Guatemala's Largest Airport: An In-Depth Overview

what the biggest airport in guatemala

Guatemala has a total of 402 airports and airstrips, of which three are international. The largest of these is La Aurora International Airport (also known as Guatemala City Airport), which is the fourth-busiest airport in Central America in terms of passenger traffic. La Aurora Airport serves 19 destinations and is home to 16 airlines, including Guatemala's own airline, TAG Airlines.

Characteristics Values
Name La Aurora International Airport
Location Guatemala City
Address 9 ave. 14-75 Ciudad de Guatemala, Guatemala
Distance from City Centre 5.1 miles
Renovation Status Renovated in 2007 with new gates and capacity added
Number of Lounges 3 (Casa del Ron, Copa Club Lounge, and BAC Lounge)
Number of Exclusive VIP Lounges 2 (Los Añejos Business Lounge and Copa Club)
Number of Airlines 20 passenger airlines and 15 cargo airlines
Number of Destinations 24 destinations
Number of Gates 18 (7 added in 2007)
Number of Concourses 2
Number of Parking Spaces 500
Runway Length 2,987 m x 60 m
Operating Hours 24/7

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La Aurora International Airport

The airport has undergone significant renovations and expansions over the years. In July 2007, seven new gates equipped with jetway bridges and modern amenities were introduced, along with a new parking garage accommodating up to 500 vehicles. By December 2007, 11 new gates were available, bringing the total to two concourses. The northern concourse has 12 traditional gates and three remote gates, while the central concourse caters to larger aircraft with 4–6 gates.

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Guatemala City Airport

La Aurora Airport has a runway measuring 2,987m x 60m (9,800ft x 197ft), and renovation work is currently in progress. The first phase of the renovation involves repaving the runway and modernising the illumination system. Future plans include expanding the taxiway, moving all cargo facilities to other airports in Guatemala, and building a regional terminal. The airport currently has two concourses, with 15 gates in total, and two exclusive VIP lounges.

During World War II, the airport was used by the United States Army Air Forces Sixth Air Force to defend the Central American coastline against Axis powers submarines. The military facilities were known as Guatemala City Air Base during this period. After the war, a small number of Americans remained at the airport to perform training duties with the Guatemalan Air Force and operate a weather station. The base was handed over to Guatemalan authorities in 1949 following the Guatemalan revolution.

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Mundo Maya International Airport

Guatemala has two international airports, with the largest being La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City. The other, Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS), is located in the suburb of Santa Elena, in the city of Flores. Mundo Maya International Airport is the second busiest airport in Guatemala and one of the busiest in Central America. In 2018, it reported 144,772 passengers, a 5.4% increase year on year.

Despite being the second busiest airport in the country, Mundo Maya Airport lacks many amenities compared to other airports of its size. It has only one small cafe before security, and a large sitting area and shop after security. There are no jetbridges or lounges, and only a limited food service.

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Quetzaltenango Airport

The development of Quetzaltenango Airport is expected to bring economic benefits to the region. Prior to the airport's construction, the closest airport to Quetzaltenango with regular airline connections was 200 km (120 mi) away in Guatemala City. In the past, air traffic to Quetzaltenango was limited due to safety concerns and a lack of infrastructure. Before 2006, the airfield consisted of a grass runway, a small hangar, and no significant terminal building.

In September 2006, construction work began to improve the airport's infrastructure and safety features. This included extending and asphalting the runway and taxiway, installing signage and illumination, constructing a small terminal building and apron capable of accommodating four aircraft, and building a parking area. An emergency operations center was also established to respond to potential future disasters, such as hurricanes.

Today, Quetzaltenango Airport continues to serve the city of Quetzaltenango and the surrounding area. While it may not yet have achieved international status, it plays a crucial role in domestic air travel within Guatemala.

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Puerto Barrios Airport

Guatemala has two international airports, with the largest being La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City. However, Puerto Barrios Airport (PBR/MGPB), formerly Izabal Air Base, is a domestic airport located in the northern part of the city of Puerto Barrios, near Amatique Bay. The airport serves the city of Puerto Barrios, the port of Santo Tomás de Castilla, and the Guatemalan Caribbean.

In the 1920s and 1930s, Puerto Barrios was a seaplane destination. During World War II, the United States Government built the airport's first concrete runway for strategic reasons. It was later used by the Guatemalan Air Force, under the name "Base Aérea de Izabal". In 2002, the airport was equipped with a VOR-DME radio beacon with the help of COCESNA, the Central American Corporation for Air Navigation.

In January 2017, the Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil (DGAC) invested 1.5 million Guatemalan quetzals in renovations to the airport, which were expected to be completed by 28 March. In 2021, La Aurora Airport, which serves 19 destinations, was undergoing further renovations, including the addition of seven new gates and a new parking garage.

Frequently asked questions

La Aurora International Airport is the biggest airport in Guatemala. It is located in the country's capital, Guatemala City, and is the fourth busiest airport in Central America.

La Aurora International Airport is a hub for several major airlines and offers direct flights to destinations throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia. The airport serves 20 passenger airlines with 24 destinations and 15 cargo airlines with 14 destinations. It is also one of only two international airports in Guatemala.

La Aurora International Airport offers complimentary Wi-Fi, three exclusive lounges, and two VIP lounges. The airport operates 24/7, but the availability of specific services may vary at different times.

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