El Tehuelche

El Tehuelche Airport is not merely a transit point, but a true aerial gateway to the wildlife of Patagonia, where your encounter with whales and penguins begins. Located just a few minutes' drive from the city, this cosy aviation hub allows travellers to almost instantly switch from an aircraft seat to a stroll along the promenade of Golfo Nuevo. You will not find the hustle and bustle of giant hubs here; instead, the atmosphere is imbued with a spirit of adventure and the tranquillity of the Patagonian steppe. Upon approach, passengers are often treated to breathtaking views of the ocean and the Valdés Peninsula, turning the final minutes of the flight into an unforgettable excursion.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

The main advantage of El Tehuelche is its exceptional location. Unlike the airport in the city of Trelew, which is an hour's drive away, El Tehuelche is situated literally on the outskirts of Puerto Madryn. This allows tourists to be at their hotel or on the ocean shore within 15–20 minutes after landing, which is particularly valuable after a long flight from Buenos Aires.

Another hallmark of the airport is its intimacy and speed of service. Thanks to the low passenger flow and compact terminal, baggage claim and exiting to the city are handled with maximum efficiency. Long queues are rare here, and the staff is distinguished by the hospitality typical of the Argentine provinces. Furthermore, the airport is famous for its scenic approach: planes often fly over the azure waters of the gulf, and during the season, lucky passengers may spot whales right from the window.

To contact El Tehuelche Airport (PMY) and obtain current information regarding flights, services, and regulations, please use the following details. The airport is managed by Aeropuertos Argentina 2000, which is the primary source of official data.

• Official Website: The most complete information on schedules, services, and airport news can be found on the operator's official page: www.aa2000.com.ar/puertomadryn.
• Help Desk Phone: For direct inquiries and consultations, you may call: (+54 280) 445-0661.
• Address: The airport is located at: Aeropuerto El Tehuelche, U9120 Puerto Madryn, Chubut Province, Argentina.
• Email: A dedicated email address for the airport is not provided. For feedback, it is recommended to use the contact form on the Aeropuertos Argentina 2000 website.
• Social Media: Follow updates for all the operator's airports via their official accounts, for example, on X (Twitter) @aa2000oficial.
• Lost Luggage: For issues related to lost or damaged luggage, please contact your airline's representative at the airport immediately.
• Passenger Support Service: For assistance directly within the terminal, please visit the information desk. Remotely, you can contact the general airport help desk via phone.

El Tehuelche Airport (PMY) is located very close to the city, making the journey there quick and convenient. The trip from the centre of Puerto Madryn to the terminal usually takes no more than 15–20 minutes by car.

Taxi and Transfer (Remis)
The most common and reliable way to get to the airport is to use a taxi or a remis (a private car service with a fixed fare). A remis can be booked in advance by phone or via the hotel reception, which is often more cost-effective than hailing a taxi on the street. The cost of the trip is reasonable, and comfort and speed are guaranteed. This is the optimal choice for most tourists.

Car Rental
If you plan to travel actively around the Patagonia region, for example, to visit the Valdés Peninsula, renting a car is an excellent option. You can rent a car at one of the city rental agencies and return it directly at the airport before departure. During the peak tourist season (from June to December), it is recommended to book a vehicle well in advance.

Public Transport
It is important to know that there are no direct public transport routes (city buses) to El Tehuelche Airport. Therefore, travellers should plan their trip by taxi, remis, or rental car.

Parking at the Airport
For those arriving by private or rental car, parking is available at the airport. You can leave your vehicle here for both short and long periods. Given the compact size of the airport, finding a parking space is usually not an issue.

Alternative Route
Many travellers heading to Puerto Madryn fly into the neighbouring, larger Trelew Airport (REL), which is approximately 52 km away. It handles a larger volume of flights. Buses and shuttles run regularly from Trelew to Puerto Madryn, with a travel time of about one hour.

El Tehuelche Airport (PMY) in Puerto Madryn is a small and very compact aviation hub, which significantly simplifies travel for its passengers. Unlike large international airports, you will not find a complex system of multiple buildings here.

The airport operates with just one terminal, which handles all domestic flights. Its structure is extremely simple and intuitive. The entire building is a single space where the departure and arrival zones are within walking distance of each other. You will not have to worry about transfers between terminals or long walks down corridors—everything is under one roof here.

The terminal layout is very logical. Upon entering, you immediately find yourself in the general area where airline check-in counters are located. After checking in and dropping off your luggage, you proceed to the single security checkpoint. Immediately behind it lies a small but comfortable departure lounge with several boarding gates. The arrival zone is equally simple and consists of a baggage claim hall with one conveyor belt.

Due to the modest size of the airport and low passenger flow, completing all pre-flight formalities, including check-in and security screening, usually takes minimal time. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before departure, especially during the peak tourist season, to avoid rushing. Navigation through the terminal will not cause any difficulties—getting lost here is practically impossible, making your stay at El Tehuelche Airport calm and comfortable.

El Tehuelche Airport (PMY) is the aerial gateway to the amazing world of Patagonia and the city of Puerto Madryn. Its history is closely linked to the development of tourism and industry in the region. Officially opened on May 16, 1972, the airport was named in honour of the indigenous Tehuelche people who have inhabited these lands since ancient times, highlighting a deep connection with local culture.

Initially, the airport was a modest airfield built to serve the growing flow of tourists eager to see the unique marine fauna of the Valdés Peninsula, as well as for the needs of the major aluminium plant, Aluar. In its first decades, it primarily supported domestic flights, connecting Puerto Madryn with Buenos Aires and other cities in Argentina.

