Río Gallegos Airport Overview

Río Gallegos Airport (IATA: RGL, ICAO: SAWG), also known as Piloto Civil Norberto Fernández International Airport, is a public airport serving Río Gallegos in Santa Cruz Province, Argentina. It is located in the windswept Patagonian region, about 7 km northwest of the city centre. This airport connects the capital of Santa Cruz Province, known for its rugged landscapes and proximity to Tierra del Fuego, to the rest of Argentina. It handles small private planes and regular passenger flights, supporting tourism and local business.

General Information

Serves: Río Gallegos, Santa Cruz Province, Argentina

Country: Argentina

ICAO: SAWG

IATA: RGL

Elevation: 66 feet (20 meters)

Coordinates: 51°36′32″S 69°18′46″W

Airport Type: Public (small planes and regular passenger flights)

Domestic/International: Domestic (limited international services with customs on request)

Timezone: UTC-3 (Argentina Time, no daylight savings)

Distance from City: ~7 km northwest of Río Gallegos city centre (10–15 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 Río Gallegos; see contact below)

Operational Details

Runways: 1

Longest Runway: 3,550 x 45 meters (11,647 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: 119.1 MHz (check with airport)

Ground Frequency: 121.9 MHz (check with the airport)

Navaid: Yes (Río Gallegos VOR/DME, Ident: GAL, on-site)

AOE (Airport of Entry): Yes (customs available on request)

Type of Aircraft Handled: Small to medium planes (like Cessna, Piper, Boeing 737)

Terminal Capacity: Small passenger terminal (handles regular flights)

Cargo Capacity: Limited (mostly 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 Río Gallegos for small planes, handling parking, refuelling, and passenger services. Call Aeroclub Río Gallegos at +54 2966 421 234 (not confirmed; general contact for Río Gallegos 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, ~2,100 km)  
  • SAAR (Rosario, ~2,000 km)  
  • SARI (Iguazú, ~2,800 km)  
  • Recommended: SAWH (Ushuaia, ~350 km), SAWC (Comodoro Rivadavia, ~700 km)

Contact Numbers

Police: +54 2966 422 111 (Río Gallegos Police)

Fire: +54 2966 421 100 (Río Gallegos Fire Department)

Customs: +54 2966 430 555 (Río Gallegos Customs, on request; confirm availability)

Airport Authority/Ground Handler: +54 2966 421 234 (Aeroclub Río Gallegos, 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 Patagonia (nice, central)  
  • Hotel Santa Cruz (comfy, medium price)  
  • Hostal El Patagón (cheap)
  • Currency: Argentine Peso (ARS)

Tourist Attractions Near Río Gallegos Airport

Río Gallegos, a rugged city 7 km from the airport, is full of Patagonian spirit. It’s an excellent spot for adventure and history, known for its windy plains and historic sites. It is a gateway to Tierra del Fuego and southern glaciers. Fun places can be reached within 7–50 km by car or taxi in 10–60 minutes.

Costanera Ángel Sureda

This scenic riverfront, 7 km away, runs along the Río Gallegos estuary. It has a walkway for strolling or biking. It’s a chill spot with views and local cafes.

Distance: ~7 km (10–15 min by car).

Why Visit: This is a fun place to relax by the water and feel the City’s vibe.

Museo de los Pioneros

There is a cool museum 7 km away that shows old tools, photos, and stories about the early settlers of Patagonia, including their tough lives in this windy land.

Distance: ~7 km (10–15 min by car).

Why Visit: Awesome for learning about Patagonia’s history and brave pioneers.

Laguna Azul

A stunning blue lagoon 50 km away inside a volcanic crater, surrounded by wild Patagonian steppe. It’s a beautiful spot for hiking and photos.

Distance: ~50 km (50–60 min by car).

Why Visit: It is super exciting to see a unique natural wonder.

Plaza San Martín

The City’s main square, 7 km away, is lively with trees, a statue of General San Martín, and people hanging out. It’s great for grabbing a snack nearby.

Distance: ~7 km (10–15 min by car).

Why Visit: This is a fun spot to feel the City’s energy and history.

Cabo Vírgenes

A remote coastal point 50 km away with a historic lighthouse, penguin colonies, and epic Atlantic Ocean views. It’s a wild, windswept adventure.

Distance: ~50 km (50–60 min by car).

Why Visit: Great for spotting penguins and exploring Patagonia’s rugged coast.

Additional Notes

Connectivity: It’s 2,100 km from Buenos Aires (24–26 hr by car or bus on Ruta Nacional 3). SAWH (Ushuaia, 350 km) is the closest airport with more flights.

Accessibility: City spots are 7–10 km away (taxi: 1,500–3,000 ARS); farther places need a car or tour. Buses go to Ushuaia (350 km) or Comodoro Rivadavia (700 km).

Seasonal Highlights: Summer (Dec–Feb) is best for outdoor fun and penguins; spring (Sep–Nov) is nice for mild weather; winter (Jun–Aug) is quiet and cold.

Practical Tips: Bring ARS cash; book a place to stay (like Hotel Patagonia) for busy times; try Patagonian lamb at Restaurante La Lechuza. Call Aeroclub Río Gallegos (+54 2966 421 234) or Aeropuertos Argentina 2000 (+54 11 3987 4150) for plane help.