Airports in Chile: Where to Land and Take Off

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Published by Raul Silva M. | Travel News About the Author
Passenger airplane parked near the terminal at Diego Aracena Airport in Iquique, northern Chile
Image: Junta de Aeronáutica Civil (JAC)

Chile’s airport network plays a vital role in connecting one of the world’s longest and most geographically diverse countries. Stretching for more than 4,300 km (2,670 miles) along South America’s Pacific coast, Chile relies heavily on air transportation to link major cities, remote communities, tourist destinations, and extreme southern territories.

From the Atacama Desert in the north to the fjords and glaciers of Patagonia in the far south, airports in Chile provide essential access to regions separated by vast distances, mountains, islands, and rugged terrain. The country’s busiest terminals handle millions of passengers each year, serving domestic routes, international connections, cargo operations, and scientific missions.

Santiago’s Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport is the nation’s primary aviation hub and one of the busiest airports in South America, offering direct flights to destinations across the Americas, Europe, and Oceania. Other major airports such as Antofagasta, Calama, Iquique, Puerto Montt, and Punta Arenas are also crucial for tourism, mining, trade, and regional connectivity.

Southern Chilean airports, especially Punta Arenas, additionally serve as strategic gateways to Antarctica during the austral summer season, supporting tourist expeditions, logistics operations, and international scientific research in the Antarctic territory.

In this guide, we explore Chile’s main airports, including their locations, importance, passenger services, and the regions they serve — from the northern deserts to Easter Island and the southernmost areas of the continent.

Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport

  • City: Santiago de Chile
  • IATA Airport Code: SCL
  • ICAO Airport Code: SCEL
  • Aeropuerto Internacional Arturo Merino Benítez (AMB), also known as Santiago International Airport and Nuevo Pudahuel, is Chile’s main international gateway and the busiest airport in the country. Located approximately 17 km northwest of downtown Santiago, the airport was inaugurated in 1967 and named after Arturo Merino Benítez, a pioneering figure in Chilean aviation and founder of the Chilean Air Force.
  • Following major modernization and expansion projects completed in recent years, the airport now has the capacity to handle around 38 million passengers annually. Its infrastructure includes modern domestic and international terminals, dozens of boarding bridges, advanced baggage systems, and two runways capable of receiving the world’s largest commercial aircraft, including the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747.
  • Terminal 1 primarily serves domestic flights, while Terminal 2 handles most international operations. The airport functions as the main hub for LATAM Airlines and Sky Airline, connecting Chile with destinations across South America, North America, Europe, Oceania, and the Caribbean.
  • Thanks to its strategic location on the Pacific side of South America, Santiago International Airport is one of the region’s most important long-haul aviation hubs. It offers direct flights to cities such as Buenos Aires, Lima, São Paulo, Bogotá, Miami, Madrid, Paris, London, Sydney, and Auckland. It is also one of the few airports in Latin America with nonstop connections to Oceania.
  • In addition to passenger operations, the airport plays a key role in cargo transportation, tourism, business travel, and Chile’s export industry, especially for fresh products shipped to international markets.
  • Official Website

Chacalluta International Airport

  • City: Arica
  • IATA Airport Code: ARI
  • ICAO Airport Code: SCAR
  • Aeropuerto Internacional Chacalluta is the northernmost international airport in Chile and one of the country’s most strategically located air terminals. Situated about 18 km north of the city of Arica and only a few kilometers from the border with Peru, the airport serves as an important gateway for tourism, regional commerce, and cross-border travel in the Arica and Parinacota Region.
  • The airport has undergone modernization and expansion projects in recent years, improving passenger areas, security systems, and operational capacity. Its modern terminal offers services such as restaurants, cafés, car rental companies, shops, parking areas, and VIP lounges for travelers.
  • Chacalluta International Airport is easily accessible from downtown Arica, with a travel time of approximately 15 to 20 minutes by car. Due to Arica’s location near the borders of Peru and Bolivia, the airport also plays a key role in northern Chile’s international connectivity and tourism industry.
  • Airlines commonly operating at the airport include LATAM Airlines, Sky Airline, and JetSmart, mainly offering domestic flights to Santiago and other Chilean cities. Seasonal and international operations may also be available depending on demand.

