Diego Aracena International Airport

Diego Aracena International Airport (IQQ) is your gateway to the amazing world of northern Chile. Located on the Pacific coast, between azure waves and the majestic Atacama Desert, it welcomes travellers seeking adventure. The airport is the second busiest in the northern part of the country and serves as a key transport hub for both tourists and business travellers heading to the free economic zone of Iquique. This air harbour will be a comfortable start to your acquaintance with the region, known for its surfing beaches, mysterious geoglyphs, and unique salt flats.

Despite its relatively small size, Diego Aracena Airport offers all necessary services for a comfortable journey. Here you will find cosy cafes, shops, including Duty Free, and car rental desks, which is especially important for those planning to explore the surroundings independently. The airport shares a runway with the Los Cóndores military airbase, highlighting its strategic importance. Simple and clear navigation through the terminal allows passengers to orient themselves easily, and the availability of Wi-Fi throughout the area helps stay connected. The air harbour primarily serves domestic flights, connecting Iquique with the capital Santiago and other cities in Chile, as well as operating several international flights.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Diego Aracena International Airport (IQQ).

• Official Website: On the official portal aeropuertodeiquique.cl, you will find the current flight schedule, information about services, a terminal map, and other useful details.
• Help Desk Phone: For immediate information, you can call: +56 57 227 6000.
• Airport Address: Ruta A-1, Iquique, Región de Tarapacá, Chile.
• Email: There is no public email address. To contact the administration, it is recommended to use the contact form on the airport's official website.
• Social Media: Follow airport news and updates on its official pages on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram.
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues related to lost or damaged checked baggage, please contact your airline's representative directly. If you have left personal items in the terminal building, please contact the information desk.
• Passenger Support Contacts: The main support hub is the information desk located in the terminal. You can also use the main airport telephone number for enquiries.

Diego Aracena International Airport (IQQ) serves the city of Iquique and is a key transport hub in northern Chile. It is located approximately 45 kilometres south of the city centre, so your trip should be planned in advance. Depending on the chosen transport and traffic conditions, the journey to the city will take you from 40 to 50 minutes.

Taxi and Private Transfer. The most comfortable and fastest way to get to your hotel is to book a taxi or private transfer. You will find the counters of official carriers (transferistas) immediately at the exit of the arrivals area. This option is especially convenient if you are travelling with family or a large amount of luggage. It is recommended to use the services of official companies to avoid inflated prices and ensure trip safety.

Group Transfers (Colectivos). The most popular and budget-friendly alternative to taxis are collective minibuses. They ply between the airport and the city, departing as they fill up. The driver drops passengers off at hotels or specific addresses, making this method very convenient. This is an excellent choice for solo travellers and those who want to save money without compromising comfort. There is practically no direct connection to the city via regular municipal buses, so colectivos are the main form of public transport from the airport.

Car Rental. If you value independence and plan to explore not only the city but also its picturesque surroundings, such as the Atacama Desert or coastal towns, renting a car will be the ideal solution. Offices of several major rental companies are located in the airport building. To guarantee getting the right car at a good price, it is better to book it online in advance, especially during the high tourist season. The airport grounds feature both short-term and long-term parking.

Diego Aracena International Airport (IQQ), serving the city of Iquique and the surrounding region in Chile, is distinguished by a well-thought-out and passenger-friendly structure. The airport consists of one passenger terminal, which handles both domestic and international flights. This compactness makes navigation intuitively clear and eliminates the need for complex transfers or the use of shuttles between buildings.

The terminal layout is logical and simple. It is organised on two main levels, which allows for the effective separation of arriving and departing passenger flows. The Departure Zone is located on the upper floor: here you will find airline check-in counters, baggage drop-off points, and pre-flight security checks. The Arrival Zone occupies the ground floor, where passengers collect baggage and pass through customs control.

Since all operations are concentrated in one building, transitions between zones are made on foot and do not take much time. Clear signage in Spanish and English helps to navigate the space. Even during peak hours, the airport manages the flow of passengers well, avoiding excessive bustle and queues.

To go through all necessary procedures without rushing, it is worth arriving at the airport in advance. The recommended arrival time is 2 hours before departure for a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international one. Although check-in and security at Iquique airport usually proceed quickly, extra time will allow you to calmly check in luggage, have a coffee, and find your boarding gate.

The history of Diego Aracena International Airport (IQQ) is inextricably linked with the development of northern Chile and the city of Iquique. The airport, named after the prominent Chilean aviator and Air Force Commander Diego Aracena Aguilar, was opened for civil transport in 1973. It was built on the basis of the existing "Los Cóndores" military airfield. This dual status—as a civil and military facility—remains to this day, making it a strategically important point for the country.

The main impetus for the airport's development was the creation of a large free economic zone (ZOFRI) in Iquique in 1975. This decision turned the city into one of the main commercial centres of South America and caused a sharp increase in cargo and passenger traffic. The airport became a key link in the logistics chain connecting Asian markets with the continent. Its development proceeded in parallel with the economic growth of the region, which attracted both business people and tourists.

