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Necochea Airport Overview
Necochea Airport (IATA: NEC, ICAO: SAZO) is a public airport serving Necochea, an Atlantic coastal city in Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. Located in the scenic Pampas region, it’s about 8 km northwest of the city centre. This airport connects the lively beach town, famous for its vast sandy shores and surfing, to the rest of Argentina. It’s mainly used for small private planes, supporting tourism and local activities.
General Information
Serves: Necochea, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina
Country: Argentina
ICAO: SAZO
IATA: NEC
Elevation: 72 feet (22 meters)
Coordinates: 38°29′25″S 58°49′01″W
Airport Type: Public (small planes, no regular passenger flights)
Domestic/International: Domestic (no international services)
Timezone: UTC-3 (Argentina Time, no daylight savings)
Distance from City: ~8 km northwest of Necochea city centre (10–15 min by car)
Official Airport Website: None (check www.anac.gov.ar for general info)
Ground Handling Website: None (handled by Aeroclub Necochea; see contact below)
Operational Details
Runways: 3
Longest Runway: 1,350 x 30 meters (4,429 x 98 feet), asphalt (Runway 18/36)
PCN: Not listed (suitable for small planes; check with airport)
Fire Category: CAT 3–4 (basic firefighting for small airports)
Tower Frequency: None (uses standard radio frequency, like 122.8 MHz; check with aeroclub)
Ground Frequency: None
Navaid: None (no navigation aids here; the nearest one is in Mar del Plata)
AOE (Airport of Entry): No
Type of Aircraft Handled: Small planes (like Cessna or Piper)
Terminal Capacity: None (no passenger terminal)
Cargo Capacity: Tiny (only tiny packages for private flights)
Fuel Types: Avgas (check with aeroclub; Jet A-1 probably not available)
FBO: None available
Equipment Available: Basic tools (like tie-downs and wheel chocks; ask for details)
Ground Handler Information: There is no official ground handling team. The Aeroclub Necochea takes care of basic stuff like parking and refuelling. Call them at +54 2262 421 234 (not confirmed; general contact for Necochea Aviation). You might need help from a larger airport like Mar del Plata for big operations, but that’s rare.
Operational Information
Permit Approval Lead Time: 2 days
PPR: May be required (check with aeroclub)
Slots: Not needed
Alternate Airports:
- SAEZ (Buenos Aires, ~450 km)
- SAAR (Rosario, ~500 km)
- SARI (Iguazú, ~1,300 km)
- Recommended: SAZM (Mar del Plata, ~125 km), SAZB (Bahía Blanca, ~300 km)
Contact Numbers
Police: +54 2262 422 111 (Necochea Police)
Fire: +54 2262 421 100 (Necochea Fire Department)
Customs: Not available
Airport Authority/Ground Handler: +54 2262 421 234 (Aeroclub Necochea, not confirmed)
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: Few car rentals, some buses, taxis without meters (ride to City: 1,200–2,500 ARS, agree on price first)
Accommodation:
- Hotel Ñandú (lovely, near the beach)
- Hotel Presidente (comfy, medium price)
- Hostal del Mar (cheap)
- Currency: Argentine Peso (ARS)
Tourist Attractions Near Necochea Airport
Necochea, a fun beach city 8 km from the airport, is full of energy with its long, sandy beaches and ocean waves. It’s a hotspot for surfing, fishing, and summer festivals along Argentina’s Atlantic coast. You can reach cool spots within 8–50 km by car or taxi in 10–60 minutes.
Necochea Beach
This vast, 8 km away sandy beach is perfect for surfing, sunbathing, or strolling along the shore. In summer, it’s packed with people enjoying the waves and beach bars.
Distance: ~8 km (10–15 min by car).
Why Visit: It is super fun for water sports and chilling by the ocean.
Parque Miguel Lillo
A big, green park 10 km away with pine forests, picnic spots, and trails for biking or walking. It’s right by the beach, where you can enjoy nature and the sea together.
Distance: ~10 km (15–20 min by car).
Why Visit: Great for outdoor fun and relaxing in a pretty forest.
Quequén River
A scenic river 12 km away, where you can kayak, fish, or enjoy the calm water and views. It’s a peaceful spot near the port that is shared with Quequén town.
Distance: ~12 km (15–20 min by car).
Why Visit: Awesome for water activities and a quiet escape.
Museo Histórico Regional
There is a small museum 8 km away that shows Necochea’s history with old photos, tools, and stories about the coast and its people. It’s a fun way to learn about the area.
Distance: ~8 km (10–15 min by car).
Why Visit: Cool for anyone who likes history and wants to know about Necochea.
Cascadas de Quequén
A set of small waterfalls 20 km away, where the Quequén Grande River flows through rocky cliffs. It’s a pretty spot for hiking and taking photos.
Distance: ~20 km (20–25 min by car).
Why Visit: It is exciting for nature lovers to explore a hidden gem.
Additional Notes
Connectivity: It’s 450 km from Buenos Aires (5–6 hr by car or bus on Ruta Nacional 228). The closest airport with regular flights is SAZM (Mar del Plata, 125 km).
Accessibility: City spots are 8–12 km away (taxi: 1,200–2,500 ARS); farther places need a car or tour. Buses go to Mar del Plata (125 km) or Buenos Aires (450 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 quiet.
Practical Tips: Bring ARS cash; book a place to stay (like Hotel Ñandú) for summer; try fresh seafood at Restaurante El Puerto. Call Aeroclub Necochea (+54 2262 421 234) for help with planes.