Diego Aracena International Airport

  • City: Iquique
  • IATA Airport Code: IQQ
  • ICAO Airport Code: SCDA
  • Aeropuerto Internacional Diego Aracena serves the Tarapacá Region in northern Chile and is one of the country’s most important airports outside Santiago. Located approximately 45 km (28 miles) south of the coastal city of Iquique, the airport operates as both a civilian and military facility, sharing its grounds with the Los Cóndores Air Force Base of the Chilean Air Force.
  • The airport is named after Diego Aracena Aguilar, who served as Commander-in-Chief of the Chilean Air Force between 1932 and 1938. Due to its strategic location in northern Chile, the terminal plays a major role in regional tourism, business travel, mining-related transportation, and connections with the country’s far north.
  • Diego Aracena International Airport operates 24 hours a day and has a modern passenger terminal equipped with services such as restaurants, cafés, VIP lounges, free Wi-Fi, car rental companies, parking facilities, and souvenir shops. The airport’s long runway is also capable of accommodating large commercial aircraft.
  • In recent years, the airport has handled nearly two million passengers annually, mainly on domestic routes connecting Iquique with Santiago and other Chilean cities. Airlines commonly operating there include LATAM Airlines, Sky Airline, JetSmart, and Aerovías DAP. Seasonal or occasional international flights to neighboring South American countries may also operate depending on market demand.

Andrés Sabella International Airport

  • City: Antofagasta
  • IATA Airport Code: ANF
  • ICAO Airport Code: SCFA
  • Aeropuerto Internacional Andrés Sabella is one of the main airports in northern Chile and the primary air gateway to the Antofagasta Region. Located approximately 24 km north of the city of Antofagasta, the airport serves both domestic and limited international operations, supporting tourism, mining activities, and business travel throughout the region.
  • Named after renowned Chilean writer and poet Andrés Sabella, the airport features modern passenger facilities designed to handle the high volume of travelers associated with northern Chile’s mining industry. It is considered one of the busiest airports outside Santiago due to the economic importance of the Antofagasta Region.
  • Andrés Sabella International Airport also serves as an important gateway for visitors heading to the Atacama Desert and other tourist attractions in northern Chile. The terminal offers services such as restaurants, cafés, shops, parking facilities, car rental companies, VIP lounges, and free Wi-Fi for passengers.
  • The airport maintains regular connections with Santiago, Calama, La Serena, and other Chilean cities through airlines such as LATAM Airlines, Sky Airline, and JetSmart. International and charter operations may also be available depending on seasonal demand and regional connectivity.
  • In recent years, the airport has incorporated sustainability and energy-efficiency initiatives, including the partial use of solar energy, reflecting the growing importance of renewable energy projects in northern Chile.
  • Official Website

El Loa Airport

  • City: Calama
  • IATA Airport Code: CJC
  • ICAO Airport Code: SCCF
  • Aeropuerto El Loa is one of the busiest and most important airports in northern Chile. Located approximately 6 km south of the city of Calama, the airport is widely considered the main air gateway to the Atacama Desert and the world-famous tourist destination of San Pedro de Atacama and the Moon Valley .
  • Due to its strategic location in the Antofagasta Region, El Loa Airport plays a fundamental role not only in tourism but also in Chile’s mining industry. Thousands of mining workers and business travelers pass through the terminal each year, making it one of the country’s highest-traffic regional airports.
  • The airport offers regular domestic flights mainly to Santiago and other northern Chilean cities through airlines such as LATAM Airlines, Sky Airline, and JetSmart. Its passenger terminal includes restaurants, cafés, car rental companies, parking facilities, waiting areas, and other modern traveler services.
  • In recent years, El Loa Airport has undergone modernization projects aimed at increasing operational capacity and improving passenger experience. Since 2023, a concession led by Sacyr Concesiones and Agunsa has overseen long-term infrastructure upgrades designed to support the continued growth of tourism and mining-related transportation in northern Chile.

