Chile has a well-developed air transportation system with several major airports serving domestic and international flights. Here are some of the principal airports in Chile:
- Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL):
- Location: Santiago
- Role: Primary international gateway and the busiest airport in Chile.
- Website: Santiago International Airport
- Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez Air Base (PUQ):
- Location: Punta Arenas
- Role: Southernmost international airport in Chile, serving the region of Patagonia.
- Note: This airport also serves as a military airbase.
- Carriel Sur International Airport (CCP):
- Location: Concepción
- Role: Important airport in the central-southern region of Chile.
- Diego Aracena International Airport (IQQ):
- Location: Iquique
- Role: Northern airport serving the city of Iquique and the surrounding region.
- Mataveri International Airport (IPC):
- Location: Easter Island (Isla de Pascua)
- Role: Provides the only air connection to Easter Island, a territory of Chile.
- El Tepual International Airport (PMC):
- Location: Puerto Montt
- Role: Serves the Los Lagos Region in southern Chile.
- La Araucanía International Airport (ZCO):
- Location: Temuco
- Role: Serves the Araucanía Region in central-southern Chile.
- Chacalluta International Airport (ARI):
- Location: Arica
- Role: Northern airport serving the city of Arica and the surrounding area.
- Andrés Sabella Gálvez International Airport (ANF):
- Location: Antofagasta
- Role: Serves the mining region in northern Chile.
- Capitán FAP Carlos Martínez de Pinillos International Airport (PIO):
- Location: Pisco (Peruvian airport near the Chilean border)
- Role: Although located in Peru, it is sometimes used by travelers heading to and from northern Chile.
Author: Kirill Shrayber, Ph.D.