Comodoro Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport

Chile’s Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) is just over nine miles from the center of Santiago and is the main gateway welcoming visitors to the country. Also known as the Santiago airport, the hub sees flights from about 20 major carriers, including the main operator LAN, which flies to major global cities including Lima (Peru), Madrid (Spain), Buenos Aires (Argentina), San Paulo (Brazil), and Miami (America). American Airlines has regular flights from Dallas, Texas, and New York-JFK Airport in the US, while Delta Air Lines has connections from Atlanta, Georgia.

The four-floor passenger terminal has an arrival hall, departure area, duty-free, VIP lounge, baggage claim, customs, transportation services, and parking area. The third floor is dedicated to restaurants and there are over 70 shops. On arrival, visitors can get to Santiago by taxi, shuttle, rental car, or take the public bus that comes every 10 minutes.

Carriel Sur International Airport

Carriel Sur International Airport (CCP) in Concepcion is the second largest airport in Chile. LAN and Sky airways are the main operators conducting mainly domestic flights. Carriel receives air traffic from Santiago when the other airport is closed due to bad weather.

Other Airports

Chile has about 125 airports creating a very serviceable network for getting around the country by air. There are flights to just about all of them from Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport in Santiago. There are additional international airports in Antofagasta, Arica, Iquique, Concepción, Puerto Montt, and Punta Arenas. LAN is by far the biggest carrier and it is possible to pre-book tickets for domestic travel before arriving in Chile. The Mataveri International Airport (IPC) on remote Easter Island has flights to Santiago and Lima.

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