Mataveri International Airport

  • City: Hanga Roa, Rapa Nui (Easter Island)
  • IATA Airport Code: IPC
  • ICAO Airport Code: SCIP
  • Aeropuerto Internacional Mataveri is the main gateway to remote Easter Island , also known as Rapa Nui. Located near the town of Hanga Roa, the airport is one of the most isolated commercial airports in the world, situated approximately 3,700 km (2,300 miles) west of mainland Chile in the southeastern Pacific Ocean.
  • Mataveri International Airport plays a crucial role in connecting Easter Island with the outside world. Regular flights link the island with Santiago de Chile, while seasonal services may also connect Rapa Nui with Papeete in Tahiti, French Polynesia. Due to the island’s remote location, the airport is considered a strategic transportation hub in the Pacific.
  • One of the airport’s most remarkable features is its 3,318-meter (10,886 ft) runway, which was expanded with NASA support during the Space Shuttle era to serve as a potential emergency landing site for spacecraft. Today, the runway is capable of accommodating large long-haul aircraft operating over the Pacific Ocean.
  • Despite its relatively small size, the airport offers essential traveler services including cafés, transportation options, souvenir shops, tourist information, and car rental services. Visitors arriving at Mataveri are often welcomed with traditional flower necklaces and cultural elements reflecting the island’s Polynesian heritage.
  • LATAM Airlines is currently the main operator at the airport, providing scheduled passenger services between Easter Island and mainland Chile. Mataveri International Airport is not only an air terminal but also the starting point for exploring one of the world’s most fascinating archaeological and cultural destinations, famous for its iconic Moai statues and unique Polynesian traditions.

Desierto de Atacama Airport

  • Cities Served: Copiapó and Caldera
  • IATA Airport Code: CPO
  • ICAO Airport Code: SCAT
  • Aeropuerto Desierto de Atacama is the main airport serving the Atacama Region in northern Chile. Located between the coastal city of Caldera and the regional capital of Copiapó, the airport acts as an important gateway for tourism, mining operations, and business travel in one of the country’s most economically significant desert regions.
  • The airport provides convenient access to popular destinations such as Bahía Inglesa, Caldera, the Atacama Desert, and areas where the famous Desierto Florido phenomenon occasionally transforms the desert into a colorful landscape after unusual rainfall events.
  • Desierto de Atacama Airport is located approximately 50 km northwest of Copiapó and about 20 km south of Caldera. The region’s dry and stable climate generally favors reliable flight operations with fewer weather-related disruptions compared to other parts of Chile.
  • The modern passenger terminal includes air-conditioned waiting areas, cafés, basic shops, parking facilities, car rental services, and other amenities designed to provide a comfortable travel experience for visitors and business travelers alike.
  • The airport mainly handles domestic flights connecting the Atacama Region with Santiago and other Chilean cities. Airlines such as LATAM Airlines, Sky Airline, and JetSmart operate regular services from the terminal.

La Florida International Airport

  • Cities Served: La Serena and Coquimbo
  • IATA Airport Code: LSC
  • ICAO Airport Code: SCSE
  • Aeropuerto La Florida is the main airport serving the cities of La Serena and Coquimbo in Chile’s Coquimbo Region, also known as the Norte Chico. Located approximately 6 km east of downtown La Serena, the airport is an important transportation hub for tourism, regional business, and domestic travel along Chile’s north-central coast.
  • La Florida International Airport experiences a significant increase in passenger traffic during the summer season, when thousands of visitors travel to the region’s beaches, coastal resorts, museums, and nearby attractions such as the Elqui Valley, one of South America’s leading destinations for astronomy and astrotourism.
  • The airport features a modern passenger terminal with services including cafés, shops, parking facilities, internet access, car rental companies, and transportation options such as taxis and buses. Accessibility infrastructure for passengers with reduced mobility is also available.
  • Domestic routes are mainly operated by LATAM Airlines, Sky Airline, and JetSmart, connecting La Serena with Santiago and other Chilean cities. Due to the growing tourism industry in the Coquimbo Region, the airport has also explored future international connections with destinations in neighboring Argentina.

