International Airports
| Airport Name | City | IATA Code | ICAO Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viru Viru International Airport | Santa Cruz | VVI | SLVR |
| El Alto International Airport | La Paz | LPB | SLLP |
| Jorge Wilstermann International Airport | Cochabamba | CBB | SLCB |
Domestic Airports
| Airport Name | City | IATA Code | ICAO Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alcantari Airport | Sucre | SRE | SLSU |
| Cap. Aníbal Arab Airport | Cobija | CIJ | SLCB |
| Capitán Nicolás Rojas Airport | Potosí | POI | SLPO |
| Capitán Oriel Lea Plaza Airport | Tarija | TJA | SLTJ |
| Riberalta Airport | Riberalta | RIB | SLRI |
| Trinidad Airport | Trinidad | TDD | SLTR |
| Uyuni Airport | Uyuni | UYU | SLUY |
| San Borja Airport | San Borja | SRJ | SLSB |
| Yacuiba Airport | Yacuiba | BYC | SLYA |
Notes:
- Bolivia’s major international airports are located in Santa Cruz, La Paz, and Cochabamba.
- Domestic airports serve regional cities and towns, connecting them to major hubs.
- Some domestic airports also support small-scale international flights or charter services.
Bolivia Airports: Modernisation Efforts Boost Air Travel Infrastructure
Bolivia, a landlocked country in South America, relies heavily on air travel for both domestic and international connections. The nation boasts several airports that serve as crucial gateways for tourists and business travellers alike.
Bolivia has three main international airports located in Santa Cruz, La Paz, and Cochabamba. These hubs handle most of the country’s air traffic and offer flights to various destinations within South America and beyond. The Viru Viru International Airport in Santa Cruz is the largest and busiest, serving as a primary entry point for many visitors.
Apart from the international hubs, Bolivia has numerous regional airports that connect its diverse landscapes and cities. These smaller airfields play a vital role in linking remote areas to major urban centres, facilitating travel across the country’s varied terrain. From the Andean highlands to the Amazon rainforest, Bolivia’s airports provide essential access to its rich cultural and natural wonders.
Overview of Bolivia’s Airports
Bolivia has a mix of international and local airports serving its major cities and remote regions. The country’s airport network plays a crucial role in connecting Bolivia to the world and facilitating domestic travel across its diverse landscape.
International Airports in Bolivia
Bolivia boasts three main international airports. Viru Viru International Airport in Santa Cruz is the largest and busiest, handling the most passenger traffic. El Alto International Airport near La Paz, the world’s highest international airport, serves the capital region. Jorge Wilstermann International Airport in Cochabamba rounds out the trio.
These airports offer flights to other South American countries, as well as some connections to North America and Europe. LATAM Airlines and Boliviana de Aviación (BoA) are major carriers operating international routes.
Local Airports and Airfields
Bolivia’s rugged terrain makes air travel essential for reaching remote areas. The country has numerous local airports and airfields serving smaller cities and towns. Sucre Airport handles domestic flights to the constitutional capital.
Other notable local airports include:
- Rurrenabaque Airport: Gateway to the Amazon Basin
- Yacuiba Airport: Serves the southern border region
- El Trompillo Airport: Secondary airport in Santa Cruz
These smaller airports mainly cater to national flights, connecting far-flung communities to major urban centres. They are vital for tourism, business, and local transport in areas where road access is limited or difficult.
Operating Airlines and Connectivity
Bolivia’s airports serve as crucial hubs for both domestic and international travel. Several airlines operate flights to and from these airports, connecting Bolivia to destinations across South America and beyond.
Key Airlines Serving Bolivia
Boliviana de Aviación is the largest airline in Bolivia. It operates flights to 16 destinations, making it a vital carrier for the country. LATAM Airlines also plays a significant role in Bolivian air travel.
Other airlines serving Bolivia include:
- Amaszonas
- EcoJet
- Transportes Aéreos Militares
These carriers provide a mix of domestic and international flights, ensuring connectivity within Bolivia and to neighbouring countries.
Flight Routes and Destinations
Bolivia’s airports offer a range of flight options. Viru Viru International Airport in Santa Cruz de la Sierra is the busiest, with flights to 18 destinations in 11 countries. It handles about 186 domestic and 60 international flights weekly.
Key routes include:
- La Paz to Santa Cruz
- Cochabamba to Sucre
- Santa Cruz to Tarija
International flights connect Bolivia to major South American cities like Lima, São Paulo, and Buenos Aires. There are also flights to Spain, providing a link to Europe.
Smaller airports, such as Rurrenabaque, offer limited domestic connections, primarily serving tourism and regional travel needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bolivia has several airports that serve both domestic and international travellers. These airports connect the country to major cities worldwide and provide essential transportation links within Bolivia.
What are the major international airports in Bolivia?
Bolivia has three main international airports. These are El Alto International Airport in La Paz, Jorge Wilstermann International Airport in Cochabamba, and Viru Viru International Airport in Santa Cruz.
Which airport serves as the primary gateway to Bolivia?
Viru Viru International Airport in Santa Cruz is the largest airport in Bolivia. It serves as the primary gateway for international visitors entering the country.
How many international airports are there in Bolivia?
There are three international airports in Bolivia. These airports handle both domestic and international flights, connecting Bolivia to various destinations around the world.
What are the codes for the main airports in Bolivia?
The airport codes for the main airports in Bolivia are:
- VVI for Viru Viru International Airport in Santa Cruz
- LPB for El Alto International Airport in La Paz
- CBB for Jorge Wilstermann International Airport in Cochabamba
Can you list the airports located in Bolivia’s capital city?
El Alto International Airport is the main airport serving La Paz, the administrative capital of Bolivia. It is located in the nearby city of El Alto, about 13 kilometres southwest of La Paz.
What are the transportation options available from major Bolivian airports?
Most major Bolivian airports offer various transportation options. These typically include taxis, private transfer services, and in some cases, public buses. Some hotels also provide shuttle services for their guests.
