San Juan Airport

• Official Website: You can find the most accurate and up-to-date information on flights, services, and airport regulations on the official website of the managing company, Aeropuertos Argentina 2000: www.aa2000.com.ar/sanjuan.
• Information Desk Phone: For immediate information regarding flight schedules or airport services, please call: (+54 264) 425 4133.
• Address: Domingo Faustino Sarmiento San Juan Airport (UAQ) is located at: Ruta Nacional 20, km 12, (5417) Las Chacritas, Provincia de San Juan, Argentina.
• Email: For official inquiries, it is recommended to use the contact form on the Aeropuertos Argentina 2000 website, as a dedicated email for the airport is not provided.
• Social Media: Follow news and updates on the official pages of Aeropuertos Argentina 2000 on social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, X, Instagram).
• Lost & Found: If your luggage was lost during the flight, contact your airline's representative immediately. For items left in public areas of the terminal, please contact the Airport Security Police (PSA) office.
• Passenger Support Service: For questions related to your stay at the airport, you can contact the general information desk by phone or visit the information counters directly in the passenger terminal.

You can get to San Juan Airport (Aeropuerto Domingo Faustino Sarmiento, UAQ) from the city centre of San Juan, the capital of the eponymous province in Argentina, in several ways. The airport is located approximately 15 km southeast of the centre, and the journey usually does not take much time. The choice of transport depends on your budget, amount of luggage, and personal preferences.

Public Transport is the most budget-friendly option. City buses (colectivos) run to the airport. This is a good choice for economical travelers without bulky luggage. However, routes and schedules may change, so it is worth checking the current bus number and schedule at a tourist information centre or bus station before your trip. The bus ride will take about 40–50 minutes due to stops along the way.

Taxi and Transfer are the most comfortable and fastest methods. A taxi ride from the city centre to the airport will take approximately 20–30 minutes. In Argentina, in addition to regular taxis, `remis` services are popular — these are chauffeur-driven cars that operate on a fixed fare agreed upon in advance. This is a convenient option to avoid surprises with the cost. Taxis and transfers are ideal for those traveling with a lot of luggage, with family, or simply valuing comfort and time efficiency.

Car Rental is an excellent choice for tourists planning to actively explore the San Juan province with its famous vineyards and natural parks. Representatives of several rental companies operate at the airport, where you can both pick up and return a vehicle. This provides maximum freedom of movement and allows you to build your route at your own discretion.

Parking is provided at the airport for those arriving in their own or rented cars. There are zones for both short-term and long-term parking. Overall, the choice of transport to San Juan Airport is quite flexible: from economical buses to convenient taxis and independent car rentals. For travel to neighboring regions, you may also consider alternative air hubs, such as the major El Plumerillo Airport in Mendoza or the international Arturo Merino Benítez Airport for international flights.

San Juan Airport (UAQ), also known as Domingo Faustino Sarmiento Airport, is a compact and functional aviation hub. It consists of one passenger terminal that handles all domestic and seasonal international flights. Due to its small area, the airport is very easy to navigate, and you won't have to worry about transfers between terminals.

The terminal layout is intuitive. Typically, the ground floor houses the check-in areas and the arrivals hall with baggage claim belts. After check-in, passengers proceed to the first floor, where the security checkpoint and a small waiting hall with boarding gates are located. Signs are clear and highly visible, so getting lost here is practically impossible.

Departure and Arrival Zones are in the same building but logically separated. In the departure zone, you will find airline counters, the security checkpoint, and the waiting hall. In the arrival zone — the baggage claim hall and the exit to the city, where passengers are met by taxis and transfer company representatives. Everything is located within walking distance of each other.

Completing all formalities at San Juan Airport usually takes significantly less time than in major international hubs. Check-in and security checks are rarely accompanied by long queues. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 1.5–2 hours before a domestic flight to go through all procedures without haste, check in luggage, and enjoy a coffee before flying.

The main advice for navigation is simple: follow the signs. Thanks to the terminal's compactness, all necessary services — from check-in counters to cafes and restrooms — are in plain sight or just a few steps away. The absence of complex transitions and long corridors makes the stay at San Juan Airport comfortable and predictable for any traveler.

The history of San Juan Airport, officially known as Domingo Faustino Sarmiento Airport (Aeropuerto Domingo Faustino Sarmiento), is closely linked to the development of the entire province. It was named after Argentina's seventh president, a distinguished statesman and writer who was born in San Juan. The airport was inaugurated in 1981 to replace the old airfield, which could no longer cope with the growing passenger traffic and could not accommodate modern aircraft.

A significant impetus for the construction of the new airport was the devastating earthquake of 1977. The catastrophe demonstrated the acute need for a modern and reliable air hub to coordinate rescue operations and deliver humanitarian aid. Since its opening, the airport has become a key infrastructure element contributing to economic growth and tourism development in a region famous for its vineyards and unique natural parks.