Carriel Sur International Airport

  • Cities Served: Concepción and Talcahuano
  • IATA Airport Code: CCP
  • ICAO Airport Code: SCIE
  • Aeropuerto Carriel Sur is one of the most important airports in southern Chile and the main air gateway to the Biobío Region. Located approximately 6 km south of downtown Concepción and near the port city of Talcahuano, the airport plays a strategic role in regional transportation, tourism, commerce, and industrial activity.
  • Carriel Sur International Airport serves as a major alternative to Santiago’s Arturo Merino Benítez Airport, particularly during adverse weather conditions or operational disruptions in central Chile. Since receiving international airport status in 2009, the terminal has expanded its operational capabilities and passenger services.
  • The airport was inaugurated in 1968 during the administration of President Eduardo Frei Montalva. Its name comes from the area known historically as Carriel Sur, where the airport was originally constructed.
  • Carriel Sur is recognized for its modern infrastructure and operational reliability. The airport features advanced Instrument Landing System (ILS) technology, allowing aircraft to operate safely even under low-visibility conditions common in southern Chile.
  • In recent years, the airport has also incorporated sustainability initiatives, including the use of asphalt pavement modified with recycled polymers, becoming one of the first airports in Chile to adopt this environmentally focused technology.
  • Airlines such as LATAM Airlines, Sky Airline, and JetSmart operate regular domestic routes connecting Concepción with Santiago and other Chilean cities. The terminal includes cafés, shops, parking facilities, car rental services, and passenger waiting areas.
  • Official Website

La Araucanía International Airport

  • City Served: Temuco
  • IATA Airport Code: ZCO
  • ICAO Airport Code: SCQP
  • Aeropuerto La Araucanía is the main airport serving the Araucanía Region in southern Chile. Located approximately 20 km south of Temuco near the town of Freire, the airport functions as the primary air gateway to one of Chile’s most important areas for nature tourism, outdoor recreation, and Mapuche culture.
  • Opened in 2014, the modern terminal replaced the older Maquehue Airport and was designed with architectural elements inspired by the region’s natural landscapes and the cultural heritage of the Mapuche people, the largest Indigenous group in Chile.
  • La Araucanía International Airport provides convenient access to some of southern Chile’s most visited destinations, including Pucón, Villarrica, Conguillío National Park, Lake Budi, Corralco Mountain Resort, volcanic landscapes, hot springs, lakes, forests, and ski centers in the Andes Mountains.
  • The airport currently handles mainly domestic operations, with regular flights connecting Temuco to Santiago and other Chilean cities through airlines such as LATAM Airlines, Sky Airline, and JetSmart. The terminal includes cafés, car rental services, parking facilities, waiting areas, and modern passenger amenities.
  • Although most operations are domestic, the airport has also received international charter and special flights. During the 2015 Copa América held in Chile, the terminal welcomed international delegations including the national teams of Brazil and Peru.
  • In recent years, La Araucanía Airport has experienced sustained passenger growth driven by tourism and regional economic development, consolidating its position as one of the most important regional airports in southern Chile.

Pichoy Airport

  • City Served: Valdivia
  • IATA Airport Code: ZAL
  • ICAO Airport Code: SCVD
  • Aeropuerto Pichoy is the main airport serving the city of Valdivia and the Los Ríos Region in southern Chile. Located approximately 32 km northeast of downtown Valdivia, the airport provides essential air connectivity for tourism, business travel, and regional transportation in one of the country’s greenest and rainiest areas.
  • Opened in 1999 to replace the former Las Marías Aerodrome, Pichoy Airport was designed to improve operational capacity and accommodate the growing demand for air travel in the region. Its name comes from the rural sector where the terminal is located, reflecting its connection to the local geography and countryside.
  • The airport serves as an important gateway to Valdivia’s rivers, forests, German heritage, seafood gastronomy, and nearby natural attractions. It also provides access to destinations such as the coastal areas of Niebla and Corral, as well as lakes, rivers, and protected natural areas in southern Chile.
  • Pichoy Airport mainly handles domestic flights operated by airlines such as LATAM Airlines, Sky Airline, and JetSmart, connecting Valdivia with Santiago and other Chilean cities. The passenger terminal includes cafés, parking facilities, waiting areas, and car rental services.
  • One of the airport’s most distinctive characteristics is its scenic natural setting. During takeoff and landing, passengers can often enjoy panoramic views of rivers, wetlands, forests, and the lush landscapes typical of the Los Ríos Region.
  • Due to increasing tourism and regional development, proposals for future infrastructure expansion and operational improvements have periodically been discussed in recent years to strengthen Valdivia’s air connectivity.

