International Airports
| Airport Name | City | IATA Code | ICAO Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Aurora International Airport | Guatemala City | GUA | MGGT |
| Mundo Maya International Airport | Flores (Petén) | FRS | MGMM |
Domestic Airports
| Airport Name | City | IATA Code | ICAO Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quetzaltenango Airport | Quetzaltenango | AAZ | MGQZ |
| Puerto Barrios Airport | Puerto Barrios | PBR | MGPB |
| Cobán Airport | Cobán | CBV | MGCB |
| Retalhuleu Airport | Retalhuleu | RER | MGRT |
| San José Airport | San José | GSJ | MGSJ |
Notes:
- La Aurora International Airport is the primary gateway for international travel to Guatemala.
- Mundo Maya International Airport serves as the main airport for the northern region, particularly for tourists visiting the Tikal ruins.
- Domestic airports provide connections to remote areas and smaller cities, primarily serving regional flights and general aviation.
Guatemala Airports: Modernisation Plans and Expansion Projects Unveiled
Guatemala boasts a diverse network of airports that connect this Central American nation to the world. From bustling international hubs to small domestic airstrips, these airports play a vital role in the country’s transport system.
Guatemala has 402 airports and airstrips, including three international airports. La Aurora International Airport, located in Guatemala City, serves as the country’s main gateway. This airport handles the bulk of international traffic, welcoming millions of passengers each year.
Beyond La Aurora, Guatemala’s smaller airports cater to domestic and regional flights. These facilities enable travellers to reach remote areas of the country quickly and easily. From the beaches of the Pacific coast to the jungles of Petén, Guatemala’s airports open up a world of possibilities for both locals and tourists alike.
Major Airports in Guatemala
Guatemala has several important airports that serve both domestic and international travellers. These airports connect the country to other parts of Central America and the world.
La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City
La Aurora International Airport is the main gateway to Guatemala. Located in the heart of Guatemala City, it handles most of the country’s international flights. The airport serves many airlines, including Avianca and TAG Airlines.
La Aurora has modern facilities and offers flights to destinations across the Americas and Europe. It features duty-free shops, restaurants, and car hire services. The airport is just 6 km from the city centre, making it easy for travellers to reach their hotels or continue their journey.
Mundo Maya International Airport
Mundo Maya International Airport is in Flores, Petén. It’s the second-largest airport in Guatemala and serves as a gateway to the famous Tikal National Park.
This airport mainly handles domestic flights and some international routes to neighbouring countries. It’s much smaller than La Aurora but plays a crucial role in bringing tourists to the Mayan ruins. The airport has basic amenities and is about 3 km from Flores Island.
Other International Airports
Guatemala has a few other airports that handle some international flights. Puerto Barrios Airport on the Caribbean coast serves flights to and from Belize. It’s important for both tourism and trade in the region.
Retalhuleu Airport in southwestern Guatemala occasionally handles international charter flights. While smaller than the main airports, it provides vital links for local communities and businesses.
These secondary airports help to connect different parts of Guatemala and support the country’s growing tourism industry.
Domestic Connectivity and Regional Airports
Guatemala’s domestic airport network plays a vital role in connecting different regions of the country. These airports range from small airfields to larger regional hubs, each serving unique purposes for local travel and commerce.
Regional Hubs and Their Importance
Guatemala’s domestic airports form a crucial network for internal travel. La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City serves as the primary hub, connecting to various regional airports. Mundo Maya International Airport in Flores is another key regional hub, linking the Petén region to the rest of the country.
Quetzaltenango Airport, also known as La Aurora de Quetzaltenango, is an important regional airport in western Guatemala. It offers regular flights to Guatemala City, making it easier for travellers to access the western highlands.
Cobán Airport in Alta Verapaz and Huehuetenango Airport in the northwest are also significant for their regions, providing essential air links to more remote areas.
Smaller Airfields and Their Services
Guatemala has numerous smaller airfields that cater to local needs. These include:
- Bananera Airport in Izabal
- La Libertad Airport in Petén
- Playa Grande Airport in Quiché
- Malacatán Airport in San Marcos
- Carmelita Airport in Petén
These smaller airports often serve specific industries or tourism needs. For instance, Rio Dulce Airport provides access to the popular tourist destination of the same name.
Some airfields like Zacapa Airport, Rubelsanto Airport, and Poptún Airport primarily support local communities and occasional charter flights. They’re crucial for reaching areas with limited road access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guatemala has two international airports and several domestic ones. Travellers can expect standard amenities at the main airports. Visa and arrival procedures vary depending on nationality.
What are the main international airports in Guatemala?
Guatemala has two main international airports. La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City is the primary gateway. It handles most international flights.
The second is Mundo Maya International Airport in Flores. This airport mainly serves routes to Mexico and domestic flights.
How do I get from La Aurora International Airport to Guatemala City centre?
Taxis and private shuttles are readily available at La Aurora Airport. The journey to the city centre takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Public buses also run from the airport to various parts of Guatemala City. They’re cheaper but can be crowded and less convenient with luggage.
What are the visa requirements for entering Guatemala through its airports?
Many nationalities can enter Guatemala without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This includes citizens of the UK, EU, USA, and Canada.
Some countries require a visa. It’s best to check with the Guatemalan embassy in your country before travelling.
Are there direct flights from the UK to Guatemala?
There are no direct flights from the UK to Guatemala. Travellers typically fly via major US cities or European hubs.
Common routes involve connecting through cities like Miami, Houston, Madrid or Panama City.
What facilities can travellers expect at Guatemalan airports?
La Aurora International Airport offers a range of facilities. These include shops, restaurants, currency exchange, and car hire services.
Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. There are also ATMs and duty-free shops for international travellers.
How early should I arrive at the airport for international flights in Guatemala?
For international flights, it’s recommended to arrive at least 3 hours before departure. This allows time for check-in, security procedures, and any unexpected delays.
During peak travel seasons, it’s wise to allow extra time. The airport can get busy, especially in the mornings.
