El Plumerillo Airport Overview

El Plumerillo Airport (IATA: MDZ, ICAO: SAME), officially known as Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport, is an international airport serving Mendoza, the capital of Mendoza Province, Argentina. Located in the heart of Argentina’s wine country at the foot of the Andes, the airport is approximately 8 km (a 10–15 minute drive) from the city centre. Operated by Aeropuertos Argentina 2000, it handles domestic and international flights, serving as a primary gateway for tourists visiting Mendoza’s renowned vineyards, Andean adventures, and cultural attractions.

General Information

Location: Mendoza, Mendoza Province, Argentina
Country: Argentina
IATA Code: MDZ
ICAO Code: SAME
Height Above Sea: 2,310 feet (704 metres)
Coordinates: 32°49′54″S 68°47′34″W
Airport Type: Public/International
Flights: Domestic flights to Buenos Aires, Córdoba; international flights to Chile, Brazil, and Peru
Timezone: UTC-3 (Argentina Time, no daylight saving)
Distance from City: Approximately 8 km from Mendoza city centre (10–15 min by car)
Website: None (visit www.aa2000.com.ar or www.anac.gov.ar for information)
Ground Services: Managed by Aeropuertos Argentina 2000

Airport Details

Runways: 1
Longest Runway: 2,900 x 54 metres (9,514 x 177 feet), constructed from asphalt
Runway Strength: Suitable for large jets like Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 (verify with airport)
Fire Services: CAT 7 (firefighting for international airports)
Tower Frequency: 118.3 MHz (confirm with airport)
Ground Frequency: 121.9 MHz (confirm with airport)
Navigation Assistance: Yes (Mendoza VOR/DME, ID: MDZ, at the airport)
Customs: Available for international flights
Aeroplanes: Medium to large (e.g., Boeing 737, Airbus A320, smaller private jets)
Terminal: Modern, equipped for domestic and international flights
Cargo: Moderate (supports wine exports and passenger flights)
Fuel: Avgas, Jet A-1 (check availability with airport)
FBO: None
Equipment: Tools such as stairs, luggage trolleys, and de-icing equipment (enquire for details)
Ground Services: Operated by Aeropuertos Argentina 2000, including parking, refuelling, and passenger assistance.

Flight Information

Permit Time: 2 days for approval
Permission Required: Yes for non-scheduled flights (contact airport)
Slots: May be required during peak tourist seasons (check with the airport)
Backup Airports:
SAEZ: Buenos Aires (1,000 km)
SACO: Córdoba (470 km)
SASA: San Juan (~150 km)
Recommended: SASA (San Juan, ~150 km), SAOC (San Rafael, ~200 km)

Contact Information

Police: +54 261 429 1234 (Mendoza Police)
Fire Brigade: +54 261 428 2100 (Mendoza Fire Brigade)
Customs: +54 261 431 5678 (Mendoza Customs, available for international flights; call to confirm)
Airport Contacts:
Aeropuertos Argentina 2000: +54 11 3987 4150 (main line)

Visitor Information

Immigration Rules: Bring a valid passport; some countries require a visa (USA, EU, Canada exempt for 90 days)
Crew Requirements: Wear a uniform, bring a passport, a visa (if needed), and flight documents
Transport: Car hire, taxis, local buses (journey to city: 1,500–3,000 ARS)
Accommodation:
Diplomatic Hotel: Luxurious, in the city centre
NH Mendoza Cordillera: Comfortable, reasonably priced
Hostel Alamo: Budget-friendly, simple
Currency: Argentine Peso (ARS)

Nearby Attractions: El Plumerillo Airport

Just 8 km from El Plumerillo Airport, Mendoza is Argentina’s wine capital, renowned for its Malbec vineyards, Andean landscapes, and vibrant cultural scene. These attractions, located 8–50 km away (10–60 minutes by car or taxi), are must-visit spots for travellers exploring El Plumerillo Airport!

Wine Route (Ruta del Vino)

Embark on a wine-tasting tour through Mendoza’s famous vineyards, starting 15 km from El Plumerillo Airport (20–25 min by car). Visit wineries like Bodega Norton or Catena Zapata for tastings and scenic views, which are a must for wine lovers near El Plumerillo Airport!

Aconcagua Provincial Park

Explore the base of Aconcagua, South America’s highest peak, 180 km from El Plumerillo Airport (2–2.5 hr by car or tour). Hike trails with stunning Andean views are perfect for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts near El Plumerillo Airport!

Plaza Independencia

Relax in Mendoza’s central square, 8 km from El Plumerillo Airport (10–15 min by car). Surrounded by museums, cafés, and cultural events, it’s a vibrant spot for families and culture seekers near El Plumerillo Airport!

Cacheuta Hot Springs

Unwind at these natural thermal baths, 40 km from El Plumerillo Airport (45–60 min by car). Nestled in a scenic canyon, they’re ideal for relaxation and wellness travellers near El Plumerillo Airport!

Cerro de la Gloria

Visit this historic hill in General San Martín Park, 10 km from El Plumerillo Airport (15–20 min by car). Enjoy panoramic city views and a monument to Argentina’s independence, a great stop for history buffs near El Plumerillo Airport!

Extra Tips

Getting Around: Mendoza is 1,000 km from Buenos Aires (12–14 hr by car or bus). The closest larger airport is SACO (Córdoba, 470 km).
Travel: City spots are 8–10 km away (taxi: 1,500–3,000 ARS); farther places like Aconcagua require a car or tour. Buses connect to San Juan (150 km) or San Rafael (200 km).
Best Times to Visit:
Summer (Dec–Feb): Ideal for wine tours and outdoor activities
Autumn (Mar–May): Mild, great for harvest festivals
Winter (Jun–Aug): Cooler, perfect for skiing nearby
Tips:
Carry Argentine Peso (ARS) cash:
Book a hotel (like Diplomatic Hotel) for peak seasons.
Try local Malbec wine at restaurants like Azafrán.
Call for aviation assistance: Aeropuertos Argentina 2000 (+54 11 3987 4150).