansion in P5 operations is one crucial step that will help Argentina continue its pursuit of federal connectivity and modernization in aviation. Air traffic should be decentralized by connecting Córdoba, Mendoza, and Rosario with the world.

It corresponds with Argentina's plans to develop the interior cities, which aim to diminish reliance on Buenos Aires as a prime entry point and promote tourism and economic growth. Wingo's presence in these markets gives travelers more affordable, efficient international options while promoting competition and innovation that benefits people. 

Wingo's expansion shows the changing face of Argentina's aviation policies and the benefits of deregulation. It opens new routes and increases connectivity, promising economic growth, tourism, and access for millions.

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