Río Grande Airport Overview

Río Grande Airport, also known as Hermes Quijada International Airport (IATA: RGA, ICAO: SAWE), is a public airport serving Río Grande in Tierra del Fuego Province, Argentina. It is located at the southern tip of Patagonia, approximately 3 km northwest of the city centre. It is a vital gateway to this remote industrial and fishing hub, renowned for its proximity to the Beagle Channel and Antarctic gateway status. The airport supports general aviation and seasonal commercial flights, enhancing connectivity for tourism and commerce in the Fuegian archipelago.

General Information

Serves: Río Grande, Tierra del Fuego Province, Argentina

Country: Argentina

ICAO: SAWE

IATA: RGA

Elevation: 66 ft (20 m)

Coordinates: 53°46′40″S 67°44′58″W

Airport Type: Public (general aviation, seasonal commercial flights)

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

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

Distance from City: ~3 km northwest of Río Grande city centre (5–10 min by car)

Official Airport Website: None (no dedicated website; managed by Aeropuertos Argentina 2000 or ANAC, www.anac.gov.ar for general aviation info)

Ground Handling Website: None (no specific ground handling website; operations managed by Aeroclub Río Grande or airport authorities, contact below)

Operational Details

Runways: 1

Longest Runway: 2,000 x 45 m (6,562 x 148 ft), asphalt

PCN: Not published (suitable for light to medium aircraft, e.g., Boeing 737, ATR-72; confirm with airport authority)

Fire Category: CAT 6–7 (estimated for airports with commercial operations)

Tower Frequency: 118.3 MHz (confirm with airport authority)

Ground Frequency: 121.9 MHz (confirm with airport authority)

Navaid: Yes (Río Grande VOR/DME, Ident: RGA, on-site)

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

Type of Aircraft Handled: Light to medium aircraft (e.g., Cessna, Piper, Boeing 737 for seasonal flights)

Terminal Capacity: Small passenger terminal (handles seasonal commercial flights)

Cargo Capacity: Limited (primarily for commercial flights; small packages for private flights)

Fuel Types: Avgas, Jet A-1 (confirm availability with airport authority)

FBO: None available

Equipment Available: Ground handling equipment (e.g., passenger stairs, baggage carts; confirm specifics)

Ground Handler Information: Operations managed by Aeropuertos Argentina 2000 for commercial flights and Aeroclub Río Grande for general aviation, providing support for parking, refuelling, and passenger handling. Contact Aeroclub Río Grande at +54 2964 421 234 (unverified; general Río Grande aviation contact) or airport administration via 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: 48 hours

PPR: Required for non-scheduled flights (contact airport authority)

Slots: May be required during peak commercial periods (confirm with airport authority)

Alternate Airports:  

  • SAEZ (Buenos Aires, ~2,300 km)  
  • SAAR (Rosario, ~2,200 km)  
  • SARI (Iguazú, ~3,000 km)  
  • Recommended: SAWH (Ushuaia, ~150 km), SAWG (Río Gallegos, ~350 km)

Contact Numbers

Police: +54 2964 422 111 (Río Grande Police, general line)

Fire: +54 2964 421 100 (Río Grande Fire Department)

Customs: +54 2964 430 555 (Río Grande Customs, on request; confirm availability)

Airport Authority/Ground Handler: +54 2964 421 234 (Aeroclub Río Grande, unverified); +54 11 3987 4150 (Aeropuertos Argentina 2000, general line)

Tourist Information

Immigration Rules: Valid passport; visa for some nationalities (USA, EU, Canada visa-free for 90 days)

Crew Requirements: Uniform, passport, visa (if applicable), Gendec for private flights

Ground Transport: Car rentals available, shuttle services, metered taxis (fare to City: 1,500–3,000 ARS)

Accommodation:  

  • Grande Hotel (modern, central)  
  • Hotel Atlántico (comfortable, mid-range)  
  • Posada de los Sauces (budget-friendly)
  • Currency: Argentine Peso (ARS)

Tourist Attractions Near Río Grande Airport

Río Grande, a windswept city 3 km from the airport, pulses with the raw spirit of Tierra del Fuego, where the Patagonian steppe meets the icy waters of the Beagle Channel. Renowned for its fishing, industrial heritage, and proximity to Antarctic expedition routes, this remote hub captivates with its stark landscapes and cultural resilience. Attractions within 3–50 km are reachable by car or taxi in 5–60 minutes, offering exhilarating experiences.

Estancia Harberton

A historic ranch 50 km away, this 1886-founded estate offers guided tours of its pioneer museum, sheep-shearing demonstrations, and views of the Beagle Channel. Its rugged setting and marine wildlife spark awe in Tierra del Fuego’s frontier history.

Distance: ~50 km (50–60 min by car).

Why Visit: Thrilling dive into Patagonia’s pioneering past, perfect for history and nature enthusiasts.

Río Grande Fly Fishing

The world-famous Río Grande River, 5 km away, is a premier destination for trout fishing, drawing anglers to its pristine waters. Guided tours and scenic banks offer a thrilling encounter with Patagonia’s wild beauty.

Distance: ~5 km (10–15 min by car).

Why Visit: Heart-pounding angling adventure in a legendary river, a must for outdoor enthusiasts.

Museo Virginia Choquintel

A captivating museum is 3 km away. It showcases Río Grande’s Indigenous Selk’nam heritage, maritime history, and industrial roots with artefacts and interactive exhibits. Its displays ignite curiosity about Tierra del Fuego’s cultural tapestry.

Distance: ~3 km (5–10 min by car).

Why Visit: Deep dive into the region’s storied past, ideal for cultural explorers craving authentic narratives.

Cabo Domingo

A dramatic coastal promontory 10 km away, this windswept cape offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and opportunities for birdwatching and hiking. Its rugged cliffs evoke Patagonia’s untamed spirit.

Distance: ~10 km (15–20 min by car).

Why Visit: Exhilarating encounter with Tierra del Fuego’s wild coastline, perfect for adventurers.

Plaza Almirante Brown

The City’s vibrant heart, this central square radiates Fuegian charm with its nautical monuments and shaded paths. Evening gatherings and local markets create a warm, community-driven atmosphere.

Distance: ~3 km (5–10 min by car).

Why Visit: Electric hub to soak Río Grande’s cultural warmth and Patagonian spirit.

Additional Notes

Connectivity: 350 km from Río Gallegos (4–5 hr by car/bus, Ruta Nacional 3). The nearest commercial airport is SAWH (Ushuaia, 150 km).

Accessibility: Urban attractions 3–10 km (taxi: 1,500–3,000 ARS); rural sites require car/tours. Buses to Ushuaia (150 km), Río Gallegos (350 km).

Seasonal Highlights: Summer (Dec–Feb) is best for fishing and mild weather; winter (Jun–Aug) is best for quiet visits; and spring (Sep–Nov) is best for wildlife tours.

Practical Tips: Carry ARS; book accommodations (e.g., Grande Hotel) for peak seasons; savour Patagonian crab at Restaurante La Nueva Colonial. Contact Aeroclub Río Grande (+54 2964 421 234) or Aeropuertos Argentina 2000 (+54 11 3987 4150) for ground handling.