Over the decades, the airport has undergone several significant modernisations. Large-scale works were carried out to lengthen and strengthen the runway, allowing it to accommodate heavy cargo and long-haul passenger aircraft. In the late 1990s, a new, more modern passenger terminal was built, significantly increasing comfort levels and capacity. Subsequent renovations were aimed at further expanding the terminal and updating air navigation equipment in accordance with international standards.

Interesting fact: thanks to its location on the Pacific coast and its long runway, Diego Aracena Airport is capable of serving as an alternative landing site for space shuttles. Today, it is rightfully considered one of the most important transport hubs in northern Chile and continues to play a key role in the economic and tourism life of the region.

Diego Aracena International Airport (IQQ) has created all conditions for a comfortable stay for passengers. Despite its relatively small size, the airport provides a full range of services necessary for travellers heading to the city of Iquique and other corners of northern Chile.

Within the terminal, you will find several cafes and snack bars where you can have coffee or a full lunch, choosing dishes of local or international cuisine. For those wishing to shop, there are Duty Free stores with a standard assortment of perfumes, cosmetics, and international goods, as well as souvenir shops offering authentic Chilean products and handicrafts.

Passengers wishing to relax in a calmer atmosphere can use the services of the VIP Lounge (for example, Salones VIP Pacific Club). Here, guests are offered snacks, beverages, fresh press, and comfortable places to wait for their flight. To stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and charging stations for electronic devices are available in the waiting areas.

It is easy to solve financial matters at the airport: ATMs and currency exchange points are at your service. In case of need, a first aid station operates in the terminal, ready to assist passengers.

The airport is well-equipped for passengers with special needs: there are ramps, elevators, and specially adapted restrooms. Families with small children will appreciate the availability of nursing rooms, where you can feed or change a baby in a quiet environment.

There are no hotels directly in the airport building, but a wide selection of accommodation options can be found in Iquique, which is about a 40-50 minute drive away. For business travellers, basic business services, such as work areas or meeting rooms, are typically provided within the framework of VIP services.

Diego Aracena International Airport (IQQ) offers passengers several convenient options for a snack or a more substantial meal while waiting for a flight. The choice of establishments here corresponds to the size of the airport—it is not huge, but it allows you to spend time comfortably before departing from Iquique.

Most catering establishments are concentrated in the single passenger terminal. In the public zone (landside), before security control, there is usually one or two cafes operating. This is an ideal place if you want to have a snack with those seeing you off. Here you can order coffee, sandwiches, pastries, and soft drinks. This is the best option for a leisurely lunch.

After passing control, in the secure departure zone (airside), there are also several food outlets. Typically, these are cafeterias and small bars where you can grab a quick bite. This is your last chance to try something from the local cuisine—for example, a Chilean empanada (stuffed pastry) or enjoy a cup of aromatic coffee. Some establishments may also offer various beverages.

Prices at the airport are expectedly higher than in city establishments. The opening hours of cafes and restaurants are usually synchronised with the flight schedule, so even passengers on early or late flights will be able to find an open establishment. Regarding special dietary needs, finding a separate vegetarian, gluten-free, or Halal menu might be challenging. However, suitable options such as salads, fruits, or yoghurts can always be found in the assortment of standard cafes.

For a quick snack, cafes in the departure zone are perfect, where you can take food and drinks with you. If you have time for a full lunch, it is better to use the services of establishments in the public zone before passing control. In any case, the airport provides basic opportunities to refresh yourself before the journey.

To ensure your journey through the airport of Iquique goes smoothly and without unnecessary worry, take advantage of our tips. These recommendations will help you save time, money, and nerves, whether it is the beginning of your adventure in Chile or your return home.

Arrival Time and Check-in. We advise arriving at the airport at least 2 hours before departure for a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international one. This time will be enough to calmly go through all procedures. To save time, complete online check-in for your flight in advance and save the boarding pass on your smartphone.

Passing Control. At the security checkpoint, be prepared to remove laptops and other large electronics from your hand luggage. Liquids can be carried in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag. If you are flying over the Andes or along the coast, try to choose a window seat—the views of the Atacama Desert and the Pacific Ocean can be simply breathtaking.

Baggage and Customs Rules. Strict phytosanitary regulations apply in Chile. It is strictly prohibited to bring fresh fruits, vegetables, seeds, meat, and dairy products into the country without special permission. Upon entering the country, you will need to fill out a declaration from the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG). Be sure to declare all products of plant and animal origin to avoid large fines.

Passengers with Connections. If you have a connecting flight in Iquique, check with the airline whether you need to collect and re-check your baggage. As a rule, when transferring from an international to a domestic flight, you are required to pass customs control and re-check your suitcases.

How to Save. To avoid overpaying for water, take an empty reusable bottle with you and fill it at drinking fountains after passing security. It is more profitable to book a transfer from the airport to the city online in advance or use the services of collective taxis (colectivos), which are cheaper than individual ones.

In Case of Flight Delay. If your flight is delayed, first contact your airline representative for information about the new departure time and possible compensation (meals, beverages). Check the terms of your travel insurance—it may cover expenses related to the delay. There are cafes and free Wi-Fi at the airport to help pass the waiting time comfortably.