LATAM Pilots End Strike But Flights Delays Still Loom

LATAM Airlines and its Chile-based pilots have reached a new collective bargaining agreement running through 2028, bringing an end to an eight-day strike that disrupted the carrier’s regional and international operations.

Represented by the Sindicato de Pilotos de Latam (SPL), pilots initiated the strike on November 12 after rejecting LATAM’s wage offer, arguing for compensation that fully reflects pre-pandemic wage standards and the company’s financial recovery.

The work stoppage caused significant disruption across LATAM’s network, particularly in Chile, where most cancellations and schedule changes were concentrated. During the first week alone, LATAM canceled more than 173 flights, ultimately affecting approximately 31,000 passengers as operational impacts continued.

Although the strike officially ended on November 19, LATAM warned that irregular operations, including delays, reroutings, and aircraft substitutions, would persist through November 24 as the airline works through accumulated disruptions.

Normal operations are expected to resume on November 25, although flights that were already canceled will not be reinstated.

The newly negotiated agreement seeks to strike a balance between restoring competitive compensation for pilots and maintaining financial stability for LATAM as it continues its post-bankruptcy recovery.

SPL leadership stressed that the strike was rooted in achieving wage parity with commitments made before the pandemic, especially as LATAM has returned to profitability and executive compensation has recovered.

For a deeper look at how airline strikes unfold and what triggers them, read our explainer covering the most notable cases this year.

Photo by Lukas Souza on Unsplash