Chile, a long narrow country stretching along South America's western edge, is served by a network of airports that efficiently connect its diverse regions. The most prominent airport is Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, located near Santiago, the country's capital and largest city. This main hub handles nearly 25 million passengers annually and serves as the focal point for international and domestic travel. Chile's airport infrastructure also includes important regional airports such as Calama, Antofagasta and La Serena, which provide access to key natural attractions and economic centers. The country supports several airlines, including LATAM, Sky Airline and the low-cost carrier JetSmart, which connect Chile internally and internationally. Serving a range of urban and remote destinations, Chile’s airports are vital for tourism, business and domestic mobility.
Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) is Chile’s busiest and largest airport, located about 15 km northwest of Santiago's city center. It acts as the primary hub for LATAM Airlines, the country’s largest carrier, as well as Sky Airline and JetSmart, offering extensive international flights to the Americas, Europe, Asia and Oceania. With recent expansions, the airport can now handle over 38 million passengers annually, featuring modern facilities including two long runways and a recently renovated international terminal. It is well connected to Santiago via bus, taxi and private transfers, facilitating easy access for travelers. The airport also serves as a gateway for travelers heading to Valparaiso, San Antonio and other nearby cities.
El Loa Airport (CJC) in Calama is one of the country’s largest regional airports, handling over 2 million passengers annually. It serves as the main entry point for visitors to the Atacama Desert and San Pedro de Atacama, with airlines including JetSmart, LATAM and Sky Airline providing frequent flights. Similarly, Andrés Sabella Gálvez International Airport (ANF) serves the city of Antofagasta and nearby coastal resorts, with significant passenger traffic.
Other important regional airports include La Serena Airport (LSC), which services the northern Coquimbo region and La Araucanía Airport (ZCO) in Temuco, which primarily handles domestic flights. These airports enhance connectivity in their respective regions, supporting both tourism and local economies. Chile also has smaller airports across its territory, facilitating air travel to more remote areas.
Chile’s airlines and airports cater well to the growing tourism sector, offering varied options including budget-friendly flights from low-cost carriers like JetSmart. The airport network ensures efficient connectivity within this geographically extensive country, supporting both international visitors and domestic travelers alike.
