Sachin Walls
Santiago Airport, officially known as Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, is Chile's primary international travel hub and a showcase of Chilean culture. In 2015, a consortium called Nuevo Pudahuel, comprised of Vinci Airports, Groupe ADP, and Gestione Concessioni, won the bid to manage and develop the airport for 20 years. The consortium has invested over $1 billion in new infrastructure, including a new international terminal designed by Luis Vidal + Architects in association with ADPi. The new terminal, which opened in 2021, covers 200,000 square meters and has increased the airport's capacity to 38 million passengers per year. It features modern control access, four piers, improved retail spaces, and energy-efficient technologies. Stantec, the designer of the original terminal, was also involved in the airport's expansion, ensuring a seamless connection between the old and new terminals for passengers and staff.
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What You'll Learn
- The consortium Nuevo Pudahuel won the bidding process to manage and develop the airport
- The airport expansion was designed by Stantec/Capitel S.A
- Luis Vidal + Architects designed the new international terminal building
- The airport is named after the founder of the Chilean Air Force and Chilean carrier LATAM Chile
- The airport is the headquarters of the Chilean Air Force II Brigade and hosts the 10th Aviation Group
The consortium Nuevo Pudahuel won the bidding process to manage and develop the airport
The Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, also known as Santiago Airport, is Chile's bustling capital's principal airport. The demands of the growing metropolitan area of Santiago and the need for a modern airport that could accommodate both domestic and intercontinental flights drove the relocation of the capital's main airport from Los Cerrillos Airport to a more rural area in the northwest.
The airport was initially commissioned in 1967 as Aeropuerto Internacional de Pudahuel, named after its location in the municipality of Pudahuel. In 1980, it was rechristened Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport in honour of the founder of the Chilean Air Force and Chilean carrier LATAM Chile.
In 2012, the Ministry of Public Works announced it would call for proposals to expand and administer the airport, as the terminal had reached its maximum design capacity of 9.5 million annual passengers two years earlier than expected. Repairs were also needed after the 2010 Chile earthquake.
Phase 1 of the airport expansion began in June 2013. On February 4, 2015, the consortium Nuevo Pudahuel won the bidding process to manage and develop the airport. Nuevo Pudahuel is formed by VINCI Airports (40%), Groupe ADP (45%), and Gestione Concessioni (15%). They pledged to invest in upgrading Chile's international gateway to the world and have since invested over $1 billion in new infrastructure.
The main missions of the new administration included the renovation and extension of the current terminal (Terminal 1) and the funding, design, and construction of a new terminal (Terminal 2). Terminal 2 opened its doors in December 2018 and is the most modern passenger building in South America. It covers 200,000 square meters, increasing the airport's capacity to 30 million passengers, with potential for expansion beyond 45 million. The new terminal features nearly 100 self-check-in kiosks, over 60 self-bag drop counters, a baggage handling system, retail and F&B shops, parking lots, an events room, two bus terminals, a theatre, and spaces for the arts.
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The airport expansion was designed by Stantec/Capitel S.A
Santiago Airport, officially known as Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, is a bustling hub serving as a gateway to Chile's capital. The airport has recently undergone significant expansion to accommodate the growing metropolitan area's demands and modern jet-era facilities.
The new international terminal, Terminal 2, covers over 200,000 square meters and cost $900 million USD to construct. It boasts modern features, including nearly 100 self-check-in kiosks, over 60 self-bag drop counters, an efficient baggage handling system, natural lighting, energy and water-saving technologies, and ample parking. The terminal also incorporates vibrant public boulevards, an events room, two bus terminals, a theatre, and spaces for artistic endeavours, enhancing the overall travel experience.
The expansion has significantly increased the airport's capacity, now serving 38 million passengers annually, with potential for further expansion beyond 45 million. This upgrade has firmly placed Terminal 2 as one of the most modern passenger buildings in South America, providing new standards of comfort, efficiency, and innovation for travellers.
The airport's ongoing upgrades, including the development of the domestic terminal and the new T1-A building, showcase its commitment to optimising the travel experience and keeping pace with Santiago's dynamic growth.
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Luis Vidal + Architects designed the new international terminal building
Luis Vidal + Architects, in association with ADPi, designed the new international terminal building at Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport in Santiago, Chile. The airport, which serves as a gateway to Chile's capital, is an emblem of modernity, efficiency, and warmth. The new terminal building, covering more than 200,000 square meters, is a significant upgrade to the airport's infrastructure. It is equipped with modern control access, four piers, and improved retail, food, and beverage areas. The design enhances the visibility of stores and doubles the retail space to 193,750 square feet.
The new international terminal has been a game-changer for the airport, providing new standards of comfort and efficiency for passengers. It incorporates natural lighting, energy-saving, and water-saving technologies, and offers various amenities, including parking lots, retail and F&B shops, boulevards, an events room, and an open-air theatre. The terminal has a capacity of 38 million passengers per year, a significant increase from the previous 16 million.
