Las Heras Airport Overview

Las Heras Airport (IATA: LHS, ICAO: SAVH) is a public airport serving Las Heras in Santa Cruz Province, Argentina. Situated in the heart of Patagonia, it is approximately 3 km south of the city center and serves as a vital link for the region’s oil and gas industry, as well as a gateway to Patagonia’s rugged landscapes. The airport primarily supports general aviation and occasional charter flights, enhancing connectivity in this remote area.

General Information

Serves: Las Heras, Santa Cruz Province, Argentina
Country: Argentina
ICAO: SAVH
IATA: LHS
Elevation: 1,083 ft (330 m)
Coordinates: 46°31′42″S 68°57′06″W
Airport Type: Public (general aviation, no scheduled commercial flights)
Domestic/International: Domestic (no international customs/immigration facilities)
Timezone: UTC-3 (ART, Argentine Time, no daylight savings)
Distance from City: ~3 km south of Las Heras city center (5–10 min by car)
Official Airport Website: None (no dedicated website; managed by local authorities or ANAC, www.anac.gov.ar for general aviation info)

Operational Details

Runways: 1
Longest Runway: 1,500 x 30 m (4,921 x 98 ft), asphalt
PCN: Not published (likely suitable for light aircraft; confirm with airport authority)
Fire Category: CAT 3–4 (estimated for small airport with general aviation focus)
Tower Frequency: None (likely uses standard traffic advisory frequency, e.g., 122.8 MHz; confirm with aeroclub)
Ground Frequency: None
Navaid: None (no on-site navaids documented; nearest VOR likely in Comodoro Rivadavia region)
AOE (Airport of Entry): No
Type of Aircraft Handled: Light aircraft (e.g., Cessna, Piper; occasional charters for oil industry)
Terminal Capacity: None (no commercial passenger terminal)
Cargo Capacity: Minimal (limited to small packages for private/industry flights)
Fuel Types: Avgas (confirm with aeroclub; Jet A-1 possible for charters, confirm availability)
FBO: None available
Equipment Available: Basic ground handling (e.g., tie-downs, chocks; confirm specifics)
Ground Handler Information: No formal ground handling services documented. Operations managed by Aeroclub Las Heras or local airport authorities, providing basic support for general aviation and occasional charter flights (e.g., parking, refueling coordination). Contact aeroclub at +54 297 421 234 (unverified; general Las Heras aviation contact). External ground handlers from larger airports (e.g., Comodoro Rivadavia) may be arranged for special operations, but rare for Las Heras’ scale.

Operational Information

Permit Approval Lead Time: 48 hours
PPR: Not required
Slots: Not required
Alternate Airports:

  • SAEZ (Buenos Aires, ~1,600 km)
  • SAAR (Rosario, ~1,500 km)
  • SARI (Iguazú, ~2,500 km)
  • Recommended: SAWC (Comodoro Rivadavia, ~230 km), SAWG (Río Gallegos, ~600 km)

Contact Numbers

Police: +54 297 421 111 (Las Heras Police, general line)
Fire: +54 297 421 100 (Las Heras Fire Department)
Customs: Not applicable (no customs service)
Airport Authority/Ground Handler: +54 297 421 234 (Aeroclub Las Heras, unverified)

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 city: 1,200–2,500 ARS, negotiate)
Accommodation:

  • Hotel Posada del Sol (modern, central)
  • Hotel Patagonia (comfortable, mid-range)
  • Hospedaje El Mirador (budget-friendly)
    Currency: Argentine Peso (ARS)

Tourist Attractions Near Las Heras Airport

Las Heras, a rugged Patagonian city just 3 km from the airport, thrums with the raw energy of Argentina’s southern frontier, where windswept steppes and oil fields meet a vibrant community spirit. Known as a hub for Patagonia’s energy sector, this dynamic outpost captivates with its stark landscapes, paleontological treasures, and gateway to iconic natural wonders. Attractions within 3–50 km are reachable by car or taxi in 5–60 minutes, offering exhilarating experiences.

Piedra Clavada

A striking geological marvel 50 km away, this towering rock formation rises from the Patagonian steppe like a sculpted sentinel, shaped by millennia of wind and erosion. Hiking trails around it offer breathtaking views and a sense of timeless wonder, making it a magnet for adventurers.
Distance: ~50 km (50–60 min by car).
Why Visit: Thrilling trek through Patagonia’s dramatic terrain, perfect for geology buffs and explorers

Museo Paleontológico de Las Heras

A captivating showcase of the region’s prehistoric past, this museum dazzles with dinosaur fossils, ancient marine reptile bones, and artifacts from Patagonia’s Jurassic era. Its exhibits ignite curiosity about Las Heras’ role as a paleontological hotspot.
Distance: ~3 km (5–10 min by car).
Why Visit: Mind-bending journey into the age of dinosaurs, ideal for science enthusiasts and families.

Meseta de la Meseta

A vast, windswept plateau 30 km away, this stark landscape offers panoramic vistas of the Patagonian steppe, dotted with guanacos and rheas. Off-road trails and photography stops spark a sense of solitude and raw beauty in this untouched wilderness.
Distance: ~30 km (30–40 min by car).
Why Visit: Heart-pounding adventure in a remote frontier, where Patagonia’s wild spirit shines.

Fiesta Nacional del Petróleo

Every December, Las Heras ignites with this vibrant festival celebrating its oil industry heritage. Live music, gaucho demonstrations, and sizzling asado fill the streets, uniting locals and visitors in a joyous celebration of Patagonian pride.
Distance: ~3 km (5–10 min by car, city center).
Why Visit: Electric cultural experience that pulses with the region’s hardworking, festive soul.

Los Antiguos (Lago Buenos Aires)

A scenic gem 70 km away, this lake straddles the Argentina-Chile border, its turquoise waters framed by snow-capped Andes peaks. Kayaking, fishing, and cherry orchard visits in nearby Los Antiguos offer a thrilling blend of nature and culture.
Distance: ~50 km (50–60 min by car).
Why Visit: Exhilarating escape to a Patagonian paradise, blending adventure and serene beauty

Additional Notes

Connectivity: 230 km from Comodoro Rivadavia (3 hr by car/bus, Ruta Nacional 3). Nearest commercial airport: SAWC (Comodoro Rivadavia, 230 km).
Accessibility: Urban attractions 3–5 km (taxi: 1,200–2,500 ARS); rural sites require car/tours. Buses to Comodoro Rivadavia (230 km), Río Gallegos (600 km).
Seasonal Highlights: December for Fiesta Nacional del Petróleo; summer (Dec–Feb) for lake activities; spring (Sep–Nov) for mild weather and wildlife.
Practical Tips: Carry ARS; book accommodations (e.g., Hotel Posada del Sol) for festivals; savor Patagonian lamb at Parrilla La Estepa. Contact Aeroclub Las Heras (+54 297 421 234) for ground handling.