Cañal Bajo Carlos Hott Siebert Airport

  • City Served: Osorno
  • IATA Airport Code: ZOS
  • ICAO Airport Code: SCJO
  • Aeropuerto Cañal Bajo Carlos Hott Siebert is the main airport serving the city of Osorno and the northern sector of Chile’s Los Lagos Region. Located approximately 7 km east of downtown Osorno, the airport plays an important role in connecting southern Chile with Santiago and other national destinations.
  • Opened in 1981, the airport replaced the older Cañal Bajo airfield infrastructure and has since become an important transportation hub for tourism, agriculture, livestock industries, and regional business activity. Its strategic location also provides convenient access to nearby attractions such as Puyehue National Park, the lakes district, volcanic landscapes, and routes leading toward Argentine Patagonia.
  • The airport is named after Carlos Hott Siebert, a pioneer of Chilean aviation and a well-known businessman associated with the development of the Osorno area and southern Chile.
  • Cañal Bajo Airport mainly handles domestic passenger flights operated by airlines such as LATAM Airlines and Sky Airline, with regular connections to Santiago. During peak tourism seasons, the airport experiences increased passenger traffic due to the popularity of southern Chile among both Chilean and international visitors.
  • Although relatively small compared to larger Chilean airports, the terminal offers essential passenger services including cafés, parking facilities, car rental companies, waiting areas, and ground transportation options.
  • In recent years, regional authorities and tourism sectors have highlighted the importance of improving airport infrastructure and connectivity as southern Chile continues to grow as a destination for nature tourism, outdoor activities, and international travel.

El Tepual International Airport

  • City Served: Puerto Montt
  • IATA Airport Code: PMC
  • ICAO Airport Code: SCTE
  • Aeropuerto El Tepual is the main airport serving Puerto Montt and Chile’s Los Lagos Region. Located approximately 16 km west of downtown Puerto Montt, the airport functions as one of the most important transportation hubs in southern Chile and a major gateway to Patagonia, the Chilean fjords, and the country’s lakes district.
  • El Tepual International Airport provides convenient access to some of southern Chile’s best-known tourist destinations, including Puerto Varas, Frutillar, Chiloé Island, Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, Petrohué Falls, the Andean lakes region, and routes connecting with both Chilean and Argentine Patagonia.
  • Due to its strategic location, the airport plays a key role not only in tourism but also in regional commerce, salmon industry operations, cargo transportation, and connectivity with remote areas of southern Chile.
  • The airport handles mainly domestic flights operated by LATAM Airlines, Sky Airline, JetSmart, and regional carriers, connecting Puerto Montt with Santiago and other Chilean cities. International and charter operations may also occur depending on seasonal demand and tourism activity.
  • In recent years, El Tepual has undergone several modernization and expansion projects aimed at improving passenger capacity and operational efficiency as tourism in southern Chile continues to grow. The terminal includes restaurants, cafés, car rental services, parking areas, VIP lounges, and other traveler amenities.
  • Because Puerto Montt is located in a region characterized by frequent rainfall, fog, and rapidly changing weather conditions, the airport maintains advanced navigation and operational systems to ensure safe flights throughout the year.
  • The surrounding area is internationally recognized for its volcanic landscapes, lakes, forests, seafood gastronomy, and cultural heritage shaped by both German immigration and southern Chilean traditions, making El Tepual Airport one of the country’s most important tourism gateways.

