Owais Crawford
Chile is a country in South America that boasts stunning natural beauty, from the Atacama Desert in the north to towering glaciers in the south. The country's main gateway is the Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL), located in Santiago. Santiago Airport is South America's gateway to Oceania and handles most of the country's international flights. However, Chile has about 46 to 125 airports across the country, including those in Patagonia, Atacama, and Easter Island, making it easy to travel around by plane.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main gateway airport | Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (also known as Santiago de Chile Airport, Nuevo Pudahuel Airport, or SCL airport) |
| Location of the main gateway airport | Santiago, 9.3 miles (15 km) northwest of the city centre |
| Number of airlines operating at the main gateway airport | 22 |
| Number of destinations served by the main gateway airport | 40 |
| Main operator at the main gateway airport | LATAM Chile |
| Number of total airports in Chile | 46 or 125 |
| Names of other airports in Chile | Aeropuerto Carriel Sur (in the city of Concepción), Aeropuerto Desierto de Atacama, Aeropuerto Internacional Mataveri (in the capital, Hanga Roa, Easter Island), Presidente Carlos Ibañez del Campo Airport (in Punta Arenas, Chilean Patagonia) |
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What You'll Learn
Santiago de Chile Airport
The airport's name honours the founder of the Chilean Air Force and Chilean carrier LATAM Chile (formerly Linea Aerea Nacional, LAN Chile). LATAM Airlines alone accounts for approximately 82% of the airport's total commercial operations. Santiago International is the longest non-stop destination for most European carriers, including Iberia, Air France, and British Airways, from their respective hubs in Madrid–Barajas Airport, Paris–Charles de Gaulle, and London–Heathrow Airport. It is also Latin America's main gateway to Oceania, with scheduled flights to Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, and Easter Island.
In 2011, the airport was recognised with the Exceptional Recognition Award by IATA, which acknowledged the cooperative efforts of SCL and DGAC Chile in facilitating a quick recovery from the devastation of the 2010 Chile earthquake. A new international terminal building was recently completed, designed by luis vidal + architects in association with ADPi. The new terminal is equipped with modern control access and four piers, doubling the retail space to 193,750 square feet. The airport is now prepared to receive up to 5,000 passengers per hour.
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Carriel Sur International Airport
The airport was inaugurated in 1968 by President Eduardo Frei Montalva and received its certification as an international airport in 2009. The name "Carriel Sur" is derived from the land on which the airport was constructed, which was historically known as Carriel Sur. Carriel Sur plays a strategic role in the economic and tourism development of the region, offering efficient connections to the Biobío region and select international destinations.
Carriel Sur has modern facilities and has continuously grown since its inauguration. It is the first airport in the region to install charging stations for electric cars. Bus transportation is available through the Biobus, a public transport bus line operated by FESUR, connecting Biotren Concepción Station to the airport. Taxis, car rentals, and ride-sharing services are also available, although connectivity to Concepción is limited.
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Aeropuerto Desierto de Atacama
Chile is a country of stunning contrasts and breathtaking natural beauty. From the Atacama Desert in the north to the towering glaciers in the south, it offers geographic diversity that attracts visitors worldwide. Efficient air travel and modern airport infrastructure are essential for exploring this vast country.
The airport features a 2,200-metre runway, accommodating aircraft such as the Airbus A319, Airbus A320, and Airbus A321. It also boasts a 3,100-square-metre terminal with essential services and amenities. Passengers can enjoy a cafeteria and restaurant in the public areas, a cafeteria in the boarding area, and transportation services to nearby cities. The airport also offers car rental services and parking for up to 170 vehicles.
The modern and efficient terminal includes air-conditioned departure lounges, enhancing the comfort of travellers. Additionally, the airport provides open-air parking options with both hourly and long-term rates available. For those seeking souvenirs or last-minute travel essentials, the airport houses souvenir shops and essential service providers.
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Aeropuerto Internacional Mataveri
Despite its small size, Mataveri offers essential services such as transportation, currency exchange, and cafes. The airport showcases elements of local culture, featuring Moai sculptures and Polynesian-themed decorations. The airport's runway, extended with NASA's assistance, provides breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean during takeoff and landing.
The unique geographical location of Mataveri presents some challenges and special considerations for aviation authorities. Due to the lack of diversion airports nearby, Chilean aviation regulations prohibit more than one aircraft from being in the vicinity of Mataveri simultaneously. This rule ensures that if an aircraft encounters an accident obstructing the runway, another plane can turn back to its airport of departure.
Overall, Aeropuerto Internacional Mataveri plays a vital role in connecting Easter Island with the rest of the world, offering travellers a glimpse of the local culture and stunning views as they embark on their journey to this remote and captivating destination.
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Presidente Carlos Ibañez del Campo Airport
Chile is a nation that stretches along the western coast of South America. It boasts unparalleled natural beauty, from the Atacama Desert in the north to towering glaciers in the south. The country's airports reflect its commitment to modernity and connectivity, with efficient air travel being essential to its tourism industry and economy.
Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport is located in Punta Arenas, 10 km north of the capital of the Magallanes region. It is the main airport in Chilean Patagonia and is both public and military, operating under a concession regime. The airport was established in 1950 by decree of the Chilean government of the time. It is named after the creator of Chilean aviation and former President of the Republic, Carlos Ibáñez del Campo.
The airport has a unique role in controlling airspace from the Southern Ice Fields to the South Pole in the Chilean Antarctic Territory. It also conducts aerial rescue and salvage operations in this southern zone of the country. Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport serves as a base for NASA's Antarctic expeditions and is the only connection between the American continent and the Malvinas Islands, where a Chilean community resides. It is also used for supplying the islands.
In 2019, the Punta Arenas airport played a crucial role in the record-breaking circumnavigation flight that passed by both poles of the Earth. The airport facilitated the maintenance and refuelling of the long-range executive jet that accomplished this feat.
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Frequently asked questions
Comodoro Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport (SCL) is Chile's largest airport, located just over nine miles from the center of Santiago.
Carriel Sur International Airport in Concepcion is the second-largest airport in Chile. Other international airports include those in Antofagasta, Arica, Iquique, Concepción, Puerto Montt, and Punta Arenas.
Mataveri Airport, also known as Aeropuerto Internacional Mataveri, is one of the most isolated airports in the world, situated more than 2,300 miles from the South American mainland.
Aeropuerto Desierto de Atacama is the primary gateway to the Atacama region.
Punta Arenas is the largest city in Chilean Patagonia, and its Presidente Carlos Ibañez del Campo Airport is a main hub for the region.
