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Viedma Airport Overview
Viedma Airport (IATA: VDM, ICAO: SAVV), also known as Gobernador Edgardo Castello Airport, is a public airport serving Viedma in Río Negro Province, Argentina. Located on the Patagonian coast near the Río Negro, it’s about 6 km southwest of the city centre. This airport connects the capital of Río Negro, known for its riverfront, apple orchards, and nearby beaches, to the rest of Argentina. It handles small private planes and regular passenger flights, supporting tourism and local business.
General Information
Serves: Viedma, Río Negro Province, Argentina
Country: Argentina
ICAO: SAVV
IATA: VDM
Elevation: 20 feet (6 meters)
Coordinates: 40°51′55″S 63°00′02″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: ~6 km southwest of Viedma 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 Viedma; see contact below)
Operational Details
Runways: 1
Longest Runway: 2,580 x 45 meters (8,465 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 (Viedma VOR/DME, Ident: VDM, 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 Viedma for small planes, handling parking, refuelling, and passenger services. Call Aeroclub Viedma at +54 2920 421 234 (not confirmed; general contact for Viedma 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, ~800 km)
- SAAR (Rosario, ~900 km)
- SARI (Iguazú, ~1,800 km)
- Recommended: SAZB (Bahía Blanca, ~300 km), SAZS (Bariloche, ~800 km)
Contact Numbers
Police: +54 2920 422 111 (Viedma Police)
Fire: +54 2920 421 100 (Viedma Fire Department)
Customs: Not available
Airport Authority/Ground Handler: +54 2920 421 234 (Aeroclub Viedma, 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 Austral (nice, central)
- Hotel Peumayen (comfy, medium price)
- Hostal La Comarca (cheap)
- Currency: Argentine Peso (ARS)
Tourist Attractions Near Viedma Airport
Viedma, a charming city 6 km from the airport, is full of life along the Río Negro in Patagonia. Known for its scenic riverfront, apple and pear farms, and nearby beaches like El Cóndor, it’s an excellent spot for relaxing and exploring. You can reach fun places within 6–50 km by car or taxi in 10–60 minutes.
Costanera de Viedma
This pretty riverfront, 6 km away, has a walkway along the Río Negro with spots to sit, bike, or enjoy the view. It’s lively, with cafes and people chilling out.
Distance: ~6 km (10–15 min by car).
Why Visit: Going for a relaxing walk or bike ride by the river is fun.
Playa El Cóndor
A sandy beach 30 km away, perfect for swimming, fishing, or watching seabirds. It’s a quiet coastal spot with enormous cliffs and a chill vibe.
Distance: ~30 km (30–40 min by car).
Why Visit: Great for beach time and enjoying Patagonia’s coast.
Museo Histórico Regional
There is a cool museum 6 km away that shows Viedma’s history with old tools, photos, and stories about the Patagonian settlers and native people.
Distance: ~6 km (10–15 min by car).
Why Visit: It is fantastic for learning about Viedma’s past and Patagonia’s roots.
Parque Ferreira
A green park 7 km away with trees, a small lake, and places to picnic or play. It’s a lovely spot for families or a calm afternoon outdoors.
Distance: ~7 km (10–15 min by car).
Why Visit: Relaxing or playing in a pretty park is fun.
La Loberia
A coastal reserve 50 km away where you can see sea lions lounging on the beach. The cliffs and ocean views make it a wild, exciting place to visit.
Distance: ~50 km (50–60 min by car).
Why Visit: It is cool to spot sea lions and explore the rugged coast.
Additional Notes
Connectivity: It’s 800 km from Buenos Aires (9–10 hr by car or bus on Ruta Nacional 3). The closest airport with more flights is SAZB (Bahía Blanca, 300 km).
Accessibility: City spots are 6–7 km away (taxi: 1,500–3,000 ARS); farther places need a car or tour. Buses go to Bahía Blanca (300 km) or Bariloche (800 km).
Seasonal Highlights: Summer (Dec–Feb) is best for beaches and river fun; spring (Sep–Nov) is nice for parks and mild weather; winter (Jun–Aug) is quiet.
Practical Tips: Bring ARS cash; book a place to stay (like Hotel Austral) for summer; try local apples or asado at Restaurante El Brete. Call Aeroclub Viedma (+54 2920 421 234) or Aeropuertos Argentina 2000 (+54 11 3987 4150) for plane help.
