Mga Airport: Which Country Does It Serve?

Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (MGA) is the main joint civil-military public international airport in Managua, Nicaragua. It is located 11km from Managua's downtown and is named after Nicaraguan revolutionary Augusto Nicolás Sandino. The airport has a range of amenities, including shops, restaurants, and lounges.

Augusto C. Sandino International Airport's location

Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (MGA) is located in Managua, Nicaragua. It is the main joint civil-military public international airport in the city and the largest airport in the country. The airport is named after Nicaraguan revolutionary Augusto Nicolás Sandino (1895–1934). It is located just 11 km (7 mi) from downtown Managua and can be accessed by the Panamerican Highway, known as the Carretera Norte.

Augusto C. Sandino International Airport serves as the main gateway for both domestic and international flights to and from Nicaragua. Domestic flights fly between Bluefields, the Corn Islands, and Puerto Cabezas. There are 8 airlines flying to Managua from 11 airports around the world, as of March 2025. Avianca, Copa Airlines, and ECAir operate most flights to the airport. San José, Costa Rica, and San Salvador, El Salvador, are among the cities that offer direct flights to Managua.

The airport features a runway that measures 8,015 ft (2,443 m) in length and is at an elevation of 194 ft (59 m). It is equipped with 7 gates with jetways and room for 20 airplanes to park. The airport offers a variety of amenities, including shops, restaurants, cafes, lounges, a tourist information desk, a bank, bars, a post office, souvenir shops, and duty-free shops.

Augusto C. Sandino International Airport has undergone several name changes throughout its history. It was originally christened Las Mercedes Airport in 1968 and was later renamed Augusto C. Sandino International Airport during the Sandinista government in the 1980s. In 2001, it was renamed Managua International Airport by then-president Arnoldo Alemán. However, in February 2007, President Daniel Ortega changed the name back to Augusto C. Sandino International Airport to honor the revolutionary.

How busy the airport gets

Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (MGA) is the main joint civil-military public international airport in Managua, Nicaragua. It is located just 11km (7 mi) from downtown Managua and is the largest airport in the country. The airport is named after Nicaraguan revolutionary Augusto Nicolás Sandino (1895–1934) and is located in the city's 6th ward, known locally as Distrito 6.

MGA is the main international gateway to Nicaragua, serving both domestic and international flights. It offers a variety of dining options within its terminals, including cafes, fast-food chains, snack bars, and restaurants offering local and international cuisine. The airport also has shops, including duty-free shopping, and lounges for passengers to relax in.

MGA is a modern airport with seven gates and room for 20 airplanes to park. It is equipped with facilities such as a tourist information desk, a bank, restaurants, bars, a post office, souvenir shops, duty-free shops, and a lounge. The airport has undergone several expansions and remodelling projects over the years, including a large expansion program that was completed in 2006.

The busiest time at MGA is typically during the morning and evening when most domestic and international flights depart. It is recommended that passengers arrive at least 2 hours before their domestic flight and 3 hours before their international flight to allow enough time for check-in, security screening, and boarding. With high humidity and frequent rainfall in the region, the dry season from November to April is the perfect time to visit Managua and avoid potential weather delays.

MGA has received mixed reviews from passengers. Some have praised the airport for its professionalism, efficient VIP services, and convenient amenities, while others have criticised it for slow customs processes, invasive inspections, and a lack of free airport wifi and air conditioning. Overall, MGA serves as a crucial gateway to Nicaragua, accommodating a significant number of flights and passengers each year.

Transport options to the city centre

Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (MGA) is located in Managua, Nicaragua, just 11 km (7 mi) from the city's downtown area. The airport is named after Nicaraguan revolutionary Augusto Nicolás Sandino and is the main international gateway to the country.

There are several transport options available to get from the airport to the city centre. These include:

Taxis

Taxis are a convenient option for travellers who want a direct journey to their destination. Taxis can be found outside the airport arrivals area. It is recommended to agree on a price with the driver before setting off.

