La Aurora International Airport

La Aurora International Airport (GUA) serves as the primary gateway to Guatemala City. Located approximately 6 km from the city centre, it holds international status and acts as a hub for major carriers.

In 2024, ongoing modernisation efforts were announced to further enhance the passenger experience. Conveniently situated in Zone 13, the airport offers all necessary services and easy access to the capital, making it a strategic point for travellers visiting the region.

Below you will find contact information for La Aurora International Airport (GUA) to help you plan your trip and resolve any potential issues.

• Official Website: For the most up-to-date information, flight schedules, and regulations, visit the official website of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation of Guatemala, which manages the airport: dgac.gob.gt.
• Information Desk Phone: For general inquiries, you can contact the number: (+502) 2321-5000.
• Airport Address: 9 Avenida 14-75, Zona 13, Guatemala City, Guatemala.
• Email: A direct email address for general inquiries is not published. It is recommended to use the contact form on the official website or call via phone.
• Social Media: Follow news and updates on the official social media pages: Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
• Lost Baggage Information: If your luggage was lost during the flight, contact your airline's representative first. For items left in the terminal building, contact the airport's Lost and Found Office (Oficina de Objetos Extraviados).
• Passenger Support Service: For assistance and inquiries at the airport, approach the information desks or call the information service.

Getting to La Aurora International Airport (GUA) from various districts of Guatemala City is quite simple, as it is located within the city limits, in Zone 13. The choice of transport depends on your budget, amount of luggage, and comfort preferences. On average, a trip from popular tourist areas (Zone 10, Zone 4) takes from 20 to 45 minutes, although during peak hours this time can increase significantly due to heavy traffic.

Taxis, Uber, and Shuttles are the most popular and recommended methods for tourists. Official white airport taxis (Taxis Amarillo) are considered safe and operate on fixed rates; their counter can be found in the arrivals hall. Car-hailing services like Uber are also active in the city and often offer more competitive prices. A trip from the centre will cost approximately 60–100 Quetzals. For those heading to Antigua, Panajachel, or other cities in Guatemala, it is most convenient to book a tourist shuttle transfer in advance — this is a reliable and comfortable option.

Public Transport is the most budget-friendly but least convenient option. City buses, including the colourful "chicken buses," do not enter the terminal grounds. Their stops are located on main streets near the airport, which requires walking and can be unsafe, especially with luggage or after dark. The modern Transmetro bus system also does not have a direct route to the terminal. This method is suitable only for experienced travellers with minimal belongings and knowledge of the Spanish language.

Car Rental and Parking. If you plan to travel around the country on your own, offices of several international and local rental agencies are located at the airport. Keep in mind that driving in the capital can be stressful due to chaotic traffic. For those arriving in their own or rented vehicle, there is a parking complex directly opposite the terminal building. It offers both short-term and long-term parking at reasonable prices.

La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City has a simple and clear structure, making navigation quite easy even for first-time visitors. The airport consists of one main passenger terminal that serves both domestic and international flights.

The terminal is nominally divided into two main zones (concourses) which are connected and located in the same building:

• North Concourse: Most boarding gates are located here, serving international flights to North and South America, as well as Europe.
• Central Concourse: Used primarily for domestic flights within Guatemala and some regional flights to Central American countries.

The terminal layout is classic and intuitive. The Departures Zone, check-in counters, security checkpoints, and passport control are located on the upper level. After completing all formalities, passengers enter the general airside area with shops, cafes, and boarding gates. The Arrivals Zone is located on the lower level and includes passport control, baggage claim, and customs inspection.

Since everything is within a single building, transfers between different parts of the terminal are done on foot, and no special transport is required. Navigation is simplified thanks to signs in Spanish and English. The airport is relatively compact, so getting lost here is quite difficult.

Regarding timing, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2.5-3 hours before an international flight and 1.5-2 hours before a domestic one. During peak hours, queues may form at check-in counters and security checks, so extra time is always helpful. In general, completing all procedures takes the standard amount of time for international airports.

The history of La Aurora International Airport (GUA) is closely intertwined with the development of aviation in Central America. Its origins date back to the 1920s, when the "La Aurora" military airbase was established on this site. For a long time, the airfield served primarily military purposes, but with the growing popularity of air travel, it began accepting civilian flights, gradually transforming into the main transport hub of Guatemala.

The first significant stage of modernisation occurred in 1968, when the passenger terminal building was constructed, which many today call the "old" terminal. This significantly improved the quality of service. However, the most massive transformation took place in 2007. Under an ambitious project, the airport was almost completely rebuilt: a new North Concourse with glass facades appeared, and the old terminal was renovated and integrated into the updated structure as the Central Concourse.

The airport has witnessed important historical events multiple times. One of the most dramatic moments was its role following the devastating earthquake of 1976. In those days, La Aurora turned into a vital logistics centre through which international humanitarian aid, equipment, and rescue teams from around the world entered the country, highlighting its strategic importance to the nation.

