Santa Fe Airport Overview

Santa Fe Airport (IATA: SFN, ICAO: SAAV), also known as Sauce Viejo Airport, is a public airport serving Santa Fe in Santa Fe Province, Argentina. It is located in the fertile Pampas region, about 12 km southwest of the city centre. This airport connects the capital of Santa Fe Province, known for its historic sites, rivers, and vibrant culture, to the rest of Argentina. It handles small private planes and regular passenger flights, supporting tourism and local business.

General Information

Serves: Santa Fe, Santa Fe Province, Argentina

Country: Argentina

ICAO: SAAV

IATA: SFN

Elevation: 56 feet (17 meters)

Coordinates: 31°42′42″S 60°48′42″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: ~12 km southwest of Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe; see contact below)

Operational Details

Runways: 1

Longest Runway: 2,400 x 45 meters (7,874 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: 118.1 MHz (check with airport)

Ground Frequency: 121.9 MHz (check with the airport)

Navaid: Yes (Sauce Viejo VOR/DME, Ident: SFE, 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 Santa Fe for small planes, handling parking, refuelling, and passenger services. Call Aeroclub Santa Fe at +54 342 421 234 (not confirmed; general contact for Santa Fe 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, ~400 km)  
  • SAAR (Rosario, ~150 km)  
  • SARI (Iguazú, ~1,000 km)  
  • Recommended: SAAP (Paraná, ~30 km), SAAR (Rosario, ~150 km)

Contact Numbers

Police: +54 342 422 111 (Santa Fe Police)

Fire: +54 342 421 100 (Santa Fe Fire Department)

Customs: Not available

Airport Authority/Ground Handler: +54 342 421 234 (Aeroclub Santa Fe, 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 Los Silos (nice, central)  
  • Hotel Colón (comfy, medium price)  
  • Hostal Santa Fe (cheap)
  • Currency: Argentine Peso (ARS)

Tourist Attractions Near Santa Fe Airport

Santa Fe, a lively city 12 km from the airport, is energetic in Argentina’s Pampas. Known for its historic buildings, rivers, and fun festivals, it’s a great spot to explore culture and nature. You can reach cool places within 12–50 km by car or taxi in 15–60 minutes.

Plaza 25 de Mayo

The City’s main square, 12 km away, is beautiful with old buildings like the Casa de Gobierno and a big cathedral. It’s a fun spot to walk, see street performers, or grab a snack.

Distance: ~12 km (15–20 min by car).

Why Visit: It is a fun place to feel the City’s history and lively vibe.

Suspension Bridge (Puente Colgante)

A cool bridge 14 km away over the Setúbal Lagoon, lit up at night with fantastic views. You can walk or bike across it and enjoy the river scenery.

Distance: ~14 km (15–20 min by car).

Why Visit: Great for photos and a fun walk with pretty views.

Museo Histórico Provincial

A neat museum 12 km away in a historic building showing old tools, clothes, and stories about Santa Fe’s past, including its role in Argentina’s history.

Distance: ~12 km (15–20 min by car).

Why Visit: Awesome for learning about the City’s history and cool old stuff.

Parque Juan de Garay

A big park 15 km away with green fields, a lake, and spots for picnics or sports. It’s a chill place to relax or play with friends and family.

Distance: ~15 km (20–25 min by car).

Why Visit: Fun for outdoor activities and enjoying nature.

Río Paraná

The massive Paraná River, 20 km away, is great for fishing, kayaking, or boat rides. Its beaches and islands are perfect for a fun day by the water.

Distance: ~20 km (20–30 min by car).

Why Visit: Super cool for water adventures and relaxing by the river.

Additional Notes

Connectivity: It’s 400 km from Buenos Aires (4–5 hr by car or bus on Ruta Nacional 168). SAAR (Rosario, 150 km) is the closest airport with more flights.

Accessibility: City spots are 12–15 km away (taxi: 1,500–3,000 ARS); farther places need a car or tour. Buses go to Rosario (150 km) or Paraná (30 km).

Seasonal Highlights: Summer (Dec–Feb) is excellent for river fun and festivals; spring (Sep–Nov) is nice for parks and mild weather; winter (Jun–Aug) is quiet.

Practical Tips: Bring ARS cash; book a place to stay (like Hotel Los Silos) for busy times; try local fish dishes at Restaurante La Ribera. Call Aeroclub Santa Fe (+54 342 421 234) or Aeropuertos Argentina 2000 (+54 11 3987 4150) for plane help.