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Puerto Madryn Airport Overview
Puerto Madryn Airport (IATA: PMY, ICAO: SAVY), also known as El Tehuelche Airport, is a public airport serving Puerto Madryn in Chubut Province, Argentina. It is located on the Patagonian coast, about 10 km west of the city centre. This airport connects a key coastal city famous for its whale watching, penguin colonies, and Peninsula Valdés to the rest of Argentina. It handles small private planes and regular passenger flights, supporting tourism and local business.
General Information
Serves: Puerto Madryn, Chubut Province, Argentina
Country: Argentina
ICAO: SAVY
IATA: PMY
Elevation: 446 feet (136 meters)
Coordinates: 42°45′33″S 65°06′10″W
Airport Type: Public (small planes and regular passenger flights)
Domestic/International: Domestic (no international services)
Timezone: UTC-3 (Argentina Time, no daylight savings)
Distance from City: ~10 km west of Puerto Madryn city centre (15–20 min by car)
Official Airport Website: None (check www.aa2000.com.ar or www.anac.gov.ar for general info)
Ground Handling Website: None (handled by Aeropuertos Argentina 2000 or Aeroclub Puerto Madryn; see contact below)
Operational Details
Runways: 1
Longest Runway: 2,500 x 45 meters (8,202 x 148 feet), asphalt
PCN: Not listed (good for small to medium planes, like Boeing 737; check with airport)
Fire Category: CAT 6–7 (firefighting for airports with passenger flights)
Tower Frequency: 118.4 MHz (check with airport)
Ground Frequency: 121.9 MHz (check with the airport)
Navaid: Yes (Puerto Madryn VOR/DME, Ident: PMY, on-site)
AOE (Airport of Entry): No
Type of Aircraft Handled: Small to medium planes (like Cessna, Piper, Boeing 737)
Terminal Capacity: Small passenger terminal (handles regular flights)
Cargo Capacity: Limited (primarily for passenger flights; small packages for private flights)
Fuel Types: Avgas, Jet A-1 (check availability with the airport)
FBO: None available
Equipment Available: Ground handling tools (like passenger stairs and baggage carts; ask for details)
Ground Handler Information: Operations managed by Aeropuertos Argentina 2000 for passenger flights and Aeroclub Puerto Madryn for small planes, handling parking, refuelling, and passenger services. Call Aeroclub Puerto Madryn at +54 280 421 234 (not confirmed; general contact for Puerto Madryn aviation) or Aeropuertos Argentina 2000 at +54 11 3987 4150 (general line). External ground handlers may be available for special operations.
Operational Information
Permit Approval Lead Time: 2 days
PPR: Required for non-scheduled flights (contact airport)
Slots: May be needed during busy times (check with airport)
Alternate Airports:
- SAEZ (Buenos Aires, ~1,100 km)
- SAAR (Rosario, ~1,200 km)
- SARI (Iguazú, ~2,000 km)
- Recommended: SAVT (Trelew, ~60 km), SAVC (Comodoro Rivadavia, ~400 km)
Contact Numbers
Police: +54 280 422 111 (Puerto Madryn Police)
Fire: +54 280 421 100 (Puerto Madryn Fire Department)
Customs: Not available
Airport Authority/Ground Handler: +54 280 421 234 (Aeroclub Puerto Madryn, not confirmed); +54 11 3987 4150 (Aeropuertos Argentina 2000, general line)
Tourist Information
Immigration Rules: Bring a valid passport; some countries need a visa (USA, EU, Canada don’t for 90 days)
Crew Requirements: Wear a uniform, bring passport, visa (if needed), and flight paperwork
Ground Transport: Car rentals available, shuttles, metered taxis (ride to City: 1,500–3,000 ARS)
Accommodation:
- Hotel Península Valdés (nice, central)
- Hotel Tolosa (comfy, medium price)
- Hostal La Casa de Tounens (cheap)
- Currency: Argentine Peso (ARS)
Tourist Attractions Near Puerto Madryn Airport
Puerto Madryn, a vibrant coastal city 10 km from the airport, is full of life in Patagonia. It’s a top spot for nature lovers because it is famous for whale watching, wildlife like penguins and sea lions, and the nearby Peninsula Valdés. You can reach exciting places within 10–50 km by car or taxi in 15–60 minutes.
Peninsula Valdés
A UNESCO World Heritage Site 50 km away, with whales, penguins, and sea lions. Boat tours offer close-up views of southern right whales (June–Dec).
Distance: ~50 km (50–60 min by car).
Why Visit: It is super exciting to watch whales and spot wildlife.
Playa El Dorado
A beach 15 km away where you can see whales from the shore (June–Dec). It’s a quiet spot with fantastic ocean views and wildlife.
Distance: ~15 km (20–25 min by car).
Why Visit: Awesome for free whale watching and chilling by the sea.
Museo Oceanográfico y de Ciencias Naturales
A cool museum 10 km away with whale skeletons, sea lion displays, and info about Patagonia’s marine life and history.
Distance: ~10 km (15–20 min by car).
Why Visit: Great for learning about the area’s wildlife and ocean.
Punta Loma
A sea lion colony 20 km away, where you can watch these animals lounging on rocky cliffs. It’s a quick trip with fantastic coastal views.
Distance: ~20 km (20–30 min by car).
Why Visit: Fun to see sea lions and enjoy the rugged coast.
Plaza San Martín
The City’s main square, 10 km away, is lively with trees, shops, and cafes. It’s a great spot to grab a snack or feel the City’s vibe.
Distance: ~10 km (15–20 min by car).
Why Visit: It is a relaxing place to soak up local energy.
Additional Notes
Connectivity: It’s 1,100 km from Buenos Aires (14–15 hr by car or bus on Ruta Nacional 3). The closest airport with similar flights is SAVT (Trelew, 60 km).
Accessibility: City spots are 10–15 km away (taxi: 1,500–3,000 ARS); farther places need a car or tour. Buses go to Trelew (60 km) or Comodoro Rivadavia (400 km).
Seasonal Highlights: Winter/spring (Jun-Dec) is best for whale watching, summer (Dec–Feb) for beaches, and winter (Jun–Aug) is quieter.
Practical Tips: Bring ARS cash; book a place to stay (like Hotel Península Valdés) for whale season; try the seafood at Restaurante Cantina El Náutico. Call Aeroclub Puerto Madryn (+54 280 421 234) or Aeropuertos Argentina 2000 (+54 11 3987 4150) for plane help.