One of the significant, albeit tense, moments in the airport's history occurred in 1982, when it was used as an important logistics hub during the conflict in the South Atlantic. Its strategic location in Patagonia made it a key point for transport and support operations.

A key stage in the development of El Tehuelche was the large-scale reconstruction carried out in 2007–2008. During the modernization, the runway was completely renewed, a new modern passenger terminal was built, and advanced navigation equipment was installed. These changes allowed the airport to accommodate larger aircraft, such as the Boeing 737, which significantly increased its capacity and the level of comfort for passengers.

Today, the main achievement of El Tehuelche Airport is its role as the primary transport hub for tourists visiting the Valdés Peninsula—a UNESCO World Heritage site. Interestingly, despite its relatively small size, the airport experiences peak loads from June to December, when Southern Right Whales arrive at the shores of Patagonia. This makes it a vital element of the entire region's economy.

El Tehuelche Airport (PMY) is a small and convenient terminal that offers passengers a basic set of services for a comfortable wait before their flight. Despite its compact size, everything necessary for travellers is available here.

Dining and Shopping: The airport features a café where you can order light snacks, sandwiches, pastries, and soft drinks. It is an excellent place to have a bite before departure. There is also a small souvenir shop selling locally produced goods and commemorative gifts reminiscent of your journey to Argentina.

Comfort and Connectivity: Passengers can use free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. Power outlets are provided for charging electronic devices, though their number may be limited. There are no specialized VIP lounges or high-comfort waiting areas at the airport, but there is a general hall for all passengers.

Financial and Medical Services: An ATM is installed in the terminal for cash withdrawals. It is important to note that currency exchange points and bank branches are not provided here, so it is recommended to exchange money in advance in the city of Puerto Madryn. In case first aid is required, please contact airport staff.

Services for Special Categories of Passengers: The airport is equipped to serve passengers with reduced mobility—ramps and accessible restrooms are available. For assistance, such as the provision of a wheelchair, it is recommended to contact your airline in advance. For families with small children, a mother and child room may be available.

Accommodation and Business: There are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, but many accommodation options are located in the nearby city of Puerto Madryn. Services for business travellers, such as conference rooms or business centres, are not provided at El Tehuelche Airport.

El Tehuelche Airport (PMY), serving Puerto Madryn, is a small regional airport, so the choice of dining establishments here is quite limited. Travellers should not expect a wide variety of restaurants and juice bars as found in major international hubs. The main opportunities for a snack are concentrated in a single café located in the main hall of the terminal.

The main and, essentially, the only place for food at the airport is a small café-confectionery. Here you can order coffee, tea, soft drinks, as well as fresh pastries. It is an ideal place for a quick snack before departure. Among local specialities, you can find traditional Argentine croissants known as medialunas or alfajores cookies. Sandwiches and packaged snacks are also usually available in the assortment.

The café's opening hours are directly linked to the flight schedule—it opens a few hours before the first departure and closes after the last plane leaves. Prices are generally higher than average city prices, which is typical for airports. Please note that specialized dietary menus (such as vegan, gluten-free, or Halal) are generally unavailable here. Passengers with strict dietary requirements are strongly advised to bring food with them.

Since El Tehuelche Airport is not designed for long waits and does not offer options for a full lunch or dinner, the best decision would be to eat at one of the numerous restaurants in the city of Puerto Madryn before travelling to the airport. This will allow you to enjoy excellent local cuisine without haste and with a greater selection of dishes.

To ensure your journey through El Tehuelche Airport goes smoothly, please make use of our tips. This is a small regional airport serving the popular tourist destination of Puerto Madryn, so knowing a few nuances will help avoid unnecessary stress.

Arrival Time at the Airport. We recommend arriving at the airport at least 2 hours before a domestic flight departure. Despite the compact size, queues may form at check-in counters and security checkpoints during the high tourist season (especially from June to December, when visitors arrive for whale watching).

Check-in and Security. Procedures at El Tehuelche Airport are standard. To speed up the process, have your passport and boarding pass ready (in electronic or printed form). Check-in counters and the security zone are close to each other. After checking in, it is best not to delay passing through security control.

Choosing a Seat on the Plane. Flights to and from Patagonia are often accompanied by stunning views. If possible, choose a window seat. When departing from Puerto Madryn to the north (for example, to Buenos Aires), the best views of the Atlantic coast generally open up from the right side of the aircraft.

Hand Luggage. Standard security rules apply here as well: liquids in containers no larger than 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag; no sharp objects or flammable substances. All electronics and portable batteries (power banks) must be carried in hand luggage. Be sure to check the weight and size limits for hand luggage on your airline's website.

Connecting Passengers. El Tehuelche is primarily an airport for domestic flights. Most transfers to international destinations take place at Buenos Aires airports. If your itinerary involves changing airports in the capital of Argentina (for example, from the domestic Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) to the international Ezeiza (EZE)), allow at least 4–5 hours for the transfer.

Customs Control. When flying out of Patagonia, passengers undergo phytosanitary control by the SENASA service. It is strictly forbidden to take fresh fruits, vegetables, and meat products out of the Valdés Peninsula and the region without special packaging. This is done to protect other regions of the country from agricultural pests. Be prepared for a possible baggage inspection for such products.

Saving Time and Money. The best way to save time is to check in for your flight online and travel with hand luggage only. To save money, bring an empty water bottle (you can fill it after security) and light snacks, as the selection at the airport is limited and prices may be inflated.

In Case of Flight Delay. There is not much entertainment in the waiting hall. In case of a flight delay, have a book, headphones, or a charged power bank with downloaded movies with you. Keep an eye on updates on the information boards and in the airline's app. Keep all receipts for food and drinks purchased during the wait—they may be needed to claim compensation.