Balmaceda Airport

  • Cities Served: Balmaceda and Coyhaique
  • IATA Airport Code: BBA
  • ICAO Airport Code: SCBA
  • Aeropuerto Balmaceda is the main airport serving the Aysén Region in Chilean Patagonia. Located near the town of Balmaceda and approximately 55 km southeast of Coyhaique, the regional capital, the airport is the principal air gateway to one of the most remote and spectacular regions of southern Chile.
  • Balmaceda Airport plays a crucial role in connecting Patagonia with the rest of the country, offering regular domestic flights mainly to Santiago, Puerto Montt, and other southern Chilean destinations through airlines such as LATAM Airlines, Sky Airline, and JetSmart.
  • Surrounded by mountains, valleys, forests, rivers, and open Patagonian landscapes, the airport serves as an important starting point for travelers exploring attractions such as the Carretera Austral, Cerro Castillo National Park, Queulat National Park, marble caves, remote fjords, and the glaciers of the Aysén Region.
  • Although relatively small compared to Chile’s largest airports, Balmaceda Airport has infrastructure capable of accommodating medium-sized commercial aircraft and handling the growing number of tourists visiting Chilean Patagonia each year.
  • The passenger terminal includes essential traveler services such as waiting areas, cafés, parking facilities, car rental companies, souvenir shops, and ground transportation connecting the airport with Coyhaique and nearby destinations.
  • Weather conditions in the Aysén Region can change rapidly throughout the year. Strong winds, snowfall, fog, and winter storms occasionally affect flight operations, making Balmaceda one of the airports in Chile where pilots frequently operate under demanding Patagonian weather conditions.
  • In addition to scheduled commercial flights, the airport also supports charter services, regional aviation, tourism logistics, and connectivity for isolated communities across Patagonia.

Teniente Julio Gallardo Airport

  • City Served: Puerto Natales
  • IATA Airport Code: PNT
  • ICAO Airport Code: SCNT
  • Aeródromo Teniente Julio Gallardo is the main airport serving Puerto Natales and one of the principal gateways to Chilean Patagonia. Located approximately 7 km north of the city, the airport provides direct access to some of southern Chile’s most iconic natural attractions, especially Torres del Paine National Park.
  • In recent years, Puerto Natales Airport has experienced remarkable growth due to the international popularity of Patagonia tourism. Seasonal flights operated by airlines such as LATAM Airlines, Sky Airline, and JetSmart connect Puerto Natales mainly with Santiago and other Chilean cities during the high tourism season.
  • The airport is considered the closest and most convenient air gateway to Torres del Paine National Park, located less than two hours away by road. This has significantly reduced travel times for visitors exploring Patagonia compared to routes through Punta Arenas.
  • Puerto Natales also serves as a strategic base for excursions to glaciers, fjords, trekking routes, wildlife observation areas, and navigation through the Última Esperanza Sound. The region attracts travelers from around the world interested in hiking, photography, mountaineering, and nature tourism.
  • Due to Patagonia’s demanding climate, airport operations are strongly influenced by weather conditions such as strong winds, snowfall, fog, and rapidly changing temperatures, especially during autumn and winter.
  • In response to increasing tourism demand, infrastructure improvements and modernization projects have expanded the airport’s operational capacity and passenger services in recent years.
  • The airport is named after Lieutenant Julio Gallardo, a Chilean aviator remembered for his contributions to aviation and connectivity in the remote Magallanes region.

Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport

  • City Served: Punta Arenas
  • IATA Airport Code: PUQ
  • ICAO Airport Code: SCCI
  • Aeropuerto Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo is the main airport serving Punta Arenas and the Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica Region. Located approximately 22 km north of downtown Punta Arenas, it is one of the southernmost international airports in the world and the principal air gateway to Chilean Patagonia and Antarctica.
  • Named after former Chilean president Carlos Ibáñez del Campo, the airport handles domestic, international, military, scientific, and charter operations. It plays a strategic role in connecting southern Chile with Santiago, Puerto Montt, Puerto Natales, and other Patagonian destinations.
  • The airport shares infrastructure with Chabunco Air Base, headquarters of the Chilean Air Force’s IV Air Brigade, making it an important dual-use civilian and military facility in southern South America.
  • Punta Arenas Airport is internationally recognized as one of the main departure points for expeditions to Antarctica. During the austral summer, it receives scientific missions, logistics operations, and charter flights transporting researchers, support personnel, and tourists heading to the Antarctic continent.
  • The airport also serves as a major gateway to Chilean Patagonia, providing access to iconic destinations such as Torres del Paine National Park , Tierra del Fuego, the Strait of Magellan, and numerous fjords, glaciers, and wildlife reserves in the far south of Chile.
  • Opened during the 1950s and modernized several times over the decades, the terminal has expanded its passenger areas, commercial spaces, boarding facilities, and operational infrastructure to support the continuous growth of tourism and Antarctic activity.
  • The airport currently offers restaurants, cafés, parking areas, car rental companies, VIP lounges, and other traveler services. Additional modernization and expansion projects are being developed to improve passenger capacity and operational efficiency.
  • Due to Punta Arenas’ cold, windy, and rapidly changing weather conditions, flight operations occasionally face delays caused by strong crosswinds, snow, or winter storms, especially during the colder months.
  • Official Website

