Cerro Moreno International Airport

Andrés Sabella Gálvez International Airport, also known as Cerro Moreno International Airport, is not just an airport, but the main aerial gateway to the fascinating world of northern Chile. Located on the threshold of the famous Atacama Desert, it serves as a starting point for explorers of the planet's driest landscapes, stargazers heading to leading astronomical observatories, and professionals connected to the mining industry. As one of the country's key airports, it connects the northern region with the rest of Chile and other nations.

Cerro Moreno Airport plays a vital role not only for tourists but also for the regional economy, handling a significant volume of cargo transport. It serves numerous domestic destinations, including regular flights to Santiago, La Serena, and Concepción, as well as international flights, for example, to Lima (Peru). For the comfort of travellers, the terminal features cafés, shops, and car rental offices, making it easy to reach the city or embark on an independent journey to iconic sites such as the "Hand of the Desert" monument or the extraterrestrial landscapes of the Moon Valley.

For your convenience, we have compiled the essential contact information for Cerro Moreno International Airport (ANF).

• Official Website: www.aeropuertoantofagasta.cl. Here you will find flight schedules, service information, and the latest news.
• Inquiry Service Phone: +56 55 220 8600. You can call this number to clarify general information about airport operations.
• Address: Ruta 1, km 22, Antofagasta, Región de Antofagasta, Chile.
• Email: You can contact the information service at informaciones@aeropuertoantofagasta.cl.
• Social Media: The airport maintains active social media pages where important updates are published. You can find them on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram.
• Lost Luggage Information: If you experience issues with your luggage (loss, delay, or damage), you must contact the airline representative directly for the flight you arrived on. Their counters are located in the arrivals area.
• Passenger Support Contacts: The Information Desk (Oficina de Informaciones) is located on the ground floor of the terminal in the public area. Staff are ready to assist with any questions related to your stay at the airport.

Cerro Moreno International Airport (ANF) is located approximately 25 kilometres north of the centre of Antofagasta. You can reach it in several ways, suitable for any budget and travel style. The journey from the city centre usually takes from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the chosen transport and traffic conditions.

Public Transport and Transfers

The most economical way to get to the airport is to use transfer shuttle services. They operate between the airport and key points in the city, including hotels. This is something between a bus and a taxi: the cost is lower than a private booking, but the trip may take longer due to stops for other passengers. There are also city bus routes passing near the airport, but this may be a less convenient option if you have a lot of luggage. It is recommended to check routes and schedules in advance.

Taxi

A taxi is the fastest and most comfortable way to reach the airport. Both official taxis and app-based car services operate in the city. The cost of the trip will be significantly higher than public transport, but you get the convenience of "door-to-door" travel. It is recommended to agree on the price with the driver in advance or ensure they have switched on the taximeter to avoid misunderstandings. For greater reliability, you can book a car through an official taxi service.

Car Rental

If you plan to actively explore the Antofagasta region and the Atacama Desert, renting a car can be an excellent solution. Several international and local rental companies have offices at Cerro Moreno Airport itself. You can book a car in advance online or rent one upon arrival. This provides maximum freedom of movement not only around the city but throughout northern Chile.

Airport Parking

Parking is available for those arriving at the airport in their own or rented vehicles. There are zones for both short-term and long-term parking. This is a convenient option if you are seeing someone off or leaving your car for the duration of your trip. Rates depend on the duration of parking.

Cerro Moreno International Airport (ANF) in Antofagasta is a modern and compact airport, making navigation simple and intuitive. It operates one passenger terminal, which serves both domestic and international flights. This structure eliminates the need to transfer between different buildings and saves passengers time.

The terminal layout is logical and straightforward. Airline check-in counters and the arrivals area with baggage claim belts are located on the ground floor. After check-in, passengers proceed to the first floor, where the security control and pre-flight inspection area is located. Once through security, you enter the departure lounge with boarding gates.

Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated. In the departure area, passengers have access to several cafés, shops selling souvenirs and travel essentials, as well as comfortable waiting lounges. The arrival area is designed for maximum functionality: after collecting luggage, passengers exit directly into the main hall, where they are met by greeters, and from where they can proceed to taxi and bus stands.

Due to the airport's modest size, completing all formalities usually does not take much time. Check-in and security screening generally proceed quite quickly. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport well in advance: 1.5-2 hours before a domestic flight and 2.5-3 hours before an international one, to go through all procedures without rushing.

To navigate the terminal, simply follow the signs, which are duplicated in English. The entire path from the building entrance to the boarding gate is intuitive, and it is practically impossible to get lost here. The friendly airport staff are always ready to help and answer your questions.

The history of Cerro Moreno International Airport (ANF) is inextricably linked to the development of aviation and the mining industry in northern Chile. Its origins date back to the mid-20th century when the "Cerro Moreno" military airfield was founded. Since then, the airport has maintained its dual status, simultaneously serving civil flights and acting as a base for the 5th Aviation Brigade of the Chilean Air Force. Its strategic location near the city of Antofagasta, a global hub of the copper industry, determined its key role in the region's economic life.

