Puerto Deseado Airport Overview

Puerto Deseado Airport (IATA: PUD, ICAO: SAWD) is a public airport serving Puerto Deseado in Santa Cruz Province, Argentina. It is located on the rugged Patagonian coast and is approximately 5 km northwest of the city centre. It is a vital link for this remote fishing port, renowned for its marine biodiversity and historical significance. The airport primarily supports general aviation, enhancing regional connectivity for tourism and local industries.

General Information

Serves: Puerto Deseado, Santa Cruz Province, Argentina

Country: Argentina

ICAO: SAWD

IATA: PUD

Elevation: 266 ft (81 m)

Coordinates: 47°44′07″S 65°54′15″W

Airport Type: Public (general aviation, no scheduled commercial flights)

Domestic/International: Domestic (no international customs/immigration facilities)

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

Distance from City: ~5 km northwest of Puerto Deseado city centre (10–15 min by car)

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

Ground Handling Website: None (no specific ground handling website; operations managed by Aeroclub Puerto Deseado; contact below)

Operational Details

Runways: 1

Longest Runway: 1,500 x 30 m (4,921 x 98 ft), asphalt

PCN: Not published (likely suitable for light aircraft; confirm with airport authority)

Fire Category: CAT 3–4 (estimated for small airports with 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 Comodoro Rivadavia region)

AOE (Airport of Entry): No

Type of Aircraft Handled: Light aircraft (e.g., Cessna, Piper)

Terminal Capacity: None (no commercial passenger terminal)

Cargo Capacity: Minimal (limited to small packages for private flights)

Fuel Types: Avgas (confirm with aeroclub; Jet A-1 unlikely)

FBO: None available

Equipment Available: Basic ground handling (e.g., tie-downs, chocks; confirm specifics)

Ground Handler Information: No formal ground handling services are documented. Operations are managed by Aeroclub Puerto Deseado, which provides basic support for general aviation (e.g., parking and refuelling coordination). Contact Aeroclub at +54 297 421 234 (unverified; general Puerto Deseado aviation contact). External ground handlers from larger airports (e.g., Comodoro Rivadavia) may be arranged for special operations, but this is rare for Puerto Deseado’s scale.

Operational Information

Permit Approval Lead Time: 48 hours

PPR: Not required

Slots: Not required

Alternate Airports:  

  • SAEZ (Buenos Aires, ~1,800 km)  
  • SAAR (Rosario, ~1,600 km)  
  • SARI (Iguazú, ~2,500 km)  
  • Recommended: SAWC (Comodoro Rivadavia, ~400 km), SAWG (Río Gallegos, ~600 km)

Contact Numbers

Police: +54 297 487 2111 (Puerto Deseado Police, general line)

Fire: +54 297 487 2100 (Puerto Deseado Fire Department)

Customs: Not applicable (no customs service)

Airport Authority/Ground Handler: +54 297 421 234 (Aeroclub Puerto Deseado, 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 City: 1,200–2,500 ARS, negotiate)

Accommodation:  

  • Hotel Los Acantilados (modern, central)  
  • Hotel Isla Chaffers (comfortable, mid-range)  
  • Posada del Mar (budget-friendly)
  • Currency: Argentine Peso (ARS)

Tourist Attractions Near Puerto Deseado Airport

Puerto Deseado, a rugged coastal town 5 km from the airport, pulses with the wild spirit of Patagonia, where the Atlantic Ocean meets dramatic cliffs and a rich maritime history. Renowned for its marine wildlife, including penguins and sea lions, and its historical ties to explorers like Darwin, this remote hub captivates with its natural splendour and cultural heritage. Attractions within 5–50 km are reachable by car or taxi in 10–60 minutes, offering exhilarating experiences.

Ría Deseado Nature Reserve

A stunning estuary 10 km away, this protected reserve teems with Commerson’s dolphins, Magellanic penguins, and cormorants. Boat tours navigate its turquoise waters, offering thrilling wildlife encounters against rugged cliffs.

Distance: ~10 km (15–20 min by car).

Why Visit: Exhilarating eco-adventure in a marine paradise, perfect for wildlife enthusiasts.

Isla Pingüino

A remote island 40 km offshore, accessible by boat, this sanctuary hosts a thriving Magellanic penguin colony. It offers views of sea lions and seabirds. Its windswept beauty sparks awe in Patagonia’s untamed wilderness.

Distance: ~50 km (60 min by boat from Puerto Deseado).

Why Visit: Heart-pounding journey to a penguin haven, a must for nature lovers.

Museo Municipal Mario Brozoski

A captivating museum is 5 km away. It showcases Puerto Deseado’s maritime history with artefacts from the 16th-century Corvette Swift shipwreck and exhibits on Indigenous and colonial life. Its displays ignite curiosity about the town’s adventurous past.

Distance: ~5 km (10–15 min by car).

Why Visit: Deep dive into Patagonia’s storied history, ideal for history buffs craving authentic narratives.

Puerto Deseado Lighthouse

A historic beacon 15 km away, this lighthouse stands sentinel over the Atlantic, offering panoramic coastline views and birdwatching opportunities. Its rugged setting evokes Patagonia’s maritime soul.

Distance: ~15 km (20–25 min by car).

Why Visit: It is a thrilling blend of scenic beauty and maritime heritage, perfect for explorers.

Plaza del Obrero

The town’s vibrant heart, this charming square radiates coastal charm with its nautical monuments and shaded paths. Evening gatherings and local markets ignite the air, inviting travellers to connect with the community.

Distance: ~5 km (10–15 min by car).

Why Visit: Electric hub to soak Puerto Deseado’s cultural warmth and Patagonian spirit.

Additional Notes

Connectivity: 400 km from Comodoro Rivadavia (5–6 hr by car/bus, Ruta Nacional 3). The nearest commercial airport is SAWC (Comodoro Rivadavia, 400 km).

Accessibility: Urban attractions 5–15 km (taxi: 1,200–2,500 ARS); rural sites require car/boat tours. Buses to Comodoro Rivadavia (400 km), Río Gallegos (600 km).

Seasonal Highlights: Spring (Sep–Nov) for penguin colonies and mild weather; summer (Dec–Feb) for boat tours; winter (Jun–Aug) for dolphin sightings.

Practical Tips: Carry ARS; book accommodations (e.g., Hotel Los Acantilados) for peak wildlife season; savour seafood at Restaurante Puerto Cristal. Contact Aeroclub Puerto Deseado (+54 297 421 234) for ground handling.