Aerolíneas Argentinas is set to introduce three new long-haul routes to the United States using the Boeing 737 MAX 8, with flights scheduled to last up to 13 hours. These one-stop services will connect passengers from Argentina to Miami via Punta Cana, reflecting a strategic move to cater to the anticipated demand during the upcoming World Cup.
Booking data indicates that in the 12 months leading to November 2025, approximately 2.2 million individuals traveled between the United States and Argentina, with 43% of those flights originating from Miami. The new routes, which will operate from early June to early August 2025, aim to capitalize on the influx of travelers expected for the major sporting event.
Details of the New Flights
The newly announced routes include travel from Córdoba, Rosario, and Tucumán to Miami, with all flights making a stop in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The scheduled block times, which encompass the entire journey from departure to arrival, are as follows:
– **Rosario to Miami** via Punta Cana: 13 hours 10 minutes (3,898 nautical miles or 7,219 kilometers), operating three times weekly from June 9 to August 2.
– **Córdoba to Miami** via Punta Cana: 12 hours 40 minutes (3,782 nautical miles or 7,004 kilometers), operating twice weekly from June 8 to July 29.
– **Tucumán to Miami** via Punta Cana: 12 hours 15 minutes (3,511 nautical miles or 6,502 kilometers), operating twice weekly from June 11 to August 1.
The longer journey times are partly attributed to the necessary ground stop in Punta Cana for refueling and crew changes. While there are currently no direct flight rights between Punta Cana and Miami, the stopover is a calculated choice to accommodate increased passenger demand.
Market Demand and Route Viability
The demand for these new Miami routes is closely tied to the World Cup. The booking data reveals that in the previous year, Córdoba recorded 55,000 round-trip passengers to Miami, while Rosario and Tucumán had 15,000 and 7,000 respectively. Córdoba stands out as having a solid foundation for these flights, attracting interest even from competitors like American Airlines, which is considering reestablishing routes to the city using the Airbus A321XLR.
In contrast, Mendoza, a larger market with 29,000 round-trip passengers to Miami, will not have flights during the World Cup as Aerolíneas Argentinas does not operate from Mendoza to Punta Cana. The Dominican Republic’s airline Arajet is set to begin flights to Mendoza in May, offering an alternative for travelers.
In addition to Aerolíneas Argentinas’ new routes, Boliviana de Aviación (BoA) recently initiated a long-haul operation from Santa Cruz to Washington Dulles, with flights incorporating a stop in Panama City. This route, which spans 3,655 nautical miles (6,769 kilometers) each way, is indicative of the growing trend of airlines offering extended one-stop services to cater to specific market demands.
As Aerolíneas Argentinas prepares to launch these new routes, the focus remains on maximizing capacity and catering to the anticipated surge of travelers during the World Cup period. With the innovative use of the Boeing 737 MAX 8, the airline aims to provide a competitive service that meets the evolving needs of international passengers.
