In the framework of the International Tourism Fair (FIT), the Minister of Productive Development of Santa Fe, Gustavo Puccini, signed an agreement with the airline World2Fly, of the Iberostar group, to establish for the first time the direct connection between Rosario and Madrid.
After the meeting, Puccini stressed that this is "a historic opportunity for Rosario International Airport, as it is the first time that there is a direct non-stop connection. We are talking about the third Argentine city that connects directly with Europe". And he added: "We continue working to promote the city of Rosario and provide the airport with greater services, both in terms of tourism, production and cargo".
It was officially confirmed that, as of 1 October 2026, this historic route will start operating, with two weekly frequencies: Tuesdays and Thursdays, but ticket sales will start on 1 December this year, with 432 seats available on each flight.
Puccini remarked that "World2Fly lands in Argentina through Rosario. It is not a minor fact and we understand that it is the result of the work that we have been carrying out from the Transport and Logistics Secretariat and the airport management in these months. This is in addition to the efforts to bring order and peace to the city in terms of security, and to the tourist positioning that we are consolidating together with the governor Maximiliano Pullaro and the vice governor Gisela Scaglia".
Asked about the scope of the agreement, the minister explained: "This is an incentive programme that we have been developing from the Provincial Government to promote both airports. We incorporate fiscal benefits linked to airport taxes that do not imply losses for Rosario Airport, but accompany the development and expansion of connectivity, framed in a repositioning plan for the city and the province".
Agenda at FIT
Minister Puccini, accompanied by the Secretary of Transport and Logistics, Mónica Alvarado, and the Secretary of Tourism, Marcela Aeberhard, continues with a busy agenda aimed at expanding air connectivity of Rosario and Sauce Viejo airports.
The schedule includes meetings with JetSmart, Air Europa, the wholesale operator OLA, Aerolíneas Argentinas and authorities of the State of Quintana Roo (Mexico).
The signing of the agreement with World2Fly was also attended by Jorge Henn, Undersecretary of Transport and Logistics; Esteban Bretto, President of Rosario International Airport; Gisela Riuli, President of Sauce Viejo International Airport; Juan Pío Drovetta, General Manager of Rosario Airport; and Alejandra Mattheus, Secretary of Sports and Tourism of the Municipality of Rosario.
Renovation and refurbishment of the track
On the other hand, the renovation work on the Rosario runway has been progressing on multiple fronts since Saturday 20 September. 1,500 m³ of soil were removed to widen the turning at the head of the runway, 800 linear metres of drainage ditches and 500 metres of lateral ditches to improve the drainage system.
In addition, 3,375 m² of runway slabs were demolished and 945 m² of new surface was concreted. The sawing of 1,200 linear metres of beacon posts was also carried out and 60 metres were placed on the runway axis.
In parallel, 150 runway edge and taxiway markers were removed, together with 30 runway threshold and runway end lights. The existing runway markers on taxiway Alpha and head 02 were surveyed, and the positions of the new technical shelters that will house the control and energy systems were defined.