Throughout its history, the airport has grown and developed alongside Antofagasta. Initially a modest airfield, it gradually transformed into an important transport hub for the northern part of the country. The main stages of its expansion were dictated by the need to serve a constantly growing flow of passengers — both tourists and professionals employed in the mining sector. This made Cerro Moreno one of the key points in the route networks of national airlines.

A significant step in the airport's modernisation was the opening of a new, modern passenger terminal in 2014. This large-scale reconstruction allowed for a radical change in its appearance, significantly increased capacity, improved comfort levels for travellers, and introduced advanced service technologies. This project became an important milestone, reinforcing the airport's status as one of the most modern and busiest in northern Chile.

Among interesting historical facts, it is worth noting that the airport operates in the unique climatic conditions of the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on the planet. It is also notable that in 2012, an initiative was discussed to name the airport after the renowned Chilean writer and poet Andrés Sabella Gálvez, a native of Antofagasta. Although the official name was retained, this initiative highlights the cultural significance of the facility for local residents.

Cerro Moreno International Airport (ANF) offers passengers all the necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. In the terminal, you will find several cafés and restaurants where you can have a snack, drink coffee, or enjoy a full meal, choosing from local or international cuisine. For those wishing to shop, there are Duty Free stores, souvenir shops with Chilean goods, and outlets selling newspapers and travel essentials.

For a more comfortable wait, the airport features VIP Lounges (Salones VIP). Passengers with access can relax in a quiet atmosphere, enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages, and use high-speed internet. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal for the convenience of travellers, and charging stations for electronic devices are equipped in the waiting areas.

Financial matters can also be attended to at Cerro Moreno Airport. Passengers have access to ATMs and currency exchange points, located in both the arrivals and departures zones. In case of need, a medical station is available in the terminal, ready to provide first aid.

The airport is equipped for the needs of various categories of passengers. For travellers with small children, there are mother-and-child rooms with changing tables. Passengers with reduced mobility can count on staff assistance, as well as use ramps and specially equipped restrooms. Although there are no hotels directly within the airport building, there are several hotels in the immediate vicinity, which can be easily reached by taxi or transfer.

Regarding business services, there are no specialised conference rooms provided within the terminal itself. However, business travellers can find necessary working conditions, such as meeting rooms and business centres, in hotels closest to the airport. Some VIP lounges may also offer basic office services, such as access to a printer or quiet work zones.

At Cerro Moreno International Airport (ANF), the choice of dining establishments corresponds to its status as a regional transport hub. Passengers have several options to grab a snack before departure or have a coffee upon arrival. The majority of cafés and eateries are located in the public area (landside), before security control, so you can spend time with those seeing you off or have a snack immediately after collecting your luggage.

In the departure area, you can typically find small cafés and vending machines with beverages and snacks. Here you will be offered a standard selection: coffee, tea, soft drinks, sandwiches, pastries, and light snacks. This is a convenient option for those who want to refresh themselves quickly right before boarding. For a more substantial meal, it is better to use the establishments in the main, public part of the terminal, where the choice may be slightly wider.

Although the airport is not a gastronomic destination, you can find echoes of local cuisine here. Look out for empanadas (pastries with various fillings) — this is a classic Chilean snack that may be available in one of the cafés. Otherwise, the menu consists of familiar international dishes. Prices, as in most airports, are slightly higher than in the city but remain within reason for travellers.

Passengers with specific dietary requirements (vegetarians, vegans, as well as those looking for gluten-free or Halal dishes) should note that the selection will be very limited. It is recommended to arrange meals in advance and bring suitable snacks with you. Opening hours of establishments are usually tied to the flight schedule: they open early in the morning and close after the departure of the last aircraft.

When planning a trip through Cerro Moreno Airport in Antofagasta, consider a few points for a comfortable start. We recommend arriving at the airport well in advance: at least 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international one. This will give you enough time for calm check-in and security control, especially during peak hours. To save time, use online check-in offered by most airlines — this will allow you to go straight to the baggage drop counter or, if you are travelling light, directly to security.

The security screening procedure at the airport is standard. Remember the restrictions on carrying liquids in hand luggage: all containers must be no more than 100 ml in volume and packed in a single transparent bag. Electronic devices, such as laptops and tablets, will need to be removed from your bag and placed in a separate tray. In Chile, as in many countries, strict security rules apply, so check the list of prohibited items in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises.

When choosing a seat on a plane departing from Antofagasta, there is a small trick. If you want to enjoy stunning views of the Atacama Desert and the Pacific coast, choose a window seat. The landscapes during takeoff and landing are truly impressive here. For those who value comfort and the ability to easily stand up and stretch during the flight, an aisle seat would be the best choice.

For passengers arriving on international flights or in transit, it is important to remember the specifics of customs control in Chile. It is known for its strictness, especially regarding agricultural control (SAG). It is strictly forbidden to import fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy products, seeds, and honey without a special permit. Be sure to declare all such products to avoid heavy fines.

In case of a flight delay or cancellation, contact your airline representative first. They are obliged to provide you with up-to-date information and, depending on the length of the delay, vouchers for meals or hotel accommodation. To save money on a taxi to or from the airport, consider using transfer shuttle vans, which often turn out to be cheaper, especially if you are travelling alone.