Mar del Plata Airport Overview

Mar del Plata Airport (IATA: MDQ, ICAO: SAZM), also known as Ástor Piazzolla International Airport, is a public airport serving Mar del Plata in Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. Located on the vibrant Atlantic coast, it’s about 8 km north of the city centre. This airport connects Argentina’s top beach resort, famous for its sandy shores, nightlife, and cultural events, to the rest of the country. It handles small private planes and regular passenger flights, boosting tourism and local business.

General Information

Serves: Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina

Country: Argentina

ICAO: SAZM

IATA: MDQ

Elevation: 72 feet (22 meters)

Coordinates: 37°56′03″S 57°34′31″W

Airport Type: Public (small planes and regular passenger flights)

Domestic/International: Domestic (limited international services with customs on request)

Timezone: UTC-3 (Argentina Time, no daylight savings)

Distance from City: ~8 km north of Mar del Plata city centre (10–15 min by car)

Official Airport Website: None (check www.aa2000.com.ar or www.anac.gov.ar for general info)

Ground Handling Website: None (handled by Aeropuertos Argentina 2000 or Aeroclub Mar del Plata; see contact below)

Operational Details

Runways: 1

Longest Runway: 2,200 x 45 meters (7,218 x 148 feet), asphalt

PCN: Not listed (good for small to medium planes, like Boeing 737; check with airport)

Fire Category: CAT 6–7 (firefighting for airports with passenger flights)

Tower Frequency: 118.75 MHz (check with airport)

Ground Frequency: 121.9 MHz (check with the airport)

Navaid: Yes (Mar del Plata VOR/DME, Ident: MDP, on-site)

AOE (Airport of Entry): Yes (customs available on request)

Type of Aircraft Handled: Small to medium planes (like Cessna, Piper, Boeing 737)

Terminal Capacity: Small passenger terminal (handles regular flights)

Cargo Capacity: Limited (mostly for passenger flights; small packages for private flights)

Fuel Types: Avgas, Jet A-1 (check availability with the airport)

FBO: None available

Equipment Available: Ground handling tools (like passenger stairs and baggage carts; ask for details)

Ground Handler Information: Operations managed by Aeropuertos Argentina 2000 for passenger flights and Aeroclub Mar del Plata for small planes, handling parking, refuelling, and passenger services. Call Aeroclub Mar del Plata at +54 223 421 234 (not confirmed; general contact for Mar del Plata aviation) or Aeropuertos Argentina 2000 at +54 11 3987 4150 (general line). External ground handlers may be available for special operations.

Operational Information

Permit Approval Lead Time: 2 days

PPR: Required for non-scheduled flights (contact airport)

Slots: May be needed during busy times (check with airport)

Alternate Airports:  

  • SAEZ (Buenos Aires, ~400 km)  
  • SAAR (Rosario, ~600 km)  
  • SARI (Iguazú, ~1,300 km)  
  • Recommended: SAZO (Necochea, ~125 km), SAZB (Bahía Blanca, ~400 km)

Contact Numbers

Police: +54 223 422 111 (Mar del Plata Police)

Fire: +54 223 421 100 (Mar del Plata Fire Department)

Customs: +54 223 451 555 (Mar del Plata Customs, on request; confirm availability)

Airport Authority/Ground Handler: +54 223 421 234 (Aeroclub Mar del Plata, not confirmed); +54 11 3987 4150 (Aeropuertos Argentina 2000, general line)

Tourist Information

Immigration Rules: Bring a valid passport; some countries need a visa (USA, EU, Canada don’t for 90 days)

Crew Requirements: Wear a uniform, bring passport, visa (if needed), and flight paperwork

Ground Transport: Car rentals available, shuttles, metered taxis (ride to City: 2,000–4,000 ARS)

Accommodation:  

  • Hotel Costa Galana (fancy, beachfront)  
  • Hotel Bristol (comfy, medium price)  
  • Hostal del Sol (cheap)
  • Currency: Argentine Peso (ARS)

Tourist Attractions Near Mar del Plata Airport

Mar del Plata, a lively beach city 8 km from the airport, is bursting with fun along Argentina’s Atlantic coast. Known for its long beaches, surfing, and exciting nightlife, it’s a favourite spot for summer vacations. You can reach cool places within 8–50 km by car or taxi in 10–60 minutes.

Playa Bristol

This popular beach, 8 km away, is packed with sunbathers, surfers, and beach games in summer. It’s near the city centre and has many cafes and shops.

Distance: ~8 km (10–15 min by car).

Why Visit: Super fun for swimming, surfing, or chilling by the ocean.

Torre Tanque

A cool water tower 10 km away with incredible views of the City and coast from the top. You can take a quick tour to learn about its history and snap great photos.

Distance: ~10 km (15–20 min by car).

Why Visit: Great for amazing views and a quick history lesson.

Museo Municipal de Arte Juan Carlos Castagnino

A neat museum 9 km away in a beautiful old mansion, showing cool paintings and sculptures by local artists. It’s a fun way to see Mar del Plata’s art scene.

Distance: ~9 km (10–15 min by car).

Why Visit: Awesome for anyone who likes art and wants to learn about the City.

Sierra de los Padres

It is a hilly area 20 km away with hiking trails, cute shops, and pretty views of the countryside. It’s a peaceful spot to explore nature or grab a snack.

Distance: ~20 km (20–25 min by car).

Why Visit: Hiking and enjoying a quiet, green escape is fun.

Puerto Mar del Plata

The City’s busy port, 12 km away, is where fishing boats bring in fresh seafood. You can watch sea lions, eat fish at restaurants, or take a boat tour.

Distance: ~12 km (15–20 min by car).

Why Visit: Seeing sea life and tasting yummy seafood is exciting.

Additional Notes

Connectivity: It’s 400 km from Buenos Aires (4–5 hr by car or bus on Ruta Nacional 2). The closest airport with more flights is SAEZ (Buenos Aires, 400 km).

Accessibility: City spots are 8–12 km away (taxi: 2,000–4,000 ARS); farther places need a car or tour. Buses go to Buenos Aires (400 km) or Necochea (125 km).

Seasonal Highlights: Summer (Dec–Feb) is best for beaches and festivals; spring (Sep–Nov) is nice for hiking and mild weather; winter (Jun–Aug) is quieter.

Practical Tips: Bring ARS cash; book a place to stay (like Hotel Costa Galana) for summer; try fresh fish at Restaurante El Viejo Pop. Call Aeroclub Mar del Plata (+54 223 421 234) or Aeropuertos Argentina 2000 (+54 11 3987 4150) for plane help.