International Airports
| Airport Name | City | IATA Code | ICAO Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport | Santiago | SCL | SCEL |
| El Tepual International Airport | Puerto Montt | PMC | SCPM |
| Diego Aracena International Airport | Iquique | IQQ | SCDA |
| Carriel Sur International Airport | Concepción | CCP | SCCP |
| Mataveri International Airport | Easter Island | IPC | SCIP |
| Andrés Sabella Gálvez International Airport | Antofagasta | ANF | SCFA |
| Cerro Moreno International Airport | Antofagasta | ANF | SCFA |
| La Florida Airport | Talca | None | SCTL |
Domestic Airports
| Airport Name | City | IATA Code | ICAO Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| El Loa Airport | Calama | CJC | SCCL |
| Eulogio Sánchez Airport | La Serena | LSC | SCLS |
| Rancagua Airport | Rancagua | None | SCRA |
| Panguipulli Airport | Panguipulli | None | SCPE |
| Temuco Maquehue Airport | Temuco | ZCO | SCTE |
| Osorno Airport | Osorno | ZOS | SCSO |
| Puerto Aysén Airport | Puerto Aysén | None | SCPS |
| Balmaceda Airport | Balmaceda | BBA | SCBA |
Notes:
- Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport in Santiago is the main international gateway for flights to and from Chile.
- Mataveri International Airport in Easter Island is a notable international airport serving the island.
- Smaller airports like El Tepual and Diego Aracena handle regional flights and serve as important hubs for domestic travel.
- Domestic airports are scattered throughout Chile, connecting remote and regional areas to the major hubs.
Chile Airports: Modernisation and Expansion Plans for 2025
Chile boasts a diverse network of airports that connect travellers to its stunning landscapes and vibrant cities. From the bustling capital of Santiago to remote Patagonian outposts, these air hubs play a crucial role in Chile’s transport system.
Chile has over 300 airports, with 7 international airports and numerous domestic ones serving different regions of the country. The largest and busiest is Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport in Santiago, which handles most international flights. Other key airports include those in Antofagasta, Puerto Montt, and Punta Arenas.
These airports not only link Chile’s far-flung regions but also connect the country to other South American nations and the world beyond. Whether you’re exploring the Atacama Desert in the north or the glaciers of Patagonia in the south, Chile’s airports serve as gateways to unforgettable adventures.
Major Airports in Chile
Chile has several important airports that connect the country domestically and internationally. These airports serve millions of passengers each year and play a crucial role in Chile’s transportation infrastructure.
Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport
Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport is Chile’s main gateway. Located in Santiago, it’s the busiest airport in the country. The airport handles both domestic and international flights.
It serves as a hub for LATAM Chile, Sky Airline, and JetSmart. These airlines offer connections to various destinations within Chile and abroad.
The airport has modern facilities, including duty-free shops, restaurants, and lounges. It also provides car hire services for travellers who need transport.
In recent years, the airport has undergone expansions to handle increasing passenger numbers. This growth reflects Santiago’s importance as a business and tourism centre.
Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport
Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport is another name for Santiago International Airport. It’s the same facility as Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport.
The airport is named after Arturo Merino Benítez, a key figure in Chilean aviation history. He founded the Chilean Air Force and the national airline.
This airport is crucial for Chile’s economy. It handles a large portion of the country’s air cargo and is a major employment centre.
The airport has two terminals: one for domestic flights and another for international travel. This setup helps manage the flow of passengers efficiently.
Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport
Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport is in Punta Arenas, southern Chile. It’s an important hub for the Patagonia region.
The airport serves both domestic and international routes. It connects Punta Arenas with Santiago and other Chilean cities.
It’s smaller than Santiago’s airport but plays a vital role in regional transport. The airport is crucial for tourism in the Patagonia area.
The facility has a single terminal that handles all flights. It offers basic amenities like cafes and car hire services.
Diego Aracena International Airport
Diego Aracena International Airport is in Iquique, northern Chile. It’s a key airport for the country’s mining industry.
