El Palomar

El Palomar Airport has entered the history of Argentina's aviation as a bold experiment and the country's first airport entirely dedicated to budget airlines. Located in the city of El Palomar, it became a true symbol of affordable travel for several years, opening up the opportunity for thousands of people to explore South America at record-low prices. Originally a military airfield, it was successfully transformed into a civil low-cost hub. It is important to note that since 2020, the airport no longer serves commercial passenger flights; however, its legacy in the development of the country's air transport remains significant.

A key feature of El Palomar Airport was its complete specialisation in budget air travel. It became the base for the first Argentine low-cost carriers, which revolutionised the market at the time and significantly reduced the cost of domestic flights. Unlike large international hubs, El Palomar was distinguished by its compact dimensions, which allowed passengers to complete all pre-flight formalities quickly, without unnecessary hassle or long queues.

Another undeniable advantage during its operational period was its convenient transport accessibility. The airport had a direct connection to the San Martín railway line, with a station located just a few minutes' walk from the former terminal. This was one of the most economical ways to reach the centre of Buenos Aires. While retaining its status as an active military airbase, the airport possessed a unique atmosphere where civil aviation briefly coexisted with military history.

It is important to note that El Palomar Airport (EPA) currently does not serve commercial passenger flights. Nevertheless, the general contact information below may be useful for obtaining details about the facility and the operator of airports in Argentina.

• Address: Aviador Gral. Adhemar Omar G. F. Varando, B1684, El Palomar, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina.
• Airport Operator: The airport is managed by Aeropuertos Argentina 2000 (AA2000). General information about the operator's activities and other airports in the country can be found on the official website: www.aa2000.com.ar.
• Phone: For general enquiries related to AA2000 operations, you can use the unified contact centre number: (+54 11) 5480-6111.
• Email: It is recommended to use the contact forms on the operator's official website, as a separate public email address for general enquiries is not provided.
• Social Media: You can follow news from Aeropuertos Argentina 2000, which manages many of the country's airports, on their official accounts (e.g., @aa2000oficial).

El Palomar Airport is located in the Morón district, approximately 25 kilometres west of Buenos Aires city centre. Currently, the facility does not serve regular commercial flights; however, thanks to its convenient location within the urban area, reaching this location is easy using various modes of transport.

A unique feature of this location's accessibility is the presence of the El Palomar railway station (San Martín line) within walking distance of the entrance. Trains depart from the central Retiro station in Buenos Aires, and the journey takes about 40 minutes. This is one of the most reliable ways to avoid city traffic jams and reach the area on a budget.

For getting around, you can also use city buses, known in Argentina as colectivos. Routes 53, 182, 252, 320, 634, and 635 connect the location with various points in the capital and suburbs. Do not forget that to pay for travel on any public transport (both trains and buses), you will need a SUBE card.

A journey by car or taxi from the city centre usually takes the Acceso Oeste highway and lasts between 40 to 60 minutes depending on traffic conditions. Both official taxis and services via mobile apps (Uber, Cabify) are available. There is parking infrastructure near the facility; however, given the airport's current status, it is used primarily for short stops or staff needs.

Travellers planning flights should focus on the region's active aviation hubs. The nearest alternative is Jorge Newbery Airfield (Aeroparque), located just 19 km away. The country's largest international hub, Ezeiza Airport, is located at a distance of about 25 km. Transfers between these points are most conveniently made by car.

The infrastructure of El Palomar Airport (EPA) represents an interesting example of adapting military facilities for civilian needs. Currently, the terminal does not serve commercial passenger flights, so its halls are empty, but the building itself retains its physical structure. The complex features just one passenger terminal, distinguished by its compact size and utilitarian design characteristic of a former airbase.

The airport layout is extremely simple and clear. The building has one main level, where all necessary services were previously located. Thanks to the linear layout and the absence of complex transitions or multiple floors, navigation here was always intuitive. The entire passenger path—from the entrance door to the exit onto the airfield—was practically a straight line.

Departure and Arrival zones in the terminal are located in close proximity to each other. During the period of active operation, a compact check-in and security screening area functioned here. A distinctive feature of the infrastructure is the absence of jet bridges ("sleeves"). The terminal concept, oriented towards low-cost carriers, assumed that passenger boarding and disembarking would be done on foot across the tarmac, allowing airlines to significantly reduce aircraft turnaround times.

Because the airport consists of a single small building, there are no internal transit systems, shuttles, or long walkways between gates. All movements within the complex take a matter of minutes, which favourably distinguished El Palomar from large international hubs with their complex logistics.

