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Concordia Airport Overview
Concordia “Comodoro Pierrestegui” Airport (IATA: COC, ICAO: SAAC) is a public airport serving Concordia in Entre Ríos Province, Argentina. Nestled in the vibrant Mesopotamia region, this location boasts an ideal position just 13 km north of the city centre, offering the perfect blend of natural beauty and convenient access to urban amenities. It is a key hub for this vibrant riverside community, known for its citrus industry and proximity to the Uruguay River. The airport primarily supports general aviation with no scheduled commercial flights, enhancing regional connectivity for tourism and commerce. A new terminal and extended 2,000m runway were inaugurated on 31 March 2025, modernising its facilities.
General Information
Serves: Concordia, Entre Ríos Province, Argentina
Country: Argentina
ICAO: SAAC
IATA: COC
Elevation: 112 ft (34 m)
Coordinates: 31°17′49″S 57°59′48″W
Airport Type: Public (general aviation, no scheduled commercial flights)
Domestic/International: Domestic (no international customs/immigration facilities; AOE on request)
Timezone: UTC-3 (ART, Argentine Time, no daylight savings)
Distance from CityCity: ~13 km north of Concordia city centre (15–20 min by car)
Official Airport Website: None (no dedicated website; managed by Municipality of Concordia or ANAC, www.anac.gov.ar for general aviation info)
Operational Details
Runways: 1
Longest Runway: 2,000 x 30 m (6,562 x 98 ft), asphalt (inaugurated March 2025) PCN: Not published (likely suitable for light to medium aircraft; confirm with airport authority)
Fire Category: CAT 5–6 (estimated for the upgraded airport with a general aviation focus)
Tower Frequency: None (likely uses standard traffic advisory frequency, e.g., 122.8 MHz; confirm with Aeroclub)
Ground Frequency: None
Navaid: None (no on-site navaids documented; nearest VOR likely in Buenos Aires or Paso de los Libres region)
AOE (Airport of Entry): On request. Type of Aircraft Handled: Light to medium aircraft (e.g., Cessna, Piper)
Terminal Capacity: Minimal (new 257-square-metre terminal for general aviation) Cargo Capacity: Minimal (limited to small packages for private flights)
Fuel Types: Avgas, possibly Jet A-1 (confirm availability with Aeroclub)
FBO: None available
Equipment Available: Basic ground handling (e.g., tie-downs, chocks, passenger stairs; confirm specifics)
Ground Handler Information: No formal ground handling services documented. Aeroclub Concordia or local airport authorities manage operations, providing basic support for general aviation (e.g., parking and refuelling coordination). Contact Aeroclub at +54 345 421 234 (unverified; general Concordia aviation contact). External ground handlers from larger airports (e.g., Buenos Aires) may be arranged for special operations, but this is rare for Concordia’s scale.
Operational Information
Permit Approval Lead Time: 48 hours
PPR: Not required
Slots: Not required. Alternate Airports:
- SAEZ (Buenos Aires, ~400 km)
- SAAR (Rosario, ~300 km)
- SARI (Iguazú, ~700 km)
- Recommended: SARM (Monte Caseros, ~120 km), SAAP (Paraná, ~250 km) Hours of Operation: 0800–1600 LT (Mon–Fri); confirm with Aeroclub for other times
Contact Numbers
Police: +54 345 422 111 (Concordia Police, general line)
Fire: +54 345 421 100 (Concordia Fire Department)
Customs: Not applicable (no standard customs service; available on request)
Airport Authority/Ground Handler: +54 345 421 234 (Aeroclub Concordia, unverified)
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: Limited car rentals, local buses, non-metered taxis (fare to the CityCity: 1,500–3,000 ARS, negotiate)
Accommodation:
- Hotel Salto Grande (modern, central)
- Hotel Del Río (comfortable, mid-range)
- Posada del Campo (budget-friendly)
- Currency: Argentine Peso (ARS)
Tourist Attractions Near Concordia Airport
Concordia is a lively riverside city located 13 km from the airport. It reflects the vibrant spirit of Argentina’s Mesopotamia region.The Uruguay River flows through its lush landscapes, adding to the City’s charm. Renowned for its citrus groves, thermal springs, and cultural festivals, Concordia captivates visitors with a unique blend of natural beauty and festive energy. Attractions within 13–50 km are reachable by car or taxi in 15–60 minutes, offering exhilarating experiences.
Carnival of Concordia
A dazzling February spectacle, this vibrant carnival fills the streets with glittering floats, samba dancers, and pulsating rhythms, showcasing the region’s festive spirit. Smaller than Gualeguaychú’s but equally spirited, it draws locals and visitors to the Corsódromo for a joyous celebration.
Distance: ~13 km (15–20 min by car, city centre).
Why Visit: Thrilling immersion in Mesopotamia’s carnival culture, perfect for festive revelry.
Salto Grande Dam
A massive hydroelectric dam located 20 km away, this engineering marvel spans the Uruguay River and offers guided tours of its turbines along with stunning views of the reservoir. The visitor centre sparks curiosity about the region’s energy and environmental story.
Distance: ~20 km (25–30 min by car).
Why Visit: This mind-bending blend of technology and nature is ideal for explorers and science enthusiasts.
Termas de Concordia
A soothing thermal spa 15 km away, featuring mineral-rich hot springs at 38–42°C, nestled in a tranquil riverside setting. Wellness treatments and pools offer a rejuvenating escape amid the lush Entre Ríos landscape.
Distance: ~15 km (20–25 min by car).
Why Visit: This exhilarating retreat combines relaxation and nature, perfect for unwinding in a subtropical oasis.
Plaza 25 de Mayo
Concordia’s historic heart, this bustling square radiates charm with its elegant Catedral San Antonio de Padua and shaded paths. Evening markets and folk performances ignite the air, inviting travellers to sip mate with locals.
Distance: ~13 km (15–20 min by car).
Why Visit: Electric hub to dive into the City’s cultural pulse and subtropical warmth.
Parque San Carlos
A lush urban park 14 km away, this green oasis along the Uruguay River offers walking trails, historic castles, and panoramic river views. Its tranquil gardens and wildlife spark a sense of adventure and serenity.
Distance: ~14 km (15–20 min by car).
Why Visit: Heart-pounding blend of history, nature, and scenic beauty, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Additional Notes
Connectivity: 400 km from Buenos Aires (4.5–5 hr by car/bus, Ruta Nacional 14). The nearest commercial airport is SAAR (Rosario, 300 km).
Accessibility: Urban attractions 13–15 km (taxi: 1,500–3,000 ARS); rural sites require car/tours—buses to Rosario (300 km), Paraná (250 km).
Seasonal Highlights: February for Carnival; summer (Dec–Feb) for thermal springs and river activities; spring (Sep–Nov) for mild weather.
Practical Tips: Carry ARS; book accommodations (e.g., Hotel Salto Grande) for a carnival; savour citrus-inspired dishes at Restaurante El Puerto. Contact Aeroclub Concordia (+54 345 421 234) for ground handling.