La Tercera · September 29, 2026

Chilean Senator Rejects Milei's Complaint About Flights Between Punta Arenas and the Malvinas Islands

The Chilean newspaper La Tercera reported that Karim Bianchi, the independent senator from Magallanes, spoke out in response to Argentina’s objections to trade ties between Punta Arenas and the islands. In a television interview, the senator argued that Chile can support Argentina’s sovereignty claim while simultaneously maintaining economic ties with the archipelago or with the United Kingdom, and he contended that Buenos Aires is not in a position to impose conditions on Chile. “Magallanes needs progress,” he stated, linking his position to the need for new markets for southern Chile’s productive activities.

His statements came shortly after Javier Milei’s government denounced flights between the islands and the capital of Magallanes operated by a British company using an aircraft registered in the United Kingdom—without Argentine permission—and announced sanctions, criminal charges, and diplomatic measures. The Chilean foreign minister, meanwhile, reaffirmed his country’s official position on the dispute before Congress.

Via La Tercera