Airports of Chile
Chile is one of the strangest countries to fly around. It's the longest country in the world by latitude — think Norway to Nigeria — but nearly all the air traffic funnels through a single airport. SCL in Santiago handles the heavy lifting, with 63 non-stop destinations doing most of the work. The remaining 19 airports across the country are almost all minor airfields with fewer than 8 routes each. That tells you everything about how Chile moves people: one dominant hub, a whole lot of thin regional coverage, and very little in between.
The shape of Chile's aviation network
SCL's outsized role is the defining fact of Chilean aviation. With 63 non-stop destinations, it punches well above the weight of most South American hubs and connects Chile to Europe, North America, and neighbouring countries without a stopover. But step outside Santiago and the network thins out fast. Punta Arenas (PUQ), the country's second busiest commercial airport, serves just 7 routes — mostly because it's at the bottom of the world and Patagonia doesn't exactly generate massive traffic volumes. La Serena and Concepción each manage 6 routes. What this means practically: Santiago isn't just your entry point, it's almost certainly your connection point for anything else you want to do in Chile. Plan around that reality and you'll save yourself a lot of frustration.
Airport tiers in Chile
Regional airports (1)
- SCL Santiago — 63 destinations
Minor airfields (19)
- PUQ Punta Arenas — 7 destinations
- LSC La Serena — 6 destinations
- CCP Concepcion — 6 destinations
- ANF Antofagasta — 5 destinations
- PMC Puerto Montt — 5 destinations
- IQQ Iquique — 4 destinations
- CJC Calama — 3 destinations
- BBA Balmaceda — 3 destinations
- ZCO Temuco — 2 destinations
- ARI Arica — 2 destinations
- PNT Puerto Natales — 2 destinations
- IPC Easter Island — 1 destinations
Tips for using Chile's airports
Fly into SCL for anything north of Patagonia — it's your only real option with real frequency. If Patagonia is the destination, PUQ is worth routing to directly from Santiago rather than trying to arrive overland. For the Atacama or wine country around La Serena, LSC keeps you from losing a full day to a bus. The minor airfields can surprise you with low fares on LATAM or Sky Airline domestic routes — check them, especially if you're moving between regions. One honest warning: small airfields here mean small terminals, limited services, and weather delays in the south. Build buffer days into any Patagonia itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
How many airports are in Chile?
Chile has 20 commercial airports serving various cities and regions throughout the country. These airports range from major international facilities to smaller regional hubs that connect local communities.
What is the biggest and busiest airport in Chile?
Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) in Santiago is Chile's largest and busiest airport, serving as the country's primary hub for domestic and international flights. It handles the majority of passenger traffic and international connections for the country.
Can I fly internationally from regional airports in Chile?
While Chile has 20 commercial airports, most international flights operate through Arturo Merino Benítez in Santiago, as there are no other major international hubs in the country. Some regional airports may offer limited international service, but Santiago is the primary hub for international travel.
How far apart are Chile's main airports?
Chile's airports are spread across a vast territory stretching north to south, with distances varying significantly depending on which regional airports you're comparing. Most regional airports connect to Santiago's Arturo Merino Benítez through domestic flights rather than direct international routes.
Which airport should I fly into when visiting Chile?
You should fly into Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) in Santiago for most international trips to Chile, as it's the main international hub. From Santiago, you can easily connect to regional airports or travel to other parts of the country via domestic flights or ground transportation.