Guardiamarina Zañartu Airport

  • City Served: Puerto Williams
  • IATA Airport Code: WPU
  • ICAO Airport Code: SCGZ
  • Aeropuerto Guardiamarina Zañartu serves Puerto Williams, the southernmost city in the world , located on Navarino Island in the Beagle Channel. It is one of the southernmost commercial airports on Earth and an important gateway to Chile’s sub-Antarctic region.
  • The airport plays a strategic role in connecting this remote part of Chilean Patagonia with Punta Arenas and the rest of the country. Due to the geographic isolation of Puerto Williams, air transportation is essential for residents, tourism, scientific research, logistics, and regional connectivity.
  • Guardiamarina Zañartu Airport is widely recognized as an important access point for expeditions to Cape Horn, the Beagle Channel, Tierra del Fuego, and Antarctica. The surrounding region attracts adventurers, hikers, scientists, photographers, and travelers interested in some of the world’s southernmost landscapes and ecosystems.
  • Aerovías DAP operates regular flights between Punta Arenas and Puerto Williams, while charter and specialized aviation services also support Antarctic expeditions and operations in remote southern territories.
  • Although relatively small, the airport is essential for the local economy and tourism industry, especially as Puerto Williams continues gaining international recognition as a destination for trekking, navigation, ecological tourism, and scientific exploration.
  • Weather conditions in the area can be extremely challenging due to strong winds, cold temperatures, snow, and rapidly changing Patagonian weather patterns, which occasionally affect flight schedules and operations.

Teniente Rodolfo Marsh Martin Airport

  • Location: Villa Las Estrellas / Presidente Eduardo Frei Montalva Base, King George Island, Antarctica
  • IATA Airport Code: TNM
  • ICAO Airport Code: SCRM
  • Aeropuerto Teniente Rodolfo Marsh Martin is one of the most remote airports in the world and the principal air gateway to the Chilean Antarctic Territory. Located on King George Island in Antarctica, near Villa Las Estrellas and the Presidente Eduardo Frei Montalva Base, the airport plays a vital role in scientific, logistical, military, and Antarctic support operations.
  • The airport serves as an important connection point for Antarctic research programs operated by Chile and other countries. It facilitates the transportation of scientists, military personnel, technical staff, equipment, food supplies, and cargo to various Antarctic bases across the region.
  • Due to its strategic location, Teniente Marsh Airport is also used by specialized Antarctic tourism operators, particularly during the austral summer season, when weather conditions are more favorable for flights and expeditions to the white continent.
  • The airport has a gravel runway designed to support operations by small and medium-sized aircraft capable of operating in extreme polar conditions. Flight operations are highly dependent on rapidly changing Antarctic weather, including strong winds, snowstorms, fog, and low visibility.
  • Surrounding facilities include housing, laboratories, communications infrastructure, and essential services supporting Chilean and international scientific personnel stationed in Antarctica. Villa Las Estrellas is one of the few civilian settlements on the Antarctic continent.
  • The airport is named after Lieutenant Rodolfo Marsh Martin, a Chilean aviation pioneer associated with the early development of air routes in southern Chile and Patagonia.
  • Teniente Rodolfo Marsh Martin Airport represents a key component of Chile’s long-standing Antarctic presence and continues to play an essential role in scientific cooperation, logistics, environmental research, and Antarctic exploration.
Location: Chile

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