Presidente Ibáñez Airport

Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport is not merely a transport hub, but a true gateway to Patagonia and the "End of the World". Located in a zone of strong winds near the Strait of Magellan, it immerses travellers in the rugged romance of the Chilean south from the very first moment. It is here that the breathtaking journey to the granite towers of Torres del Paine, the glaciers of Tierra del Fuego, and the icy expanses of Antarctica begins. The airport is renowned for its unique location and specific landing conditions, which often become the first vivid impression of the trip.

Features and Highlights of the Airport:

The main distinguishing feature of the air harbour is its preparedness for the famous Patagonian winds. It is one of the few airports in South America possessing three runways positioned at different angles. This configuration allows aircraft to land and take off safely under almost any wind direction, which can reach hurricane force here.

The airport serves as a key logistical centre for expeditions to Antarctica. Flights regularly depart from here to the "White Continent", lending the place a special atmosphere of adventure. In the terminal, travellers can find souvenir shops with local products, cafes, and a duty-free zone, allowing for a comfortable wait before departure.

For tourists planning an independent journey through the region, car rental counters are available in the arrivals hall. Since distances in Patagonia are vast and public transport does not reach all natural attractions, renting a car directly at the airport is considered the optimal solution for starting a route to the Torres del Paine park.

Below you will find contact information for Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport (PUQ), which serves Punta Arenas and the surrounding regions of Chile.

• Official Website: www.aeropuertodepuntarenas.cl
• Information Desk Phone: +56 61 2 723 000 (we recommend verifying the number before calling).
• Address: Ruta 9 Norte, Km 20.5, Punta Arenas, Magallanes, Chile.
• Email: oirst@aeropuertodepuntarenas.cl (for general enquiries, suggestions, and feedback).
• Social Media: You can follow airport news on the official pages on Facebook (@aeropuertodepuntarenas), X (formerly Twitter) (@aeropuertoPUQ), and Instagram (@aeropuertodepuntarenas).
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage was lost during the flight, you should contact your airline's representative directly. For items left within the terminal building, please contact the airport information service via the email provided above.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For assistance and consultations, you may use the information desk phone or write to the airport's email address.

Presidente Ibáñez Airport (PUQ) is located approximately 20 kilometres north of the city centre of Punta Arenas. You can get to or from the airport in several ways, and the journey usually takes 20-30 minutes depending on the chosen transport and traffic conditions.

Public Transport and Shuttles
There is no direct city bus service to the airport. The most popular and budget-friendly option is shared shuttles (transfer). These are minibuses that travel between the airport and hotels or central points in the city. Their counters are easily found in the arrivals hall. The cost of a trip is usually around 5,000–8,000 Chilean Pesos (CLP) per person, making them a convenient compromise between price and comfort. It is recommended to book a seat in advance, especially during the high season.

Taxi and Private Transfer
A taxi is the fastest and most convenient way to reach your destination. Official taxi counters are located directly in the terminal. A trip to the city centre will cost approximately 10,000–15,000 CLP. This is a more expensive option, but it is ideal for travellers with a lot of luggage or those who value personal space. You can also book a private transfer online in advance, which guarantees a fixed price and a meet-and-greet service with a name sign.

Car Rental and Parking
For those planning to explore Patagonia and the southern regions of Chile independently, renting a car is the best solution. Offices of several international and local rental companies are located in the airport arrivals hall. It is recommended to book a car in advance online to guarantee availability and secure a better rate. The airport also has paid parking for both short-term and long-term vehicle storage.

Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo Airport (PUQ) is distinguished by a simple and clear structure, making it convenient for travellers. The airport operates one passenger terminal, which serves both domestic and international flights. This completely eliminates the need for transfers between terminals and complex navigation.

The terminal is a modern two-storey building. The ground floor houses the Arrivals area (Llegadas). Here, passengers pass through passport control (for international flights), collect their luggage on conveyor belts, and can also access customs services. In this same area, you will find car rental counters, tourist information offices, and exits to taxis and buses.

The first floor is entirely dedicated to the Departures area (Salidas). Here you will find airline check-in counters where you can check in luggage and receive your boarding pass. After registration, passengers proceed to the pre-flight security screening area, followed by a spacious waiting hall with boarding gates. The departures hall features several shops, cafes, and souvenir stalls where you can comfortably spend time before your flight.

Thanks to its compact size and logical layout, passing through check-in and security at Punta Arenas airport is usually quite quick. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 1.5-2 hours before a domestic flight and 2.5-3 hours before an international one, especially during the high tourist season (December-February). Navigation through the terminal is intuitive, with signs in Spanish and English everywhere, so getting lost here is practically impossible.

Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport (IATA: PUQ), located near the city of Punta Arenas, is not just a transport hub, but a true gateway to Patagonia and Antarctica. Its history is closely intertwined with the development of this harsh and beautiful region of Chile.

The airport was officially opened in 1950 and originally bore the name "Chabunco", after the area where it is located. Later, it was renamed in honour of Carlos Ibáñez del Campo, who served twice as President of Chile and made a significant contribution to the development of the country's southern regions. From the very beginning of its existence, the airport played a key role in ensuring the connection of the isolated Magallanes region with the rest of the country.