Throughout its history, the airport has undergone several stages of modernization. The most significant reconstruction took place between 2018 and 2020. During these works, a completely new passenger terminal was built, a modern control tower was erected, the aircraft apron was expanded, and the runway was renovated. These improvements significantly increased the quality of passenger service, boosted capacity, and met modern international safety standards.

An interesting fact: the airport not only bears the name of a national hero but also serves as the main aerial gateway to two UNESCO World Heritage sites — the Ischigualasto and Talampaya natural parks, often called the "Valley of the Moon" due to their unearthly landscapes. Today, San Juan Airport is a symbol of progress and an important link that opens the beauty and riches of this amazing Argentine province to travelers from all over the world.

San Juan Airport (UAQ) is the key aerial gateway to the province of the same name in Argentina, offering passengers a basic set of services for a comfortable wait. In the terminal, you will find cafes where you can have a snack, drink coffee, or purchase light refreshments. There are also small shops selling souvenirs, press, and travel essentials.

For passenger convenience, free Wi-Fi is available in the waiting halls, as well as charging points for electronic devices. Travelers preferring enhanced comfort can use the VIP Lounge services, which offer a more secluded atmosphere, beverages, and snacks.

Financial services at the airport are represented by ATMs. It is worth noting that currency exchange points in regional airports may be absent or have limited operating hours, so it is better to arrange for local currency in advance. Airport staff at the information desk are always ready to answer your questions.

The airport is adapted for the needs of passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps and specially equipped restrooms. For assistance, such as boarding, it is recommended to contact your airline in advance. Travelers with children can use the mother and child room. A medical point is available at the airport in case of illness.

There are no hotels on the airport grounds, but a wide selection of hotels is available in the nearby city of San Juan. The airport does not have dedicated conference rooms or business centres, but basic conditions for work, such as internet access and power outlets, can be found in the general hall or the VIP lounge.

San Juan Airport (UAQ), being a regional hub, offers passengers basic but convenient options for a snack or waiting for a flight with a cup of coffee. The choice of establishments here is not as extensive as in major international airports, but quite sufficient to refresh yourself before departure.

The main place for dining at the airport is the cafeteria, typically located in the general hall before the security zone (landside). This makes it accessible for both departing passengers and those seeing them off. Here you can order coffee, tea, soft drinks, as well as fresh pastries, sandwiches, and light snacks. This is an ideal option for a quick bite.

For those wishing to experience local tastes, it is worth paying attention to traditional Argentine snacks, such as empanadas (pastries with various fillings) or alfajores (local cookies filled with dulce de leche). Occasionally, the bar may serve wines from the San Juan region, which is renowned for its vineyards. For a full lunch or dinner, the choice will be limited, so it is better to plan your meal before or after visiting the airport.

Passengers with specific dietary needs (vegetarians, vegans, or those observing a Halal or gluten-free diet) may find it challenging to find suitable dishes. It is recommended to check the ingredients with the staff or carry necessary snacks with you. Prices at the airport are moderate but, like in most aviation hubs, slightly higher than in the city. Opening hours of establishments are usually tied to the flight schedule, opening a few hours before the first departure and closing after the last plane leaves.

To ensure your journey through the airport of San Juan goes as smoothly as possible, follow these tips. For domestic flights within Argentina, which make up the majority here, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before departure. If you have a rare international flight, it is better to arrive 3 hours in advance to complete all formalities without haste.

Save time by checking in online on the airline's website. This will allow you to head straight to baggage drop or security if you are flying with hand luggage only. The security procedure here is standard: be prepared to remove laptops and other large electronics from your bag, as well as present liquids in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag.

When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences. A window seat will allow you to enjoy breathtaking views of the Andes during takeoff or landing. If comfort and the ability to stand up freely without disturbing neighbors are important to you, choose an aisle seat. The earlier you check in, the greater choice of available seats you will have.

It is prohibited to carry sharp objects, weapons, flammable, and toxic substances in hand luggage. The rule for liquids is standard: no more than 1 litre in total, in containers up to 100 ml each. Be sure to check the baggage and hand luggage rules on your airline's website, as they may have their own specifics.

San Juan Airport mainly serves domestic flights and is not a major transfer hub. If you do have a transfer planned, check with the airline in advance whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage. Customs control is only for international flight passengers — keep your passport, boarding pass, and completed declaration ready if necessary.

To save money, bring an empty water bottle and fill it at a drinking fountain after the security zone. Prices for food and drinks at airports are often inflated, so bringing a light snack is also a good idea. Ordering a taxi through official counters or apps is generally more cost-effective than using private drivers at the terminal exit.

In case of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative for information and instructions. During long waits, the carrier is obliged to provide passengers with drinks, meals, and in some cases — hotel accommodation. Having travel insurance that covers such risks will make the situation less stressful and help compensate for unforeseen expenses.