Private Shuttles

Private shuttle services can be pre-booked in advance of your travel. This option can be ideal for larger groups or those with more luggage, as shuttles often offer more space than a standard taxi.

Public Buses

Public buses are a more economical option for travelling between the airport and the city centre. Bus stops can be found outside the airport, and travellers can pay for their fare on board. It is worth noting that buses may make several stops along the route, which may increase journey times.

Car Rental

For those who prefer to drive themselves, car rental services are available at the airport. A valid driver's license and credit card are typically required to rent a vehicle.

Ride-sharing Apps

Ride-sharing apps such as Uber may also be available in Managua. This option can offer a convenient and often more affordable alternative to traditional taxis.

Amenities available at the airport

Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (MGA) is the main joint civil-military public international airport in Managua, Nicaragua. It is located just 11 km (7 mi) from Managua's downtown and is the largest airport in the country. The airport is named after Nicaraguan revolutionary Augusto Nicolás Sandino and is located in the city's 6th ward, known locally as Distrito 6.

Augusto C. Sandino International Airport offers a wide range of amenities to cater to passengers' needs. Here are some of the amenities available:

Transportation:

The airport is easily accessible by various transportation options, including taxis, private shuttles, and public buses. It is recommended that passengers pre-book their transportation in advance for added convenience. Additionally, car rental services are available from companies like Dollar, Thrifty, and Toyota Rent a Car, with rental counters located in the terminal's arrivals area.

Dining:

The airport provides a variety of dining options within its terminals. Passengers can choose from cafes, fast-food chains, snack bars, and restaurants offering both local and international cuisine. The food court operates from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, ensuring that travellers can find something to suit their tastes and schedules.

Shopping:

MGA airport offers a range of shopping options, including souvenir shops, duty-free shops, and convenience stores. Passengers can purchase gifts, local specialties, and travel essentials during their time at the airport.

Lounges:

There are several lounges available for passengers to relax and unwind before their flights. Some lounges, like the Sala VIP, require a reservation and charge a fee for adults, while children under 12 receive a discounted rate. These lounges provide a quiet and comfortable space for travellers to rest or work.

Banking and Currency Exchange:

ATMs and full-service banking are available at the airport through Bancentro, BAC, and Banpro. Currency exchange services are also provided by Global Exchange, with convenient locations in both landside and airside international arrivals and departures areas.

Other Amenities:

Additional amenities at the airport include mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, and nearby hotels. Free WiFi was previously available but may no longer be offered as of February 2020. The airport also features artwork by Nicaraguan artist Róger Pérez de la Rocha, with large portraits of Augusto César Sandino and Rubén Darío adorning the lobby.

The airport's history

The Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (MGA) is the main joint civil-military public international airport in Managua, Nicaragua. It is named after Nicaraguan revolutionary Augusto Nicolás Sandino and is located in the city's 6th ward, known locally as Distrito 6.

The airport was originally christened Las Mercedes Airport in 1968 and was expanded to modern standards in the early 1970s. This included the addition of health inspectors, immigration officers, customs inspectors, air conditioning, background music, loudspeakers, conveyor belts for baggage handling, and a restaurant. By 1975, many carriers flew into Las Mercedes, including Pan Am, KLM, and Iberia.

When the Sandinistas took power, the airport was renamed Augusto C. Sandino International Airport during the Sandinista government in the 1980s. However, the Sandinistas did not maintain the airport, and it began to deteriorate. It was only in 1996 that the airport was expanded and remodelled, with two new boarding bridges installed. In 2001, then-President Arnoldo Alemán changed the name again to Managua International Airport.

In February 2007, President Daniel Ortega renamed the airport to its current name to honour the revolutionary. As of July 2006, a large expansion program was completed, equipping the airport with 7 gates and room for 20 airplanes to park. Today, the airport is managed by the state-run Administrative Company of International Airports (EAAI) and is considered the most modern airport in Central America and the 4th safest in the world.

Frequently asked questions