Teniente Benjamín Matienzo International Airport Overview

Teniente Benjamín Matienzo International Airport (IATA: TUC, ICAO: SANT) is an international airport serving San Miguel de Tucumán, the capital of Tucumán Province, Argentina. Located in a fertile region known as the “Garden of the Republic,” surrounded by sugarcane fields and mountains, the airport is approximately 12 km (a 15–20 minute drive) from the city centre. Operated by Aeropuertos Argentina 2000, it handles domestic and limited international flights, serving as a gateway for tourists visiting Tucumán’s rich history, cultural festivals, and natural attractions.

General Information

Location: San Miguel de Tucumán, Tucumán Province, Argentina
Country: Argentina
IATA Code: TUC
ICAO Code: SANT
Height Above Sea: 1,495 feet (456 metres)
Coordinates: 26°50′27″S 65°06′17″W
Airport Type: Public/International
Flights: Domestic flights to Buenos Aires, Córdoba; limited international flights to Chile and Bolivia
Timezone: UTC-3 (Argentina Time, no daylight saving)
Distance from City: Approximately 12 km from San Miguel de Tucumán city centre (15–20 min by car)
Website: None (visit www.aa2000.com.ar or www.anac.gov.ar for information)
Ground Services: Managed by Aeropuertos Argentina 2000

Airport Details

Runways: 1
Longest Runway: 2,900 x 45 metres (9,514 x 148 feet), constructed from asphalt
Runway Strength: Suitable for medium to large jets like Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 (verify with airport)
Fire Services: CAT 7 (firefighting for international airports)
Tower Frequency: 118.9 MHz (confirm with airport)
Ground Frequency: 121.7 MHz (confirm with airport)
Navigation Assistance: Yes (Tucumán VOR/DME, ID: TUC, at the airport)
Customs: Available for international flights
Aeroplanes: Medium to large (e.g., Boeing 737, Airbus A320, smaller private jets)
Terminal: Modern, equipped for domestic and international flights
Cargo: Moderate (supports agricultural exports and passenger flights)
Fuel: Avgas, Jet A-1 (check availability with airport)
FBO: None
Equipment: Tools such as stairs, luggage trolleys, and de-icing equipment (enquire for details)
Ground Services: Operated by Aeropuertos Argentina 2000, including parking, refuelling, and passenger assistance.

Flight Information

Permit Time: 2 days for approval
Permission Required: Yes for non-scheduled flights (contact airport)
Slots: May be required during peak tourist seasons (check with the airport)
Backup Airports:
SAEZ: Buenos Aires (1,100 km)
SACO: Córdoba (520 km)
SASA: Salta (~300 km)
Recommended: SASA (Salta, ~300 km), SANI (Santiago del Estero, ~150 km)

Contact Information

Police: +54 381 431 1234 (Tucumán Police)
Fire Brigade: +54 381 430 2100 (Tucumán Fire Brigade)
Customs: +54 381 432 5678 (Tucumán Customs, available for international flights; call to confirm)
Airport Contacts:
Aeropuertos Argentina 2000: +54 11 3987 4150 (main line)

Visitor Information

Immigration Rules: Bring a valid passport; some countries require a visa (USA, EU, Canada exempt for 90 days)
Crew Requirements: Wear a uniform, bring a passport, a visa (if needed), and flight documents
Transport: Car hire, taxis, local buses (journey to city: 1,500–3,000 ARS)
Accommodation:
Hilton Garden Inn Tucumán: Luxurious, in the city centre
Hotel Metropol: Comfortable, reasonably priced
Hostel La Gurupa: Budget-friendly, simple
Currency: Argentine Peso (ARS)

Nearby Attractions Teniente Benjamín Matienzo International Airport

San Miguel de Tucumán, just 12 km from Teniente Benjamín Matienzo International Airport, is a cultural and historical hub, known for its role in Argentina’s independence and vibrant festivals. Surrounded by lush landscapes, these attractions, located 12–50 km away (15–60 minutes by car or taxi), are must-visit spots for travellers exploring Tucumán Airport!

Casa Histórica de la Independencia

Visit this iconic museum, 12 km from Tucumán Airport (15–20 min by car), where Argentina’s independence was declared in 1816. Explore historic rooms and artefacts, a must for history buffs and cultural travellers near Tucumán Airport!

Parque 9 de Julio

Relax in this expansive urban park, 13 km from Tucumán Airport (15–20 min by car). With gardens, sculptures, and a lake, it’s perfect for families, picnics, and cultural events, offering a serene escape near Tucumán Airport!

Tafí del Valle

Discover this picturesque mountain valley, 100 km from Tucumán Airport (1.5–2 hr by car or tour). Known for its scenic beauty, hiking trails, and artisanal cheeses, it’s a top destination for nature lovers near Tucumán Airport!

Ruinas de Quilmes

Explore these ancient indigenous ruins, 150 km from Tucumán Airport (2–2.5 hr by car or tour). A testament to the Quilmes people’s history, this archaeological site is ideal for history enthusiasts near Tucumán Airport!

Plaza Independencia

Stroll through Tucumán’s vibrant central square, 12 km from Tucumán Airport (15–20 min by car). Surrounded by historic buildings, cafés, and the San Miguel Cathedral, it’s a lively spot for culture seekers near Tucumán Airport!

Extra Tips

Getting Around: Tucumán is 1,100 km from Buenos Aires (14–16 hr by car or bus). The closest larger airport is SACO (Córdoba, 520 km).
Travel: City spots are 12–13 km away (taxi: 1,500–3,000 ARS); farther places like Tafí del Valle require a car or tour. Buses connect to Salta (300 km) or Santiago del Estero (150 km).
Best Times to Visit:
Summer (Dec–Feb): Warm, ideal for festivals and outdoor activities
Spring (Sep–Nov): Mild, great for exploring nature
Winter (Jun–Aug): Cooler, quieter time
Tips:
Carry Argentine Peso (ARS) cash:
Book a hotel (like Hilton Garden Inn Tucumán) for peak seasons.
Try local empanadas at restaurants like El Portal.
Call for aviation assistance: Aeropuertos Argentina 2000 (+54 11 3987 4150).