14 May 2019 | 03:16 AM UTC
Chile: Airport staff block roads at Santiago airport (SCL) May 13
Striking airport staff workers block road to Santiago airport (SCL) on May 13, resulting in clashes with security forces; further strikes and associated disruptions possible in coming days
Event
Ground employees at Santiago's Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) staged a strike, blocking roads to the airport, on Monday morning (local time), May 13. Delays of up to 60 minutes were reported for passengers traveling to the airport. Carabineros police officers eventually dispersed the protesters with water cannons, arrested six people, and reopened access to the airport. The strike is likely to continue in the coming days and other actions, including roadblocks and protests, cannot be ruled out.
Context
Swissport employees are responsible for baggage handling of approximately 80 percent of international flights at SCL.
Advice
Individuals flying to or from SCL are advised to monitor the situation, allow additional time to reach their destination, anticipate transportation disruptions and a heightened security presence, and avoid all protests as a precaution.