One of the most important stages in the airport's history was its transformation into a major logistics centre for Antarctic expeditions. Since the second half of the 20th century, numerous scientific missions and tourist flights have departed from here to the icy continent. This gave Punta Arenas airport international significance and the status of the "last city before Antarctica".

Throughout its history, the airport has been modernized multiple times. Reconstructions of the runway were carried out to accommodate wide-body aircraft, and the passenger terminal was expanded to cope with the growing flow of tourists wishing to see the glaciers of Patagonia and penguins. An interesting fact: the airport has a dual purpose — in addition to civil aviation, it serves as a base for the IV Air Brigade of the Chilean Air Force, underscoring its strategic importance.

Presidente Ibáñez Airport (PUQ), despite its modest size, offers passengers the necessary set of services for a comfortable journey. Here you will find everything you might need before or after a flight to the heart of Patagonia.

The terminal houses several cafes where you can enjoy a cup of coffee or grab a sandwich. For those looking for gifts, there are stalls offering locally produced goods, as well as Duty Free shops with a classic assortment of perfumes, beverages, and confectionery. For a more comfortable wait for your flight, passengers can use the VIP Lounge (Salones VIP Pacific Club), which offers a secluded atmosphere, snacks, drinks, and a work area.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, allowing you to stay connected. If you need to charge your phone or laptop, sockets and special device charging stations are provided in the waiting halls. For financial transactions, ATMs and a currency exchange point operate within the terminal.

For travellers with small children, mother and child rooms are equipped. The airport also provides necessary facilities and assistance for passengers with reduced mobility, including ramps and accompaniment if required. In case of illness, you can visit the 24-hour medical centre.

There are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, however, plenty of accommodation options can be found in the nearby city of Punta Arenas, which is just a 20-minute drive away. Dedicated conference rooms are absent at the airport, but the VIP lounge can offer basic conditions for work for business travellers.

At Presidente Ibáñez Airport (PUQ), passengers can find several convenient dining options, though it is worth noting that this is a small regional hub. The main establishments are concentrated in the public area (landside), before passing through security control. The main spots for a bite to eat are Gama Cafe and Le-Patagon.

In these cafes, travellers can enjoy coffee with fresh pastries or order more substantial dishes for a full lunch, such as sandwiches, salads, or simple hot snacks. If you wish to try something from the local cuisine, look out for traditional Chilean empanadas — these are filling baked pastries with various fillings, ideal for a quick and authentic snack.

After passing through security, in the sterile departure zone (airside), the selection becomes extremely limited and usually comes down to vending machines with drinks and snacks. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to plan your meal before passing through control. Passengers with specific dietary needs (vegans, gluten-free, or Halal requirements) should bear in mind that finding suitable dishes at the airport will be practically impossible. The most reliable solution is to bring food with you.

The price range in airport establishments can be described as moderately high, which is typical for air terminals. The opening hours of cafes depend directly on the flight schedule — they open for the first departures and close after the last evening flights depart, ensuring passenger service throughout the operational day.

Planning a trip through Presidente Ibáñez Airport (PUQ) in the city of Punta Arenas will be much easier if you consider a few key points in advance. These tips will help you save time, stress, and money, making the start or end of your journey through Patagonia as comfortable as possible.

Airport Arrival Time. Although Presidente Ibáñez Airport is not as large as capital city hubs, it can get crowded during the tourist season. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive 1.5-2 hours before departure, and for international flights — 2.5-3 hours. This time will be sufficient to calmly complete all formalities.

Check-in and Security Control. To avoid queues, use online check-in, which most airlines open 24-48 hours before the flight. At security control, be ready to present your boarding pass and passport. Pack all liquids up to 100 ml in a transparent bag in advance and remove laptops and other large electronics from your hand luggage.

Choosing a Seat on the Plane. If your flight takes place during daylight hours, we strongly recommend choosing a window seat. Flights in this region often pass over the majestic Andes and Patagonian glaciers, and the views from the window can become one of the most vivid impressions of the trip.

Hand Luggage. Standard rules apply here too: sharp objects, weapons, and liquids in containers larger than 100 ml are prohibited. Pay special attention to food products. Strict phytosanitary regulations apply in Chile, so your hand luggage must not contain fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, seeds, or honey when entering the country.

Connecting Passengers. If you have a connecting flight, clarify at check-in whether your luggage will be automatically checked through to the final destination. Upon arrival in Punta Arenas, immediately find information on the board regarding the boarding gate for your next flight to avoid rushing.

Customs Control. For international flights, you will have to pass through customs control. The main rule is to declare all products of plant and animal origin on the special SAG (Agricultural and Livestock Service) form. Even a single apple or a bag of nuts that you forget to declare can lead to a large fine. It is simplest not to bring anything of this sort with you.

Saving Time and Money. Book a transfer from the airport to the city online in advance — this is often cheaper than taking a taxi on the spot. Bring an empty reusable water bottle with you, which can be filled after passing security. Have some Chilean Pesos (CLP) with you for small expenses, although cards are accepted in most places.

In Case of Flight Delay. In the event of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative. They are obliged to provide information on the flight status and, depending on the length of the delay, offer vouchers for food or hotel accommodation. Keep all receipts and documents — they may be needed to receive compensation from the airline or via travel insurance.