Luis Vidal + Architects' design focused on creating a functional and aesthetically pleasing space. The terminal's highly expressive roof captures the relationship between land and sea, and the colour design draws inspiration from the landscapes, geography, flora, and fauna of Chile. The firm's experience in transport infrastructure and strong relationships with partners contributed to their successful proposal for the expansion project.
The expansion of Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport was necessary due to the increasing demand and the need for modern facilities that could accommodate both domestic and international flights. The original terminal, designed by Stantec over 15 years ago, was dedicated to domestic flights, while the new terminal caters to international travel. The expansion allows for easy connectivity between the two terminals, enhancing the overall passenger experience.
The new international terminal building by Luis Vidal + Architects has transformed Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, making it one of the most modern passenger buildings in South America. The design and infrastructure upgrades have improved the airport's functionality, capacity, and passenger experience, solidifying its position as a key transport hub in the region.
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The airport is named after the founder of the Chilean Air Force and Chilean carrier LATAM Chile
Santiago International Airport, officially known as Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, is named after the founder of the Chilean Air Force and Chilean carrier LATAM Chile (formerly Línea Aérea Nacional, LAN Chile). The airport is located in Pudahuel, a municipality in the northwest metropolitan area of Santiago. The airport was originally constructed between 1961 and 1967, with the original terminal building, eastern runway, control tower, east apron, and cargo facilities being built during this period. In 1980, the airport was renamed in honour of Arturo Merino Benítez, a pivotal figure in Chile's aviation history.
Arturo Merino Benítez played a significant role in the development of Chilean aviation. He is recognised as the founder of the Chilean Air Force, which came into existence in 1930 with the amalgamation of the aviation elements of the army and navy into the Department of the Air Force (Subsecretaria de Aviación). Initially named the National Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Nacional), it underwent further transformations over the years, adapting to technological advancements and evolving operational requirements.
Merino Benítez was also instrumental in the establishment of LAN Chile, which later became LATAM Chile, one of the country's leading airlines. LAN Chile's history dates back to the creation of the Airmail Line of Chile in 1929, which subsequently evolved into the National Airline (Línea Aérea Nacional). This airline, strongly advocated and shaped by Merino Benítez, became the foundation of Chile's domestic and international flight capabilities.
Santiago International Airport has undergone significant expansion and upgrades over the years. The original terminal was expanded in 1994, adding a new international terminal. More recently, the airport underwent a major expansion with the construction of a new international terminal, Terminal 2, which opened in 2018. This new terminal increased the airport's capacity, improved passenger comfort and efficiency, and incorporated modern design elements and technologies.
The airport is a joint civil-military facility, serving as the headquarters of the Chilean Air Force's 2nd Air Brigade and hosting the 10th Aviation Group. The 10th Aviation Group provides strategic air transportation, including for the President of Chile, emergency medical transport, and oversees the Airborne Early Warning & Control Squadron. The airport is also a hub for various airlines, including LATAM, which accounts for a significant portion of the airport's commercial operations.
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The airport is the headquarters of the Chilean Air Force II Brigade and hosts the 10th Aviation Group
Santiago International Airport, also known as Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, is Chile's largest aviation facility and busiest international airport. It is located in Pudahuel, 15km (9.3 miles) northwest of central Santiago. The airport functions as a joint civil-military facility and is the headquarters of the Chilean Air Force II Brigade (also referred to as the 2nd Air Brigade or 2nd Aviation Brigade).
The airport also hosts the 10th Aviation Group facilities, which provide strategic air transportation services. This includes the air transportation of the President of Chile and emergency medical air transport. The 10th Aviation Group also supervises the Airborne Early Warning & Control Squadron. Additionally, the FIDAE (Feria Internacional del Aire y del Espacio), Latin America's most important air show, takes place in the 10th Aviation Group facilities.
The airport has undergone significant expansion and upgrades in recent years, with the addition of new international and domestic terminals, increasing its capacity to accommodate more passengers and improving the travel experience. The airport is well-connected to Santiago's city centre and is served by various transportation options, including official airport taxi services, shuttle services, and bus services.
The original Santiago airport terminal was designed by Stantec over 15 years ago. The expansion of the airport posed a unique challenge to relate the new terminal to the original building, allowing for easy connection and movement between international and domestic flights. Stantec's design concept allocated the original terminal to domestic flights and the new terminal to international flights.
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Frequently asked questions
Luis Vidal + Architects in association with ADPi.
The new terminal building is equipped with a modern control access and four piers, acting as a border between landside and airside. It covers more than 200,000 square meters and can handle 38 million passengers per year.
The design is inspired by the landscapes, geography, flora and fauna of Chile, as well as the rich craftsmanship of its native people.
The new terminal has improved retail, food and beverage areas, nearly 100 self check-in kiosks, over 60 self bag drop counters, a baggage handling system, 6,000 parking lots, 80 retail and F&B shops, an events room, two bus terminals, an open 250-seat theatre and various spaces for arts.
Santiago Airport is officially known as the Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL).