During the period of commercial flight operations, the time for completing pre-flight formalities here was minimal. Thanks to low passenger traffic and optimised processes, check-in and security control usually took no more than 20–30 minutes. The infrastructure was "tailored" for speed: minimal queues and an absence of unnecessary services that slow down the flow.

The terminal layout reflects a concept of minimalism. Extensive Duty Free zones or premium business lounges are not provided here. The space was designed exclusively for functional tasks: rapid baggage handling and passenger boarding. Now, this preserved infrastructure serves as a reminder of the period of rapid development of budget air travel in the region.

The history of El Palomar Airport (EPA) is a unique example of the transformation of a military facility into a bustling civil hub and back again. Although its commercial fame was short-lived, the roots of this place go back to the very beginning of the 20th century, making it a landmark for all aviation in Argentina.

Officially, aviation history in El Palomar began in 1912 with the founding of the Military Aviation School (Escuela de Aviación Militar) here. This place is rightfully considered the cradle of the Argentine Air Force. For nearly a century, the airfield functioned exclusively as a strategically important military base—the I Air Brigade, where transport aircraft, including the presidential plane, were based and key exercises were conducted.

A new chapter in the airport's history opened in February 2018, when it was officially opened for commercial passenger transport. This event marked a revolution in the country's aviation market, as El Palomar became the first airport in Argentina and one of the first in Latin America fully oriented towards serving low-cost airlines. Thanks to this, thousands of people received the opportunity to travel around the country by plane for the first time.

To accommodate civil flights, rapid reconstruction was carried out: a modern passenger terminal was erected, and infrastructure was adapted. In a short time, the airport entered the top ten busiest in Argentina, serving over a million passengers and setting records for traffic growth. It was a true success, demonstrating the immense potential of budget travel.

One of the most interesting facts is that even during peak commercial usage, El Palomar did not cease its military activities, remaining a unique dual-use airport. However, in late 2020, a decision was made to halt commercial flights from El Palomar and transfer them to other Buenos Aires airports. Today, it is once again fully focused on fulfilling military tasks but remains forever in history as the pioneer of the low-cost movement in Argentina.

Since El Palomar Airport (EPA) currently does not serve regular commercial flights, the range of available services and amenities here differs significantly from what tourists are accustomed to seeing in major international hubs. The terminal infrastructure was originally created and operated under a "low-cost" concept, which implies rational minimalism and an absence of excess.

Restaurants, cafes, and shops in the traditional sense are absent inside the terminal. You will not find extensive Duty Free zones or fashionable boutiques here. During the active navigation period, passenger catering was provided primarily through vending machines with snacks and drinks, as well as food trucks located on the station square. Travellers finding themselves in this area are recommended to visit the neighbouring picturesque district of Ciudad Jardín, where many cosy cafes and restaurants are located just a few minutes' drive from the airport entrance.

The terminal does not provide business lounges or VIP areas. The philosophy of budget travel excluded premium services to keep ticket costs low, so all passengers waited for flights in a single general hall. Accordingly, special conference rooms or business centres for meetings were not designed on the premises.

Regarding communications and finance, access to public Wi-Fi networks and charging stations may be limited or non-existent due to the facility's current status. There are no full-service bank branches inside the building. ATMs, previously installed for tourist convenience, may not be functioning at the moment, so visitors are strongly advised to carry cash and ensure their gadgets are charged in advance.

Services for passengers with reduced mobility are naturally facilitated by the building's architecture. The single-story layout and absence of stairs make movement in wheelchairs from the entrance to the departure zone maximally simple and unobstructed. For passengers with children, basic sanitary rooms with changing tables are provided, but there are no specialised play areas or children's waiting rooms.

Medical services are represented by a standard first aid point, the presence of which is a mandatory safety requirement for any active aviation facility, even if it is used primarily for state aviation needs.

There are no proprietary hotels directly on the territory of El Palomar Airport. Tourists are suggested to look for accommodation options in the surrounding residential areas (apartment rentals) or, as is often more convenient, book hotels in the centre of Buenos Aires. Thanks to the presence of a railway station near the airport, reaching hotels in popular tourist districts of the capital is quick and direct.

It is important to note that due to the current status of El Palomar Airport (EPA), which does not serve regular commercial flights, the gastronomic infrastructure directly inside the terminal is preserved but inactive. Passengers should not expect operating restaurants, coffee shops, or counters in the departure and arrival zones (neither landside nor airside). Familiar chain establishments and Duty Free shops are absent here.

However, the lack of food inside the airport is compensated by its favourable location. The airport is in the immediate vicinity of the Ciudad Jardín district, which is famous for its cosy atmosphere and developed dining culture. This is a true gastronomic oasis located literally within walking distance or a 5-minute drive from the terminal entrance. This is where travellers should head in search of food.

