Trelew Airport Overview

Trelew Airport (IATA: REL, ICAO: SAVT), also known as Almirante Marcos A. Zar Airport, is a public airport serving Trelew in Chubut Province, Argentina. It’s located in the Patagonian steppe, about 7 km northeast of the city centre. This airport connects a key Patagonian city known for its Welsh heritage, nearby penguin colonies, and gateway to Peninsula Valdés to the rest of Argentina. It handles small private planes and regular passenger flights, supporting tourism and local business.

General Information

Serves: Trelew, Chubut Province, Argentina

Country: Argentina

ICAO: SAVT

IATA: REL

Elevation: 141 feet (43 meters)

Coordinates: 43°12′37″S 65°16′13″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: ~7 km northeast of Trelew 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 Trelew; see contact below)

Operational Details

Runways: 1

Longest Runway: 2,570 x 45 meters (8,432 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: 118.7 MHz (check with airport)

Ground Frequency: 121.9 MHz (check with the airport)

Navaid: Yes (Trelew VOR/DME, Ident: TRE, 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 Trelew for small planes, handling parking, refuelling, and passenger services. Call Aeroclub Trelew at +54 280 421 234 (not confirmed; general contact for Trelew 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, ~1,100 km)  
  • SAAR (Rosario, ~1,200 km)  
  • SARI (Iguazú, ~2,000 km)  
  • Recommended: SAVC (Comodoro Rivadavia, ~350 km), SAZB (Bahía Blanca, ~500 km)

Contact Numbers

Police: +54 280 422 111 (Trelew Police)

Fire: +54 280 421 100 (Trelew Fire Department)

Customs: Not available

Airport Authority/Ground Handler: +54 280 421 234 (Aeroclub Trelew, 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: 1,500–3,000 ARS)

Accommodation:  

  • Hotel Libertador (nice, central)  
  • Hotel Touring Club (comfy, medium price)  
  • Hostal La Casa del Sol (cheap)
  • Currency: Argentine Peso (ARS)

Tourist Attractions Near Trelew Airport

Trelew, a welcoming city 7 km from the airport, is full of Patagonian charm. Known for its Welsh settler history, nearby penguin colonies, and as a base for exploring Peninsula Valdés, it’s an excellent spot for nature and culture. Fun places can be reached within 7–50 km by car or taxi in 10–60 minutes.

Museo Paleontológico Egidio Feruglio

A world-class dinosaur museum 7 km away with giant fossils, like a 70-foot Patagotitan, and cool exhibits about Patagonia’s prehistoric past.

Distance: ~7 km (10–15 min by car).

Why Visit: Seeing giant dinosaur bones and learning about ancient life is exciting.

Plaza Independencia

The City’s main square, 7 km away, is lively with trees, a fountain, and people chilling out. It’s great for grabbing a snack or seeing local vendors.

Distance: ~7 km (10–15 min by car).

Why Visit: This spot is fun to feel Trelew’s friendly vibe and history.

Punta Tombo Penguin Colony

A massive penguin reserve 50 km away where thousands of Magellanic penguins waddle and nest. Walkways let you get close to these cute birds.

Distance: ~50 km (50–60 min by car).

Why Visit: Awesome for watching penguins in their natural home.

Gaiman Welsh Village

It is a charming town 20 km away with Welsh-style tea houses, historic buildings, and tasty scones. It feels like a step back to the 1800s.

Distance: ~20 km (20–30 min by car).

Why Visit: Great for enjoying tea and exploring unique Welsh culture in Patagonia.

Laguna Chiquichano

A peaceful lake 8 km away with walking paths, birdwatching, and picnic spots. It’s a calm place to relax near the City.

Distance: ~8 km (10–15 min by car).

Why Visit: Chilling in nature and spotting local birds is fun.

Additional Notes

Connectivity: It’s 1,100 km from Buenos Aires (14–15 hr by car or bus on Ruta Nacional 3). The closest airport with more flights is SAVC (Comodoro Rivadavia, 350 km).

Accessibility: City spots are 7–8 km away (taxi: 1,500–3,000 ARS); farther places need a car or tour. Buses go to Comodoro Rivadavia (350 km) or Puerto Madryn (60 km).

Seasonal Highlights: Summer (Dec–Feb) is excellent for penguins and beaches; spring (Sep–Nov) is nice for mild weather; winter (Jun–Aug) is quiet.

Practical Tips: Bring ARS cash; book a place to stay (like Hotel Libertador) for busy times; try Welsh tea and cakes at Casa de Té Ty Gwyn in Gaiman. Call Aeroclub Trelew (+54 280 421 234) or Aeropuertos Argentina 2000 (+54 11 3987 4150) for plane help.