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San Juan Airport Overview
San Juan Airport (IATA: UAQ, ICAO: SANU), also known as Domingo Faustino Sarmiento Airport, is a public airport serving San Juan in San Juan Province, Argentina. Located in the scenic Cuyo region, it’s about 12 km southeast of the city centre. This airport connects the capital of San Juan, known for its wine country, Andean foothills, and historic sites, to the rest of Argentina. It handles small private planes and regular passenger flights, supporting tourism and local business.
General Information
Serves: San Juan, San Juan Province, Argentina
Country: Argentina
ICAO: SANU
IATA: UAQ
Elevation: 1,959 feet (597 meters)
Coordinates: 31°34′17″S 68°25′06″W
Airport Type: Public (small planes and regular passenger flights)
Domestic/International: Domestic (no international services)
Timezone: UTC-3 (Argentina Time, no daylight savings)
Distance from City: ~12 km southeast of San Juan city centre (15–20 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 San Juan; see contact below)
Operational Details
Runways: 1
Longest Runway: 2,460 x 45 meters (8,071 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: 118.3 MHz (check with airport)
Ground Frequency: 121.9 MHz (check with the airport)
Navaid: Yes (San Juan VOR/DME, Ident: SJA, on-site)
AOE (Airport of Entry): No
Type of Aircraft Handled: Small to medium planes (like Cessna, Piper, Boeing 737)
Terminal Capacity: Small passenger terminal (handles regular flights)
Cargo Capacity: Limited (primarily 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 San Juan for small planes, handling parking, refuelling, and passenger services. Call Aeroclub San Juan at +54 264 421 234 (not confirmed; general contact for San Juan 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, ~1,000 km)
- SAAR (Rosario, ~800 km)
- SARI (Iguazú, ~1,500 km)
- Recommended: SAME (Mendoza, ~150 km), SAOU (San Luis, ~300 km)
Contact Numbers
Police: +54 264 422 111 (San Juan Police)
Fire: +54 264 421 100 (San Juan Fire Department)
Customs: Not available
Airport Authority/Ground Handler: +54 264 421 234 (Aeroclub San Juan, 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, Cañada 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: 1,500–3,000 ARS)
Accommodation:
- Hotel Alkazar (nice, central)
- Hotel América (comfy, medium price)
- Hostal San Juan (cheap)
- Currency: Argentine Peso (ARS)
Tourist Attractions Near San Juan Airport
San Juan, a vibrant city 12 km from the airport, is full of life in Argentina’s Cuyo region. It’s a great spot for culture and outdoor fun, known for its wine vineyards, Andean views, and historic charm. You can reach exciting places within 12–50 km by car or taxi in 15–60 minutes.
Plaza 25 de Mayo
The City’s main square, 12 km away, is lively with old buildings like the Catedral de San Juan and shady trees. It’s perfect for people-watching or grabbing a snack.
Distance: ~12 km (15–20 min by car).
Why Visit: Fun place to feel San Juan’s history and energy.
Dique de Ullum
It is a beautiful reservoir 20 km away, great for kayaking, fishing, or relaxing by the water. Mountains surround it, and it has picnic spots.
Distance: ~20 km (20–30 min by car).
Why Visit: Awesome for water activities and chilling in nature.
Museo de la Memoria Urbana
A cool museum 12 km away tells the story of San Juan’s past, including its big 1944 earthquake, with photos and artefacts.
Distance: ~12 km (15–20 min by car).
Why Visit: Great for learning about the City’s history and resilience.
Ruta del Vino
There is a wine trail starting 15 km away. It includes vineyards like Bodega Graffigna, where you can taste Malbec and tour cellars. It’s a tasty adventure.
Distance: ~15 km (20–25 min by car).
Why Visit: Super fun for wine lovers and exploring local flavours.
Parque Provincial Ischigualasto
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, also called Valle de la Luna, is 50 km away, and it offers weird rock formations, dinosaur fossils, and epic desert views.
Distance: ~50 km (50–60 min by car).
Why Visit: Exciting for hiking and seeing an otherworldly landscape.
Additional Notes
Connectivity: It’s 1,000 km from Buenos Aires (11–12 hr by car or bus on Ruta Nacional 20). SAME (Mendoza, 150 km) is the closest airport with more flights.
Accessibility: City spots are 12–15 km away (taxi: 1,500–3,000 ARS); farther places need a car or tour. Buses go to Mendoza (150 km) or San Luis (300 km).
Seasonal Highlights: Summer (Dec–Feb) is excellent for wine tours; spring (Sep–Nov) is for hiking and mild weather; winter (Jun–Aug) is quiet.
Practical Tips: Bring ARS cash; book a place to stay (like Hotel Alkazar) for busy times; try local empanadas at Restaurante La Cañada. Call Aeroclub San Juan (+54 264 421 234) or Aeropuertos Argentina 2000 (+54 11 3987 4150) for plane help.