For a full lunch or dinner, it is recommended to visit local parrillas (steak houses). Here you will be offered Argentine classics: juicy steaks, choripán (traditional sausage sandwich), and various cold cuts. The district is also known for its social venues where you can try local refreshing beverages accompanied by hearty snacks. The average bill in such establishments is moderate and typically lower than in the tourist centre of Buenos Aires.

If you need a quick snack, look for signs saying Panadería (bakery) or Rotisería (deli). Here you can buy fresh facturas (sweet pastries), de miga sandwiches (traditional thin sandwiches without crust), and, of course, famous Argentine empanadas. This is an ideal "on-the-go" option before continuing your journey.

Regarding dietary preferences, menus in local Ciudad Jardín cafes are becoming increasingly diverse. Vegetarians will be offered pasta, salads, and vegetable empanadas (for example, with spinach and cheese). For Muslim travellers, please note that while specific Halal certification may be rare in general eateries, vegetarian options and seafood are widely available. Vegan options are harder to find but appear in modern burger joints and pizzerias. People with gluten intolerance should look for the "Sin TACC" label—in Argentina, this is taken seriously, and many products and dishes carry the corresponding marking.

Opening hours of establishments around the airport correspond to the Argentine rhythm of life. Coffee shops and bakeries open early, around 7:00–8:00 AM. Restaurants for lunch usually operate from 12:00 to 15:30, after which they may close for a siesta until the evening. Dinner starts late: the kitchens of many establishments only come alive after 20:00 and work past midnight, especially on Fridays and Saturdays.

Travelling through El Palomar Airport (EPA) has its own specifics, dictated by its history as a military base and subsequent transformation into Argentina's first low-cost hub. Although commercial flights are currently suspended, understanding the logistics of this unique transport node will be useful when planning future trips or using private aviation.

Arrival Time Recommendations. Unlike the giant Ezeiza International Airport, El Palomar is distinguished by its compactness. It was never necessary to arrive 3–4 hours in advance here. The optimal arrival time is 90 minutes before departure for domestic flights and 2 hours for international ones (when they are operating). This time is quite sufficient to complete all formalities in the small terminal without rushing.

Check-in and Security Features. Since the airport is oriented towards budget travel, check-in counters here often operate with time restrictions. Main advice: always complete online check-in in advance and save the boarding pass on your phone. This allows you to avoid queues and additional fees that low-cost carriers often charge for printing a ticket at the airport. Security screening here is standard but proceeds faster due to the smaller flow of people.

Choosing a Seat on the Plane. At El Palomar, boarding is always done on foot across the airfield, without jet bridges. Usually, both stairs (front and rear) are used. To save time when disembarking, it is recommended to choose seats in the first or last rows of the cabin. If you want to admire views of the Buenos Aires suburbs during takeoff, choose a window seat (usually, excellent panoramas open up on the left side of the aircraft when flying south).

Hand Luggage. The low-cost model implies strict control of luggage dimensions. Calibrators are often installed in the boarding gate area. Ensure your bag or backpack strictly complies with the airline's standards to avoid paying a fine at the gate. Given the walk to the plane across concrete, it is more convenient to travel with a backpack rather than a wheeled suitcase.

Recommendations for Transit Passengers. El Palomar is not designed for transit. There is no "sterile" transfer zone here; you will have to collect your luggage and exit into the city. If your transfer involves changing airports (for example, departing from Aeroparque or Ezeiza), allow at least 4–5 hours for the connection. Travelling across the metropolis of Buenos Aires can be unpredictable due to traffic jams.

Customs Control. For international flights, the customs zone here is compact, but rules are strict. Argentine customs officers pay close attention to the import of new electronics. If you are carrying expensive gadgets (laptops, cameras) for personal use, it is recommended to have receipts or be ready to confirm that the items are not new.

Tips for Saving Money. The main hack for El Palomar is transport. Do not spend money on a taxi if you have few belongings. Use the San Martín line train. The station is literally 200 metres from the terminal. This is the cheapest and most time-predictable way to reach the central Retiro station. Also, bring an empty water bottle—after security screening, it can be filled at drinking fountains, as water prices inside the terminal can be inflated.

What to Do in Case of Flight Delay. Inside the terminal, there is practically nothing to do due to the lack of entertainment infrastructure and Wi-Fi. If your flight is delayed for a long time (more than 2 hours), the best decision would be to exit the airport and walk to the neighbouring Ciudad Jardín district. There you can have a proper lunch in a cosy cafe and rest in a green zone instead of sitting in a cramped waiting hall.