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Chile is a country in South America that attracts millions of visitors each year with its stunning landscapes, natural beauty, authentic food, culture, and rich history. The country has 19 airports with scheduled flights, with the biggest airport being the Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport in Santiago de Chile, which serves as a hub for LATAM, Sky Airline, and JetSmart. This airport handles nearly 25 million passengers annually and offers flights to 64 destinations in 18 countries. Other major airports in Chile include El Loa Airport in Calama, Antofagasta Airport, El Tepual Airport in Puerto Montt, Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport in Punta Arenas, and La Serena Airport. These airports handle a significant number of passengers each year and provide connections to various destinations within Chile and internationally.
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What You'll Learn
Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, Santiago
Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, also known as Santiago International Airport, Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, Nuevo Pudahuel Airport, and Aeropuerto Internacional de Pudahuel, is located in Pudahuel, 15 km (9.3 mi) north-west of central Santiago, Chile. It is Chile's largest aviation facility, busiest international airport, and the country's busiest airport, serving nearly 25 million passengers annually. The airport is well-connected to the city of Santiago by road, with a six-lane expressway and a motorway providing access to the West, North, and North-East of the city. Two public bus lines, Linea 555 and Linea 444, connect the airport to the northern and southern areas of Santiago, respectively, and Centropuerto buses connect the airport with the Los Héroes station of the Santiago Metro network. Additionally, there are private transfer options available, such as taxis and shuttles, and car rental services are also available at the airport.
Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport serves as a hub for LATAM, Sky Airline, and JetSmart, offering flights to various domestic and international destinations. In addition to its role as a primary hub for international travel, the airport also showcases the rich culture of Chile. The airport has two runways and a control tower, and in 2010, it played a crucial role in providing humanitarian aid during the Chile earthquake, despite suffering some damage to the passenger terminal building and the collapse of a pedestrian bridge.
The construction of the original terminal building, the eastern runway, control tower, east apron, and cargo facilities began in 1961, and the airport was commissioned as Aeropuerto Internacional de Pudahuel in 1967 due to its location in the municipality of Pudahuel. In 1980, it was renamed Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport in honour of the founder of the Chilean Air Force and Chilean carrier LATAM Chile (formerly Linea Aerea Nacional, LAN Chile). LATAM Airlines accounts for approximately 82% of the airport's total commercial operations.
Santiago Airport is not only a gateway to Chile's capital city but also an emblem of modernity, efficiency, and warmth. Nestled against the picturesque backdrop of the Andes, it connects millions of passengers to their desired destinations annually and serves as a vital hub for international travel and cultural exchange.
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$15.95
El Loa Airport, Calama
The airport accommodates aircraft with a maximum wingspan of 36 metres, limiting it to receiving narrow-body airliners such as the Airbus A320 or Boeing 737. Plans are underway to construct a second runway to accommodate wide-body jets and military aircraft. A new passenger terminal was inaugurated in 2014, featuring three air bridges, an expanded apron, twelve commercial locations, extensive landscaping, and a new car park. Additionally, a new 28-metre high control tower, a fire brigade service centre, and other improvements were made.
El Loa Airport offers a range of services and facilities for travellers. The airport has a brand-new terminal that serves several regional routes. Facilities include a restaurant, cafes, and shops. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and electrical outlets for charging devices can be found in the wall pillars along the terminal. ATMs are also available for cash withdrawals. However, there are no dedicated sleeping areas or hotels within the airport, so passengers requiring accommodation will need to refer to nearby options.
The airport is operated by the P3 company Sociedad Concesionaria Aeropuerto El Loa, a joint venture between Sacyr Concesiones and Agunsa. The companies have invested significantly in the airport's development, with plans to triple the size of the passenger terminal and improve the facility. This expansion project aims to increase the terminal's capacity to accommodate over 8 million passengers annually, fostering economic growth and promoting national and international travel.
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Antofagasta Airport, Antofagasta
Chile is a country in South America, boasting stunning landscapes, a rich history, and a unique culture that attracts millions of visitors each year. The country's busiest airport is Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, serving the capital, Santiago. However, Antofagasta Airport, officially known as Andrés Sabella Gálvez International Airport, is also one of the country's busiest airports, serving the city of Antofagasta and its region.
Antofagasta Airport is located 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) north of Antofagasta and 3 kilometres (1.9 miles) inland from the Pacific coastline. The airport is a convenient option for those visiting Chile's smaller coastal resorts, such as Mejillones or Hornito. The distance between the airport and the city centre of Antofagasta is only 10 kilometres, which can be covered by taxi or private transfer.