The airport handles domestic flights to Santiago and other Chilean cities. It also serves some international routes to nearby countries.
It’s smaller than the main airports in Santiago and Punta Arenas. However, it’s vital for the economy of northern Chile.
The airport has a single terminal with basic facilities. These include shops, eateries, and car hire options for travellers.
Regional and Specialty Airports
Chile boasts a diverse network of regional and specialty airports serving various parts of the country. These airports cater to domestic and international travellers, connecting remote areas and supporting key industries.
Andrés Sabella Gálvez International Airport
Located in Antofagasta, this airport is a vital hub for northern Chile. It serves as a gateway to the Atacama Desert and nearby observatories. The airport handles both domestic and international flights.
The facility features modern amenities and a single runway capable of accommodating large aircraft. It plays a crucial role in supporting the region’s mining industry.
Passengers can find car hire services, cafes, and shops within the terminal building. The airport’s proximity to Antofagasta city centre makes it convenient for business and leisure travellers alike.
La Florida Airport
Situated in La Serena, La Florida Airport primarily serves domestic routes. It’s an essential link for the Coquimbo Region, supporting tourism and local industries.
The airport boasts a single terminal and runway. Despite its modest size, it handles a significant number of passengers annually.
La Florida offers basic amenities, including car hire facilities and cafes. Its location near popular beaches and observatories makes it a key entry point for tourists exploring central Chile.
El Tepual Airport
El Tepual Airport serves Puerto Montt, a gateway to Chilean Patagonia. This regional airport handles domestic flights and some international routes to neighbouring countries.
The airport features a modern terminal with essential services for travellers. Its single runway can accommodate medium to large aircraft.
El Tepual’s strategic location makes it crucial for tourism in the Lake District and Patagonia. Passengers can find car hire services, shops, and eateries within the terminal.
Desierto de Atacama Airport
This airport serves Copiapó and the surrounding Atacama Region. It plays a vital role in supporting the area’s mining industry and growing tourism sector.
The facility boasts a modern terminal and a runway suitable for various aircraft types. It primarily handles domestic flights, connecting Copiapó with major Chilean cities.
Passengers can access basic amenities, including car hire services and cafes. The airport’s proximity to the Atacama Desert makes it an important entry point for scientists and tourists exploring this unique landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chilean airports serve millions of travellers each year. These key questions cover the main aspects of flying to and within Chile.
What are the main international airports located in Chile?
Chile has several international airports. The largest is Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport in Santiago, also known as Santiago Airport. It handles most international flights to Chile.
Other important international airports include Andrés Sabella Gálvez International Airport in Antofagasta and Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport in Punta Arenas.
How can one travel between Santiago Airport and the city centre?
There are multiple transport options from Santiago Airport to the city. Buses run regularly and offer an affordable choice.
Taxis and private transfers provide a more direct route. The newly opened subway line also connects the airport to central Santiago, giving travellers a quick and convenient option.
What facilities can be expected at the primary airports in Chile?
Chilean airports offer modern amenities. Shops, restaurants, and cafes are available at most major airports.
Duty-free stores operate at international terminals. Many airports also have VIP lounges for a more comfortable wait before flights.
Which airlines offer direct flights to Chile from Europe?
Several airlines fly directly from Europe to Chile. LATAM Airlines, the flag carrier of Chile, operates routes from major European cities.
Other airlines with direct flights include Iberia from Madrid and Air France from Paris. British Airways also offers a direct London to Santiago route.
What are the transportation options available at Chilean airports for tourists?
Chilean airports provide various transport choices for tourists. Most have car rental services, allowing visitors to explore the country independently.
Taxis and shuttle services are widely available. Many hotels also offer airport pick-up services for their guests.
How early should passengers arrive at Chilean airports for international departures?
For international flights, it’s best to arrive at Chilean airports three hours before departure. This allows time for check-in, security procedures, and any unexpected delays.
Domestic flights typically require a two-hour arrival before departure. Always check with your airline for specific recommendations.
