Orán Airport Overview

Orán Airport (IATA: ORA, ICAO: SASO) is a public airport serving San Ramón de la Nueva Orán in Salta Province, Argentina. It is located in the subtropical Yungas region, approximately 7 km southeast of the city centre. It is a vital link for this vibrant agricultural hub, known for its citrus and sugar production. The airport primarily supports general aviation, enhancing regional tourism and local commerce connectivity.

General Information

Serves: San Ramón de la Nueva Orán, Salta Province, Argentina

Country: Argentina

ICAO: SASO

IATA: ORA

Elevation: 1,171 ft (357 m)

Coordinates: 23°09′10″S 64°19′45″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: ~7 km southeast of Orán city centre (10–15 min by car)

Official Airport Website: None (no dedicated website; managed by local authorities or ANAC, www.anac.gov.ar for general aviation info)

Ground Handling Website: None (no specific ground handling website; operations managed by Aeroclub Orán, contact below)

Operational Details

Runways: 1

Longest Runway: 1,620 x 30 m (5,315 x 98 ft), asphalt

PCN: Not published (likely suitable for light aircraft; confirm with airport authority)

Fire Category: CAT 3–4 (estimated for small airports 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 Salta or Tartagal region)

AOE (Airport of Entry): No

Type of Aircraft Handled: Light aircraft (e.g., Cessna, Piper)

Terminal Capacity: None (no commercial passenger terminal)

Cargo Capacity: Minimal (limited to small packages for private flights)

Fuel Types: Avgas (confirm with aeroclub; Jet A-1 unlikely)

FBO: None available

Equipment Available: Basic ground handling (e.g., tie-downs, chocks; confirm specifics)

Ground Handler Information: No formal ground handling services are documented. Operations are managed by Aeroclub Orán, which provides basic support for general aviation (e.g., parking and refuelling coordination). Contact Aeroclub at +54 3878 421 234 (unverified; general Orán aviation contact). External ground handlers from larger airports (e.g., Salta) may be arranged for special operations, but this is rare for Orán’s scale.

Operational Information

Permit Approval Lead Time: 48 hours

PPR: Not required

Slots: Not required

Alternate Airports:  

  • SAEZ (Buenos Aires, ~1,400 km)  
  • SAAR (Rosario, ~1,100 km)  
  • SARI (Iguazú, ~900 km)  
  • Recommended: SASA (Salta, ~250 km), SAST (Tartagal, ~120 km)

Contact Numbers

Police: +54 3878 422 111 (Orán Police, general line)

Fire: +54 3878 421 100 (Orán Fire Department)

Customs: Not applicable (no customs service)

Airport Authority/Ground Handler: +54 3878 421 234 (Aeroclub Orán, unverified)

Tourist Information – Orán Airport

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 Alto Verde (modern, central)  
  • Hotel Plaza (comfortable, mid-range)  
  • Hospedaje El Norte (budget-friendly)
  • Currency: Argentine Peso (ARS)

Tourist Attractions Near Orán Airport

Orán is a vibrant city situated 7 km from the airport, embodying the lively spirit of Argentina’s Yungas region. This area is characterized by lush forests and fertile plains, contributing to its prosperous agricultural economy. Renowned for its citrus groves and cultural festivals, Orán also enjoys its proximity to the Bolivian border. Visitors are captivated by the City’s subtropical charm and rich indigenous heritage. Attractions within 7–50 km are reachable by car or taxi in 10–60 minutes, offering exhilarating experiences.

Plaza San Martín

Orán’s vibrant heart, this central square radiates energy with its historic Parroquia San Ramón Nonato and bustling markets. Evening chamamé performances and local vendors selling citrus treats create a warm, community-driven atmosphere.

Distance: ~7 km (10–15 min by car).

Why Visit: Electric hub to dive into Orán’s cultural pulse and subtropical warmth.

Fiesta de San Ramón Nonato

A lively festival in August, this religious celebration honours Orán’s patron saint with vibrant processions, traditional dances, and delectable street food. Held in the city centre, it attracts locals and visitors for a joyful showcase of faith and culture.

Distance: ~7 km (10–15 min by car, city centre).

Why Visit: Thrilling immersion in Orán’s spiritual and festive traditions, perfect for cultural revelry.

Reserva Natural Yungas

A lush jungle reserve 30 km away, this biodiverse haven teems with toucans, monkeys, and exotic orchids. Guided trails and canopy tours offer a thrilling plunge into the Yungas’ emerald wilderness, showcasing Argentina’s subtropical splendour.

Distance: ~30 km (30–40 min by car).

Why Visit: Exhilarating eco-adventure in a pristine rainforest, ideal for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Museo Antropológico de Orán

A captivating museum is 7 km away. It showcases the region’s Guaraní and Wichi heritage with ancient pottery and woven textiles and exhibits on Orán’s agricultural past. Its displays spark curiosity about the Yungas’ Indigenous roots.

Distance: ~7 km (10–15 min by car).

Why Visit: Deep dive into Orán’s cultural and historical narrative, a must for history enthusiasts.

Río Bermejo

This waterway is a scenic river 20 km away and offers fishing, kayaking, and serene picnics along its lush banks. Its tranquil setting and proximity to Indigenous communities blend adventure and cultural discovery.

Distance: ~20 km (20–25 min by car).

Why Visit: Heart-pounding outdoor pursuits in a subtropical paradise, perfect for explorers.

Additional Notes

Connectivity: 250 km from Salta (4–5 hr by car/bus, Ruta Nacional 50). The nearest commercial airport is SASA (Salta, 250 km).

Accessibility: Urban attractions 7–10 km (taxi: 1,200–2,500 ARS); rural sites require car/tours. Buses to Salta (250 km), Tartagal (120 km).

Seasonal Highlights: August for San Ramón Nonato Festival; summer (Dec–Feb) for river activities; spring (Sep–Nov) for mild weather and jungle tours.

Practical Tips: Carry ARS; book accommodations (e.g., Hotel Alto Verde) for festivals; savour tamales at Comedor La Yungueña. Contact Aeroclub Orán (+54 3878 421 234) for ground handling.