Andrés Sabella Gálvez International Airport serves as a hub for airlines such as JetSmart, LATAM, and Sky Airline. With more than 2 million passengers handled annually, it is among the largest and busiest airports in Chile. The airport is also known locally as El Loa Airport, serving the city of Calama, the capital of El Loa province.
Antofagasta Airport is a vital gateway to the northern region of Chile, providing access to the city of Antofagasta and its surrounding areas. The city is known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and natural beauty, making it a popular destination for travellers exploring the country. The airport facilitates easy access to the city and serves as a convenient starting point for further exploration of the region.
In addition to its role in domestic travel, Antofagasta Airport also offers connections to other countries in South America. It is an important transportation hub, providing a link between northern Chile and the rest of the continent. The airport's proximity to the Pacific coastline further enhances its strategic significance for both domestic and international travel.
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El Tepual Airport, Puerto Montt
El Tepual Airport, also known as El Tepual International Airport and Puerto Montt Airport, is a major airport in Chile. It is located in the Los Lagos Region of Chile, approximately 14 kilometres west of Puerto Montt city. The airport is considered a gateway to Chilean Patagonia, serving the tourist area of Puerto Montt and the southern region of Patagonia, shared with Argentina.
El Tepual Airport is one of the busiest airports in Chile, handling around 2 million passengers annually. The airport offers a range of facilities, including a restaurant, massage services, immigration offices, and areas designated for disabled persons. It can accommodate airplanes up to the size of a Boeing 707, with Boeing 737s and various Airbus models being commonly used for flights to and from the airport.
The airport provides good connectivity to Puerto Montt, with multiple transportation options available. Shuttle buses operated by Andrestour connect the airport to the city, running 365 days a year. Bus departures from the airport are timed to arrive 25-30 minutes after each flight landing, and buses from Puerto Montt to the airport depart 2 hours before each flight. The journey takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes, and tickets are reasonably priced at around $3.50. Taxi services are also available for a more direct journey to and from the airport.
For travellers who prefer their own transportation, car rental services are offered at El Tepual Airport. Several car rental agencies have offices at the airport, providing an average daily rental cost of around $45. Additionally, travellers can opt for a private, door-to-door transfer service, ensuring a seamless journey to their accommodation upon arrival.
El Tepual Airport primarily serves domestic flights within Chile. LATAM Chile, the country's largest airline, has been operating at the airport since 1995 and offers the main route to Santiago, Chile's capital. Other airlines serving the airport include SKY Airline and JetSMART. The airport has undergone expansions and improvements over the years, with a new terminal inaugurated in 2010, enhancing various facilities and increasing the number of jetways.
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Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport, Patagonia
Chile is a country in South America, boasting stunning landscapes, a rich culture, and beautiful natural scenery. It attracts millions of visitors each year. The country's busiest airport is Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, serving Santiago, the capital, and handling nearly 25 million passengers annually. However, Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport, located in the city of Punta Arenas, is another major airport in Chile. It serves the region of Patagonia and handles more than a million passengers annually.
Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport is situated around 20 km from Punta Arenas. Passengers can access the city via taxi, mini-bus, or private transfer. The airport primarily services regional flights, with airlines such as Aerovias DAP, LATAM, Sky Airline, and JetSmart operating from the airport.
The airport is a convenient gateway to the natural reserves and scenic destinations in the Patagonia region. Porvenir, for example, is located near the airport. The airport is also within proximity to other attractions in the area, including nature reserves and the famous Atacama Desert.
For those interested in exploring the southern region of Patagonia, shared between Chile and Argentina, Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport serves as an important entry point. The airport's location on the coast provides easy access to smaller Chilean coastal resorts such as Mejillones and Hornito. Overall, the airport plays a significant role in facilitating travel to and within the Patagonia area, contributing to the tourism industry in this picturesque part of Chile.
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Frequently asked questions
The biggest airport in Chile is the Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, also known as Santiago de Chile (SCL). It is the busiest airport in the country, serving nearly 25 million passengers annually.
El Loa Airport, Antofagasta Airport, and Puerto Montt Airport are some of the busiest airports in Chile, each handling over 2 million passengers annually.
Chile's airports provide access to various popular tourist destinations. The La Araucanía Airport is the gateway to the Araucanía Region, connecting travellers to ski centres, hot springs, and national parks. The Atacama Desert Airport serves as the primary gateway to the Atacama region, offering access to desert landscapes, beaches, and the mystical Desierto Florido. Puerto Montt Airport is also a popular choice for tourists, providing access to Chile's Los Lagos region and the southern region of Patagonia.
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