The modernisation project of the 2000s aimed to turn La Aurora into one of the leading airports in the region. Capacity was increased, modern aerobridges were installed, and the runway was reconstructed to accommodate larger aircraft. These changes allowed the airport to receive direct flights from Europe and North America, strengthening the position of Guatemala City as an important tourist and business centre.

One of the most curious qualities of the airport is its name. "La Aurora" translates from Spanish as "The Dawn," which is very symbolic for a place where journeys begin. Furthermore, its location is quite unusual for a major international airport — it is located directly within the city limits, in Zone 13. Thanks to this, the trip to the city centre takes minimal time, and passengers can enjoy impressive panoramas of the capital during takeoff and landing.

La Aurora International Airport (GUA) offers passengers a wide range of services and amenities to make their stay as comfortable as possible. While waiting for your flight, you can visit numerous cafes and restaurants offering both local Guatemalan cuisine and familiar international snacks. The terminal also features Duty Free shops where you can purchase perfumes and souvenirs.

For those who prefer to wait for their flight in a quieter atmosphere, VIP lounges are available (such as the Copa Club Lounge or Los Añejos Lounge). Here, guests are offered snacks, beverages, comfortable seating, and work areas. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and special stations and outlets in waiting areas are provided for charging electronic devices.

To handle financial matters, there are several ATMs and currency exchange points in the airport, which is especially convenient for tourists arriving in the country. In case of need, passengers can seek assistance at the 24-hour medical station, where first aid is provided.

The airport is well-equipped to serve passengers with special needs: there are ramps, elevators, and specially equipped restrooms. Travellers with small children can use the mother and child rooms to care for their little ones in a calm environment.

Although there are no hotels directly inside the terminal building, many accommodation options are located in the immediate vicinity of the airport, many of which offer free shuttles for their guests. For business travellers, some premium lounges provide business centre services, including workspaces, access to office equipment, and meeting rooms.

At La Aurora International Airport, passengers will find diverse options for a snack or a full meal, catering to different tastes and budgets. Most establishments are located in the main departure area after passing passport and customs control, but a few cafes are also available in the public zone before check-in.

One of the main gastronomic "attractions" of the airport is the famous Guatemalan fast-food chain Pollo Campero. This is a great opportunity to try the locals' favourite dish — fried chicken made with a unique recipe. Restaurants of the chain are usually found in both the public area and the departure zone, allowing both well-wishers and passengers to enjoy it. It is an ideal option for both a quick snack and a hearty meal before a flight.

Besides Pollo Campero, other well-known international fast-food chains offering burgers, sandwiches, and pizza are represented at the airport. For those looking for something lighter, several coffee shops are open. Here you can order a cup of excellent Guatemalan coffee, which is famous worldwide, as well as pastries, desserts, and light snacks. This is a wonderful choice for waiting to board a flight.

For a more leisurely lunch or dinner in the departure zone, there are several à la carte restaurants where you can order international and local dishes in a calmer atmosphere. There are also lounges offering a wide selection of beverages. Regarding dietary restrictions, vegetarian sandwiches or salads can be found in most cafes; however, specialised Halal, vegan, or gluten-free menus are rarely found.

Prices in airport establishments are generally higher than in the city. The opening hours of most cafes and restaurants are adapted to the flight schedule, so even early in the morning or late at night, you will be able to find an open establishment. For a quick snack, choose coffee shops or the food court, and for comfortable waiting — one of the full-service restaurants.

To ensure your journey through La Aurora International Airport goes smoothly, use these tips. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least three hours before departure, and for domestic flights — two hours. This will give you enough time to complete all procedures without rushing, especially during peak hours.

To save time, take advantage of online check-in, which most airlines offer. This will allow you to avoid queues at check-in counters, especially if you are travelling with hand luggage only. Security checkpoints at Guatemala City airport operate according to standard international rules, so prepare your electronic devices and liquids for inspection in advance.

When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your priorities. Window seats will offer you magnificent views during takeoff and landing, especially if you are flying over the picturesque landscapes of Guatemala. Aisle seats are convenient if you need to get up during the flight without disturbing your neighbours.

Liquids in containers of no more than 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag, are allowed in hand luggage. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited. Always check the current rules on your airline's website to avoid unpleasant surprises at security.

If you have a layover at La Aurora Airport, check if you need to collect and re-check your luggage. The airport is not very large, so navigation usually does not cause difficulties. Use the waiting time to relax in a cafe or shop in the Duty Free stores.

Upon entering the country, you will have to pass through customs control. You will need to fill out a declaration, indicating all goods subject to declaration. Be prepared for your luggage to be selectively inspected. To save money on transport from the airport, use official taxi services or a pre-booked transfer.

In case of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative for information on further actions. Clarify if you are entitled to drinks, meals, or hotel accommodation depending on the length of the wait. The airport has Wi-Fi, which will allow you to stay connected and monitor updates on your flight status.