General Justo Jose de Urquiza Airport

General Justo José de Urquiza Airport (Aeropuerto General Justo José de Urquiza) serves as the aerial gateway to the city of Paraná and the entire Entre Ríos province in Argentina. Named after a distinguished Argentine military and political leader, the airport acts as a vital transport hub connecting the region with the country's capital. Despite its modest size, it plays a key role in ensuring transport accessibility for local residents, business travellers, and tourists arriving to explore the culture and nature of the Paraná River coast.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

The main advantage of the airport is its strategic location. It serves not only the city of Paraná but also the neighbouring major city of Santa Fe, to which it is connected by a unique underwater tunnel. This makes it a key point for travel throughout the metropolitan region of the two provinces. The airport holds a military-civil status, as the II Air Brigade of the Argentine Air Force is based here.

For the convenience of passengers, basic services are provided in the terminal. These include complimentary Wi-Fi, a small café where one can have a snack before departure, and a shop selling essential goods. Additionally, a tourist information point and a car rental desk operate within the terminal building, allowing travellers to easily plan their further movement around the region. The primary and sole regular carrier is the national airline Aerolíneas Argentinas, which operates flights to the Jorge Newbery Airfield (AEP) in Buenos Aires.

To obtain up-to-date information regarding airport operations, flight schedules, and services, please use the official contact channels.

• Official Website: You can find all necessary information on the official page of the operator Aeropuertos Argentina 2000: www.aa2000.com.ar/parana.
• Information Desk Phone: For enquiries, you may call the number: +54 (343) 424-4061.
• Airport Address: Ruta Provincial N° 11, Km 10,5, (3100) Paraná, Entre Ríos, Argentina.
• Email: A direct email address is not published. It is recommended to use the contact form on the official website for communication.
• Social Media: You can follow general news from the operator of all Argentine airports, the company Aeropuertos Argentina 2000, on their pages on major social networks.
• Lost Luggage Information: For all matters related to the search, loss, or damage of luggage, please contact your airline's support service directly. Airport staff do not process such requests.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general questions and assistance, you may use the information desk phone number listed above.

General Justo José de Urquiza Airport (PRA) is located approximately 10 kilometres southeast of the city centre of Paraná. You can reach the terminal in several ways, suitable for different budgets and preferences. On average, a car journey from the city centre takes about 20-30 minutes, although this time may vary depending on traffic.

Public Transport is the most budget-friendly option. Although there are no dedicated shuttle buses to the airport, some city bus routes (`colectivos`) pass near it. Check with locals or your hotel regarding which line would be most convenient. To pay for fares in most cities in Argentina, the SUBE transport card is used. This method is ideal for those travelling light and those wishing to save money.

Taxis and Transfers offer the highest level of comfort. You can use a regular taxi service or book a `remis` — a private transfer with a fixed price, which is often more reliable and predictable in terms of cost. This is the fastest and most convenient way to get to the airport, especially if you are travelling with a lot of luggage or at an inconvenient time of day. It is recommended to book a car in advance.

Car Rental is an excellent choice for those who value independence and plan to explore the surroundings of Paraná. Several rental companies have offices in the city. You can rent a car in the centre and arrange to return it directly at the airport before departure. To guarantee vehicle availability and get a favourable rate, it is better to book in advance, especially during the peak tourist season.

If you are arriving at the airport in your own or a rented vehicle, parking is available on the premises. There are spaces for both short-term stops for picking up and dropping off passengers, as well as long-term parking for the duration of your trip. This is a convenient option for those who prefer to travel by their own car.

General Justo José de Urquiza Airport (PRA) is a small regional airport, and its structure is as simple and clear as possible for passengers. It operates a single passenger terminal, which handles both domestic departures and arrivals. Thanks to this, navigating the airport poses no difficulties even for those visiting for the first time.

The terminal is a compact single-storey building where all key zones are within walking distance of each other. The airport layout is intuitive: upon entering the building, you immediately find yourself in the main hall. Here, the airline check-in counters and the main waiting area are located. Since there is only one terminal, there is no need to transfer between buildings — all procedures take place under one roof.

Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated. The Departure Zone includes check-in counters and a security checkpoint, after which passengers enter a small waiting lounge with a boarding gate. The Arrival Zone consists of a baggage claim hall and an exit to the main hall, where you can meet arriving passengers or order a taxi. All signs are in Spanish, but due to the small size of the building, it is practically impossible to get lost.

Check-in and security procedures at Paraná airport usually take place significantly faster than in major hubs. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 1.5-2 hours before a domestic flight departure. This time will be more than sufficient to check in luggage, pass through control, and wait for boarding without rushing. The main advice for navigation is simply to follow the signs, as everything is located very logically and at a short distance from one another.

The history of General Justo José de Urquiza Airport is closely linked to the development of the Entre Ríos province and its capital, the city of Paraná. The airport is named after a distinguished Argentine statesman and president who hailed from this province, highlighting its regional significance. It is not just a transport hub, but a part of the heritage of Argentina.

