Boeing Company Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Type 6906.70
Communication Breakdown; Time Pressure
ATC Issue All Types; Inflight Event / Encounter Fuel Issue
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Procedure
Upon contact with Ezeiza Control; we were advised no holding delays were in effect. Reviewing our fuel state and weather conditions on the field; we decided to continue to our destination. We were given descent clearance to FL 240. Approaching enroute fix PAGON; we were advised holding were now in effect and holding clearances were given over the IAF Arsot. Revisiting our fuel state once again; we requested holding over enroute fix PAGON at FL 240 because it positioned us closer to our alternate SAAR; in case we had to divert. We were given holding at PAGON with an EAC time; approximately 30 minutes from entering holding. Revisiting our fuel state once again; we accepted the holding clearance. We sent Dispatch a message requesting a full burn estimate from our holding fix to our alternate at FL 240; which was acceptable. We advised Control we were unable to hold at any other fix; once cleared to descent; due to our fuel state. We continued to prompt control for updated approach clearance; but no updated time was given.Subsequently we were given clearance to the IAF ARSOT to maintain FL 240. We again advised Control we were unable to hold at any fix due to our fuel state. We were transferred to Approach Control and advised Control about our fuel state. We received subsequent descent clearances to finally descent to FL80 and then were given a holding clearance at ARSOT. At this time; after repeatedly having advised the controllers about our fuel state; we [requested priority due to low fuel]. The Approach Controller responded with radio silence. We were not given approach clearance; so we had no choice but to enter the hold at ARSOT. We were finally given clearance for the ILS X RWY 11. We landed safely and taxied off the runway.
Air carrier Captain reported a compromised fuel state on an international flight and subsequent difficulty obtaining expeditious handling from air traffic control.