Corrientes Airport Overview

Corrientes International Airport, also known as Doctor Fernando Piragine Niveyro Airport (IATA: CNQ, ICAO: SARC), is a public airport serving Corrientes in Corrientes Province, Argentina. It is located in the lush Mesopotamia region, approximately 10 km northeast of the city centre. It is a key hub for this vibrant riverside capital, renowned for its chamamé music and proximity to the Paraná River. The airport supports general aviation and regular commercial flights, enhancing regional and national connectivity for tourism and commerce.

General Information

Serves: Corrientes, Corrientes Province, Argentina

Country: Argentina

ICAO: SARC

IATA: CNQ

Elevation: 202 ft (62 m)

Coordinates: 27°26′43″S 58°45′43″W

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

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

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

Distance from City: ~10 km northeast of Corrientes city centre (15–20 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 airport authorities or Aeroclub Corrientes, contact below)

Operational Details

Runways: 1

Longest Runway: 2,100 x 45 m (6,890 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: 118.7 MHz (confirm with airport authority)

Ground Frequency: 121.9 MHz (confirm with airport authority)

Navaid: Yes (Corrientes VOR/DME, Ident: COR, 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 commercial flights)

Terminal Capacity: Small passenger terminal (handles domestic 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 are managed by Aeropuertos Argentina 2000 for commercial flights and Aeroclub Corrientes for general aviation, which provides support for parking, refuelling, and passenger handling. Contact Aeroclub Corrientes at +54 3794 421 234 (unverified; general Corrientes 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, ~800 km)  
  • SAAR (Rosario, ~500 km)  
  • SARI (Iguazú, ~400 km)  
  • Recommended: SARE (Resistencia, ~30 km), SARP (Posadas, ~300 km)

Contact Numbers

Police: +54 3794 422 111 (Corrientes Police, general line)

Fire: +54 3794 421 100 (Corrientes Fire Department)

Customs: +54 3794 445 555 (Corrientes Customs, on request; confirm availability)

Airport Authority/Ground Handler: +54 3794 421 234 (Aeroclub Corrientes, 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: 2,000–4,000 ARS)

Accommodation:  

  • Turismo Hotel Casino (luxury, central)  
  • Hotel Gran Guaraní (comfortable, mid-range)  
  • Posada de la Costa (budget-friendly)
  • Currency: Argentine Peso (ARS)

Tourist Attractions Near Corrientes Airport

Corrientes, a vibrant riverside capital 10 km from the airport, pulses with the lively spirit of Argentina’s Mesopotamia, where the Paraná River weaves through lush landscapes. Renowned for its chamamé music, vibrant Carnival, and proximity to the Iberá Wetlands, this dynamic hub captivates with its cultural energy and natural splendour. Attractions within 10–50 km are reachable by car or taxi in 15–60 minutes, offering exhilarating experiences.

Carnival of Corrientes

This vibrant Carnival, a dazzling February spectacle, transforms the City into a whirlwind of glittering floats, samba dancers, and chamamé-infused rhythms. The Corsódromo buzzes with energy, drawing crowds for a joyous celebration of Mesopotamian culture.

Distance: ~10 km (15–20 min by car, city centre).

Why Visit: Thrilling immersion in one of Argentina’s liveliest carnivals, perfect for festive revelry.

Costanera Sur

The City’s scenic riverfront along the Paraná River dazzles with palm-lined walkways, sandy beaches, and vibrant sunsets. Kayaking, cycling, and lively cafés spark an electric atmosphere, ideal for soaking in the Mesopotamian vibe.

Distance: ~10 km (15–20 min by car).

Why Visit: Heart-pounding adventures or serene escapes by the river, blending nature and local charm.

Plaza Juan de Vera

Corrientes’ historic heart, this bustling square radiates elegance with its majestic Catedral Nuestra Señora del Rosario and shaded paths. Evening markets and live chamamé performances ignite the air, inviting travellers to sip mate with locals.

Distance: ~10 km (15–20 min by car).

Why Visit: Electric hub to dive into the City’s cultural pulse and subtropical warmth.

Museo de Artesanías Tradicionales Folclóricas

This captivating museum showcases Corrientes’ cultural heritage. Its exhibits include Guaraní crafts, chamamé instruments, and artisanal textiles that tell the story of the region’s riverine traditions. The museum sparks curiosity about Mesopotamia’s roots.

Distance: ~10 km (15–20 min by car).

Why Visit: Deep dive into Corrientes’ folk traditions, a must for cultural enthusiasts craving authentic narratives.

Esteros del Iberá

A sprawling wetland 50 km away, this UNESCO candidate teems with caimans, capybaras, and over 300 bird species. Guided boat tours and trails plunge travellers into a biodiverse paradise, offering a thrilling encounter with untouched nature.

Distance: ~50 km (50–60 min by car).

Why Visit: Exhilarating eco-adventure in one of South America’s most pristine natural wonders.

Additional Notes

Connectivity: 800 km from Buenos Aires (8–9 hr by car/bus, Ruta Nacional 12). The nearest commercial airport is SARE (Resistencia, 30 km).

Accessibility: Urban attractions 10–15 km (taxi: 2,000–4,000 ARS); rural sites require car/tours. Buses to Resistencia (30 km), Posadas (300 km).

Seasonal Highlights: February is for Carnival; summer (Dec–Feb) is for river activities; and spring (Sep–Nov) is for mild weather and wetlands tours.

Practical Tips: Carry ARS; book accommodations (e.g., Turismo Hotel Casino) for the Carnival; savour fish dishes at Restaurante La Costa. Contact Aeroclub Corrientes (+54 3794 421 234) or Aeropuertos Argentina 2000 (+54 11 3987 4150) for ground handling.