Austral Lineas Aereas
A former Argentine scheduled airline that linked Buenos Aires with domestic and regional destinations, principally using Embraer 190 aircraft before its 2020 integration into Aerolíneas Argentinas.
About Austral Lineas Aereas
Austral Líneas Aéreas was established in Argentina in 1957 and developed into one of the country’s principal domestic airlines. Its ownership changed several times, including periods under private and state control. Austral later operated alongside Aerolíneas Argentinas within the same state-owned airline group, retaining its own name, branding and AU flight code until the businesses were consolidated under the Aerolíneas Argentinas identity in 2020.
The airline’s primary base was Buenos Aires Aeroparque Jorge Newbery, the centrally located airport used for many Argentine domestic services. Austral connected the capital with provincial cities across Patagonia, the Andes, central Argentina and the northeast. Its historical network included important markets such as Córdoba, Mendoza, Bariloche, Ushuaia, Salta and Iguazú, while some services extended to neighbouring South American countries as schedules and commercial arrangements evolved.
During its final operating years, Austral was closely associated with the Embraer 190, a regional jet suited to domestic and short-haul routes. These aircraft replaced older McDonnell Douglas MD-80-family jets and were subsequently transferred into the Aerolíneas Argentinas fleet. The Embraer aircraft generally offered Economy and a small premium Club Economy cabin, although the precise service, baggage allowance and onboard catering depended on the route and fare conditions.
Austral was not an independently listed global-alliance member. However, its operations were integrated with Aerolíneas Argentinas, which joined SkyTeam in 2012, allowing eligible passengers to access the wider group’s alliance connections and benefits. Austral flights also participated in Aerolíneas Plus, the Aerolíneas Argentinas frequent-flyer programme, subject to the earning and redemption rules applicable at the time of travel.
Austral’s compact jets and strong domestic coverage made it useful for travel between Buenos Aires and Argentina’s widely separated regions. The main limitation for travellers today is that Austral no longer operates as a separate airline: its brand and operations were absorbed into Aerolíneas Argentinas in 2020. Historical references to AU flights should therefore not be interpreted as evidence of a current, independently bookable Austral service.
Good to know
Flying with Austral Lineas Aereas — what to expect
No Longer Operating
Austral Líneas Aéreas ceased operating as a separate airline in 2020 when its activities were integrated into Aerolíneas Argentinas. Current Argentine flights must be searched under active carriers rather than the AU code.
Historical Buenos Aires Hub
Austral primarily used Aeroparque Jorge Newbery for domestic services. Aeroparque is closer to central Buenos Aires than Ezeiza, but travellers connecting between the two airports need to allow for a ground transfer.
Embraer Jet Legacy
The Embraer 190 defined Austral’s final fleet and was well suited to medium-density domestic routes. Those aircraft later became part of the Aerolíneas Argentinas operation.
Old Tickets and Records
References to Austral or the AU code may still appear in archived itineraries and aviation databases. They do not represent a currently bookable Austral-operated flight.
Check Current Policies
Historical Austral baggage and check-in rules are no longer applicable. Travellers should follow the policies of the airline shown as the operating carrier on their present-day booking.
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FAQ
Austral Lineas Aereas — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts and never adds a fee. Because Austral no longer operates independently, searches may instead return current airlines serving comparable routes.
- There are no current Austral departures. Historically, Buenos Aires Aeroparque Jorge Newbery was its principal departure point, with important operations through airports serving cities such as Córdoba and Mendoza.
- Austral tickets are no longer sold. For comparable domestic travel in Argentina, fares are often lower when booked early and outside holidays and peak summer or winter travel periods, although prices vary with demand.
- Austral Lineas Aereas currently serves no destinations under its own brand or AU code. Historical network totals varied by season and year, so a single figure would be misleading.
- Austral has no current carry-on allowance because it no longer operates independently. For a present-day itinerary, check the dimensions, weight limit and fare conditions published by the operating airline.
- Austral Líneas Aéreas was primarily based at Aeroparque Jorge Newbery in Buenos Aires. The airline no longer operates independently following its 2020 integration into Aerolíneas Argentinas.
- Austral has no current longest route because it ceased separate operations in 2020. Its historical schedules changed over time, and available records do not support naming one route as a permanent longest service.
- Austral Lineas Aereas does not currently fly anywhere as a separate airline. Its historical network linked Buenos Aires with major Argentine destinations and, at times, selected neighbouring South American markets.