Airlines urged to maintain fair fares during the rice strike

In the context of the rice strike and the impact it has had on traffic on the Llano route, the National Government has called on airlines operating the Bogotá–Villavicencio route to facilitate travel between regions.

(Read more: Government and rice producers will finalize details to reach an agreement: When will it happen?)

Specifically, the Minister of Transportation, María Fernanda Rojas, asked the Civil Aeronautics Department to send this message to airlines to maintain fair and supportive fares for the affected communities.

"The community cannot face disproportionate prices in the midst of a critical situation. We need empathy, shared responsibility, and a real commitment to users," the head of this ministry emphasized.

LATAM Airlines was the first to respond, voluntarily announcing the implementation of a fare cap on the Bogotá–Yopal alternate route as an option for passengers needing to travel to Villavicencio.

The measure implemented by the airline will be in effect from July 21 to 28, 2025, with the possibility of extension.

The Ministry of Transportation expressed its gratitude for this decision and called on other airlines operating in the region to adopt similar measures, thus facilitating passenger mobility during the emergency.

"Air transport cannot become a barrier for those who need to travel urgently. As part of the Government of Change, we will continue to promote solutions that protect citizens and guarantee connectivity in the Llano," Minister Rojas emphasized.

(Read more: Agrobioentrepreneurship competition launched: How to participate?)

How is the rice strike going?

Rice growers' representatives reported that a technical meeting will be held this morning, July 24th, to draft the agreement between the government and the National Rice Strike Committee. The meeting will request details of the mechanism for compensating farmers and producers who were not included in the resolution. Likewise, technical teams from both sides will meet to finalize details of the green paddy price regulation resolution. Once this review is completed, it will be disseminated for subsequent submission to the Superintendency of Industry and Commerce (SIC).

"Vice Minister Gabriel Rondón Olave will be the guarantor of the aforementioned and agreed upon matters, as will the governors of the rice-growing departments who attended the meetings. It is expected that before noon, both the commitment record and the resolution will be submitted to the SIC so that the committee can decide to lift the mobilization," they indicated.

Currently, blockades remain in place in eleven departments , including Tolima, Huila, and Casanare.

(Read more: Livestock and sugarcane farming, sectors most affected by security issues)

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