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Villa Gesell Airport Overview
Villa Gesell Airport (IATA: VLG, ICAO: SAZV) is a public airport serving Villa Gesell in Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. Located on the scenic Atlantic coast, it’s about 4 km southwest of the city centre. This airport connects a popular beach resort town, famous for its sandy beaches, dunes, and relaxed vibe, to the rest of Argentina. It’s mainly used for small private planes and seasonal passenger flights, supporting tourism and local activities.
General Information
Serves: Villa Gesell, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina
Country: Argentina
ICAO: SAZV
IATA: VLG
Elevation: 32 feet (10 meters)
Coordinates: 37°14′07″S 57°01′45″W
Airport Type: Public (small planes, seasonal passenger flights)
Domestic/International: Domestic (no international services)
Timezone: UTC-3 (Argentina Time, no daylight savings)
Distance from City: ~4 km southwest of Villa Gesell city centre (5–10 min by car)
Official Airport Website: None (check www.anac.gov.ar for general info)
Ground Handling Website: None (handled by Aeroclub Villa Gesell, see contact below)
Operational Details
Runways: 1
Longest Runway: 1,500 x 30 meters (4,921 x 98 feet), asphalt
PCN: Not listed (good for small planes; check with airport)
Fire Category: CAT 3–4 (basic firefighting for small airports)
Tower Frequency: None (uses common radio frequency, like 122.8 MHz; check with aeroclub)
Ground Frequency: None
Navaid: None (no navigation aids here; the nearest one is in Mar del Plata)
AOE (Airport of Entry): No
Type of Aircraft Handled: Small planes (like Cessna or Piper)
Terminal Capacity: Small passenger terminal (handles seasonal flights)
Cargo Capacity: Tiny (only tiny packages for private flights)
Fuel Types: Avgas (check with aeroclub; Jet A-1 probably not available)
FBO: None available
Equipment Available: Basic tools (like tie-downs and wheel chocks; ask for details)
Ground Handler Information: There is no official ground handling team. The Aeroclub Villa Gesell takes care of basic stuff like parking and refuelling. Call them at +54 2255 421 234 (not confirmed; general contact for Villa Gesell aviation). You might need help from a larger airport like Mar del Plata for big operations, but that’s rare.
Operational Information
Permit Approval Lead Time: 2 days
PPR: May be required for non-scheduled flights (check with aeroclub)
Slots: Not needed
Alternate Airports:
- SAEZ (Buenos Aires, ~350 km)
- SAAR (Rosario, ~500 km)
- SARI (Iguazú, ~1,300 km)
- Recommended: SAZM (Mar del Plata, ~100 km), SAZO (Necochea, ~200 km)
Contact Numbers
Police: +54 2255 422 111 (Villa Gesell Police)
Fire: +54 2255 421 100 (Villa Gesell Fire Department)
Customs: Not available
Airport Authority/Ground Handler: +54 2255 421 234 (Aeroclub Villa Gesell, not confirmed)
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, some buses, taxis without meters (ride to City: 1,200–2,500 ARS, agree on price first)
Accommodation:
- Hotel Atlántico (lovely, near the beach)
- Hotel Playa (comfy, medium price)
- Hostal La Posada (cheap)
- Currency: Argentine Peso (ARS)
Tourist Attractions Near Villa Gesell Airport
Villa Gesell, a chill beach town 4 km from the airport, is full of fun along Argentina’s Atlantic coast. It’s known for its wide beaches, enormous dunes, and laid-back summer vibe, perfect for surfing and relaxing. You can reach cool spots within 4–50 km by car or taxi in 5–60 minutes.
Villa Gesell Beach
This long, sandy beach, 4 km away, is excellent for surfing, sunbathing, or playing beach games. Summer is busy with people enjoying the waves and beach cafes.
Distance: ~4 km (5–10 min by car).
Why Visit: It is super fun for water sports and hanging out by the ocean.
Pinar del Norte
A beautiful pine forest 5 km away with shady trails for walking or biking. It’s a calm spot to enjoy nature, with picnic areas and a relaxed vibe.
Distance: ~5 km (5–10 min by car).
Why Visit: Great for chilling in nature and escaping the beach crowds.
Mar de Cobo Dunes
Giant dunes 20 km away, where you can sandboard, hike, or take excellent photos. The wide-open views make it feel like an adventure.
Distance: ~20 km (20–25 min by car).
Why Visit: Exciting for sandboarding and exploring an incredible landscape.
Museo Archivo Histórico Municipal
There is a small museum 4 km away that shows Villa Gesell’s history with old photos, tools, and stories about how the town started as a beach getaway.
Distance: ~4 km (5–10 min by car).
Why Visit: Cool for learning about the town’s past and its beachy roots.
Faro Querandí
A tall lighthouse 30 km away, surrounded by dunes and beaches. You can hike to it, see excellent ocean views, and spot wildlife like birds.
Distance: ~30 km (30–40 min by car).
Why Visit: Hiking and checking out a scenic coastal spot is fun.
Additional Notes
Connectivity: It’s 350 km from Buenos Aires (4–5 hr by car or bus on Ruta Nacional 11). The closest airport with regular flights is SAZM (Mar del Plata, 100 km).
Accessibility: Town spots are 4–5 km away (taxi: 1,200–2,500 ARS); farther places need a car or tour. Buses go to Mar del Plata (100 km) or Buenos Aires (350 km).
Seasonal Highlights: Summer (Dec–Feb) is best for beaches and festivals; spring (Sep–Nov) is nice for hiking and mild weather; winter (Jun–Aug) is quiet.
Practical Tips: Bring ARS cash; book a place to stay (like Hotel Atlántico) for summer; try fresh seafood at Restaurante El Náutico. Call Aeroclub Villa Gesell (+54 2255 421 234) for help with planes.