The modern terminal complex was officially opened in 1972. Its construction was an important step in improving the region's transport accessibility, replacing old airfields and allowing for the reception of larger passenger aircraft. For many years, the airport served as a vital base for the regional airline Líneas Aéreas de Entre Ríos (LAER), which connected Paraná with other cities in the country, playing a key role in the local economy and tourism.

One of the most significant stages in the airport's history was its large-scale reconstruction, completed in 2019. During the modernisation, the runway was completely renewed, modern lighting equipment was installed, the control tower was reconstructed, and a new passenger terminal was built. These improvements allowed the airport to meet modern standards of safety and comfort, as well as to increase capacity.

Although the airport in Paraná cannot boast world records for passenger traffic, its main achievement is decades of stable operation and contribution to the development of the Entre Ríos province. An interesting fact: its call sign PRA is not only an IATA code but also an abbreviation strongly associated with the region — Paraná. Today, it is a modern and functional airport that continues its history as the main aerial gateway of the province.

General Justo José de Urquiza Airport (PRA), serving the city of Paraná, is an important regional transport hub. Despite its modest size, it provides passengers with all necessary services for a comfortable wait before departure.

Inside the terminal building, there is a small café where travellers can have a snack, drink a cup of coffee, or purchase beverages and light refreshments for the journey. There is also a small kiosk selling newspapers and souvenirs. There are no specialised VIP lounges at the airport, but the general waiting areas are equipped with comfortable seating.

For the convenience of passengers, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. Next to the seats in the waiting hall, you can find sockets for charging mobile devices and laptops. ATMs are installed at the airport; however, currency exchange points may be absent, so it is recommended to arrange currency exchange in the city in advance.

The airport is adapted for the needs of passengers with special requirements. There are ramps and accessible toilets, and staff assistance is provided for boarding and disembarking from the aircraft. For travellers with small children, mother and child rooms equipped with changing tables are available.

There are no hotels or business centres on the airport grounds. The nearest hotels and conference halls are located in the city of Paraná, which can be quickly reached by taxi or rental car. If necessary, basic medical assistance can be obtained at the medical post within the airport.

General Justo José de Urquiza Airport (PRA) is a small regional airport, so the choice of catering establishments here is limited. Passengers should plan their time considering that for a full lunch or dinner, it is better to choose one of the cafés or restaurants in the city of Paraná before departing for the airport.

Typically, in the main hall of the airport, accessible before passing security control (landside), a small café or buffet operates. Here, travellers can find a basic selection for a snack. The assortment usually includes sandwiches, pastries (such as Argentine croissants known as medialunas), as well as traditional pies called empanadas. This is an excellent opportunity to try local street food before departure. Beverages offered include coffee, tea, soft drinks, and water.

Prices at the airport, as elsewhere, are slightly higher than in the city but remain within reasonable limits for a quick snack. The establishment's opening hours are usually tied to the flight schedule: the café opens a few hours before the first departure and closes after the last aircraft departs. After passing security control (airside), the selection is likely to be even more limited or non-existent, so it is better to purchase everything necessary in advance.

Passengers with specific dietary requirements (vegetarians, vegans, as well as those looking for gluten-free or Halal dishes) are strongly advised to bring food with them. It is highly unlikely to find a specialised menu in a small airport. For a quick snack, coffee and pastries are ideal, and for something more substantial — a couple of empanadas with different fillings.

Planning is the key to a smooth journey through General Justo José de Urquiza Airport. To avoid rushing, we recommend arriving at the airport at least 1.5–2 hours before a domestic flight departure. This time is generally sufficient to calmly complete check-in, drop off luggage, and pass pre-flight security screening without unnecessary stress.

To save time, use the online check-in service offered by most airlines. This will allow you to head straight to the baggage drop counter or, if you are travelling light, to the security checkpoint. Keep your passport and boarding pass ready. Procedures at regional airports usually move faster, but it is better to prepare all liquids and electronics for inspection in advance.

When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences: a window seat will offer beautiful views during take-off and landing over the surroundings of Paraná, while an aisle seat provides more freedom of movement and a quick exit after landing. Seats in the front of the cabin are usually the quietest and allow you to leave the aircraft first.

In hand luggage, liquids are permitted in containers of no more than 100 ml each, packed in a single transparent re-sealable bag. Ensure you do not have prohibited items: sharp objects, weapons, or flammable substances. Valuable items, documents, medication, and portable chargers should always be kept with you in your hand luggage.

If you have a connecting flight, clarify the gate number for the next flight immediately upon arrival. Check with the airline whether your luggage will be automatically transferred to the next aircraft or if you need to collect it and check it in again. In a small airport, this usually does not take much time, but it is better to be informed.

For international flights via Argentina, be prepared to pass through customs control. Familiarise yourself with the list of goods subject to mandatory declaration in advance to avoid delays. To save money, book tickets early, pack luggage compactly to avoid paying for excess weight, and bring an empty water bottle that can be filled after security screening.

In the event of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative for up-to-date information and possible options — rebooking, provision of meals, or hotel accommodation. Keep all receipts for expenses incurred due to the delay, as they may be subject to compensation. Knowing your passenger rights will help you act confidently in an unforeseen situation.