Punta Indio Airport Overview

Punta Indio Airport (IATA: none, ICAO: SAAI) is a public airport serving Punta Indio in Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. Located in the coastal Pampas region, it is approximately 7 km southwest of the town centre of Verónica, the closest urban area. It is a key facility for this rural community, known for its agricultural heritage and proximity to the Río de la Plata. The airport primarily supports general aviation, focusing on military and training activities and enhancing regional connectivity for local operations. Note: Standard aviation databases assign No IATA code to Punta Indio Airport.

General Information

Serves: Punta Indio (Verónica), Buenos Aires Province, Argentina

Country: Argentina

ICAO: SAAI

IATA: None

Elevation: 52 ft (16 m)

Coordinates: 35°21′30″S 57°17′30″W

Airport Type: Public/Military (general aviation, military training, no scheduled commercial flights)

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

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

Distance from City: ~7 km southwest of Verónica town centre (10–15 min by car)

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

Ground Handling Website: None (no specific ground handling website; operations managed by Argentine Navy or Aeroclub Punta Indio, contact below)

Operational Details

Runways: 1

Longest Runway: 1,600 x 30 m (5,249 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 and military focus)

Tower Frequency: None (likely uses standard traffic advisory frequency, e.g., 122.8 MHz; confirm with aeroclub or Navy)

Ground Frequency: None

Navaid: None (no on-site navaids documented; nearest VOR likely in La Plata or Buenos Aires region)

AOE (Airport of Entry): No

Type of Aircraft Handled: Light aircraft (e.g., Cessna, Piper, military trainers like T-34 Mentor)

Terminal Capacity: None (no commercial passenger terminal)

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

Fuel Types: Avgas (confirm with aeroclub or Navy; 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 documented. The Argentine Navy (Base Aeronaval Punta Indio) manages operations for military activities and Aeroclub Punta Indio for general aviation, providing basic support (e.g., parking, refuelling coordination). Contact Aeroclub Punta Indio at +54 2221 421 234 (unverified; general Punta Indio aviation contact) or Argentine Navy via regional command (no direct number available). External ground handlers from larger airports (e.g., Buenos Aires) may be arranged for special operations, but rare for Punta Indio’s scale.

Operational Information

Permit Approval Lead Time: 48 hours (military clearance may be required)

PPR: Required (contact Argentine Navy or Aeroclub for non-military flights)

Slots: Not required

Alternate Airports:  

  • SAEZ (Buenos Aires, ~100 km)  
  • SAAR (Rosario, ~300 km)  
  • SARI (Iguazú, ~1,100 km)  
  • Recommended: SAZS (La Plata, ~50 km), SAZM (Mar del Plata, ~300 km)

Contact Numbers

Police: +54 2221 422 111 (Verónica Police, general line)

Fire: +54 2221 421 100 (Verónica Fire Department)

Customs: Not applicable (no customs service)

Airport Authority/Ground Handler: +54 2221 421 234 (Aeroclub Punta Indio, unverified); Argentine Navy (no direct contact, coordinate via ANAC or aeroclub)

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 Verónica: 1,200–2,500 ARS, negotiate)

Accommodation:  

  • Hotel Verónica (basic, central Verónica)  
  • Estancia La Horqueta (comfortable, rural)  
  • Hospedaje El Campo (budget-friendly, Verónica)
  • Currency: Argentine Peso (ARS)

Tourist Attractions Near Punta Indio Airport

Punta Indio is a rural area located 7 km from Verónica near the airport. It embodies the tranquil spirit of Argentina’s Pampas, where fertile plains and the Río de la Plata coastline provide a peaceful backdrop. Known for its agricultural roots and gaucho traditions, this quiet region captivates visitors with its simplicity, natural beauty, and proximity to coastal wetlands. Attractions within 7–50 km are reachable by car or taxi in 10–60 minutes, offering authentic experiences.

Río de la Plata Coastline

A scenic coastal stretch 15 km away, this tranquil shoreline along the Río de la Plata offers fishing, birdwatching, and serene walks. Its muddy beaches and wetlands attract migratory birds, sparking interest for nature enthusiasts.

Distance: ~15 km (20–25 min by car).

Why Visit: Serene escapes into the Pampas’ coastal beauty, ideal for nature lovers and birdwatchers.

Plaza Belgrano (Verónica)

Verónica’s modest town square, 7 km away, radiates rural charm with its historic Parroquia San Ponciano and shaded paths. Local markets and occasional folk performances create a warm, community-driven atmosphere.

Distance: ~7 km (10–15 min by car).

Why Visit: Authentic hub to connect with local life and Pampa’s warmth.

Estancia La Horqueta

A traditional ranch 20 km away, this working estancia offers gaucho demonstrations, horseback riding, and asado feasts. Its sprawling fields and colonial architecture immerse visitors in Argentina’s rural heritage.

Distance: ~20 km (25–30 min by car).

Why Visit: This thrilling dive into gaucho culture is perfect for cultural explorers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Museo Histórico de Verónica

A small museum is 7 km away. It showcases Punta Indio’s agricultural past with vintage tools, gaucho artefacts, and exhibits on early settlers. Its intimate displays spark curiosity about the region’s Pampas roots.

Distance: ~7 km (10–15 min by car).

Why Visit: Explore local history in depth; it’s essential for anyone seeking authentic narratives.

Reserva Natural Punta Rasa

This Ramsar-protected coastal wetland is 50 km away and is full of flamingos, herons, and migratory shorebirds. Guided tours and trails allow visitors to experience the biodiversity of the Río de la Plata.

Distance: ~50 km (50–60 min by car).

Why Visit: Exhilarating eco-adventure in a pristine natural reserve, ideal for wildlife enthusiasts.

Additional Notes

Connectivity: 100 km from Buenos Aires (1.5–2 hr by car/bus, Ruta Provincial 36). The nearest commercial airport is SAEZ (Buenos Aires, 100 km).

Accessibility: Urban attractions 7–15 km (taxi: 1,200–2,500 ARS); rural sites require car/tours. Buses to La Plata (50 km), Buenos Aires (100 km).

Seasonal Highlights: Spring (Sep–Nov) offers birdwatching and mild weather; summer (Dec–Feb) offers coastal activities; and winter (Jun–Aug) offers quiet rural visits.

Practical Tips: Carry ARS; book accommodations (e.g., Estancia La Horqueta) for rural stays; savour asado at local parrillas like El Gaucho. Contact Aeroclub Punta Indio (+54 2221 421 234) or the Argentine Navy for ground handling, noting military oversight may require prior coordination.