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 BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) - Flying through South America's busiest airports has become frightening and time-consuming for passengers and pilots alike as a surge in travelers overwhelms underfunded air traffic control systems.
The Argentine capital's main airport radar hasn't worked properly since being struck by lightning in March, meaning jets must fly under manual control, causing delays and at least two near-collisions, according to air traffic controllers. A September crash that was Brazil's deadliest air disaster exposed other gaps, from inadequate equipment to poor training.
Angry stranded travelers have stormed airline check-in counters and runways and fistfights have broken out in waiting areas. Controllers — concerned about being made scapegoats — have engaged in strikes and work slowdowns to raise safety concerns.
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