Base Aérea del Sur

Base Aérea del Sur Airport, also known as Retalhuleu Airport, is not just an air gateway but a dual-use facility serving both military aviation and civil flights. Located in the southwestern part of Guatemala, it is a strategically important point for travelers seeking to explore the country's Pacific coast. Thanks to its compactness and convenient location, the airport offers a quick and comfortable start for getting to know the region, bypassing the hustle and bustle of capital terminals.

The main feature of Base Aérea del Sur Airport is its strategic location. It is located in immediate proximity to the largest theme parks in Central America, such as Xetulul amusement park and Xocomil water park, making it an ideal arrival point for family holidays. The airport primarily serves domestic flights, connecting the region with the capital and other key points of the country. Despite its small size, the terminal offers basic amenities necessary for waiting for a flight in comfort. The main advantage of this airport is the ability to quickly get to hotels and resorts on the Pacific coast of Guatemala, as well as to the coffee plantations for which this region is famous.

Retalhuleu Airport (RER), also known as Base Aérea del Sur, is a small regional airport serving mainly domestic flights. Information can be obtained in the following ways:

• Official website: The airport does not have its own website. Current information on the status of the country's airports is provided by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation of Guatemala (DGAC).
• Inquiry service phone: For general questions, it is recommended to contact DGAC at +502 2321-5000. For questions related to a specific flight, it is best to contact your airline directly.
• Airport address: Aeropuerto de Retalhuleu, Cantón Ocosito, city of Retalhuleu, Guatemala.
• Email: There is no direct email address for contacting the airport. To resolve issues, use the contact forms on your airline's website.
• Lost luggage information: For all questions regarding lost or damaged luggage, you must contact the support service of the airline you flew with directly.
• Passenger support service: Passenger support regarding tickets, check-in, and flight schedules is provided by airline representatives.

Getting to Base Aérea del Sur Airport from the city center of Retalhuleu is not difficult, as it is located very close by. Depending on the chosen transport, the trip will take from 10 to 20 minutes. The choice of transport depends on your budget, amount of luggage, and personal comfort preferences.

Public transport is the most budget-friendly option. In Guatemala, this role is played by colorful local buses ("chicken buses") and minibuses. This is a great way to save money, but it may not be the most comfortable if you have a lot of items, as transport is often overcrowded. The fare is minimal, but there may not be an exact schedule, so it is better to leave with time to spare.

Taxis and tuk-tuks are the most popular and convenient way to get to the airport. Taxis or three-wheeled motorized rickshaws (tuk-tuks) can be easily found in any part of the city. The trip will be quick and take about 10-15 minutes. A tuk-tuk will cost slightly less, but it is less spacious. It is extremely important to agree on the price with the driver before the trip begins to avoid inflated costs upon arrival.

Car rental is the ideal choice for those who value independence and plan to explore the region, including the famous theme parks nearby. Rental company offices can be found in Retalhuleu. A personal car will ensure maximum flexibility and allow you to drive to the airport in comfort. Parking is available at Base Aérea del Sur, however, if you intend to leave the car for a long time, it is recommended to check the conditions and rates in advance.

Base Aérea del Sur Airport (RER), being primarily a military facility, uses one small and functional passenger terminal to serve civil flights. Its compact size and simple structure make navigation intuitively clear even for those here for the first time. Do not expect the scale of a major international hub here — it is a very intimate airport, which has its advantages.

The terminal layout is extremely simple. In fact, it is a single building combining all necessary zones. Arrival and departure zones are located in immediate proximity to each other, often within the same general hall. Immediately after the entrance, you will see several check-in counters, followed by the security checkpoint. There are no transfers between terminals, as there is only one terminal, and all movements take place on foot inside this same building.

Thanks to the small size and limited number of flights, completing all pre-flight procedures at Base Aérea del Sur Airport usually takes little time. Flight check-in and security screening are rarely accompanied by long queues. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport as standard — 1.5-2 hours before departure, to go through all formalities without rushing.

The main advice for navigation is to follow the signs. There are few of them, but they clearly indicate the direction to check-in counters, the boarding gate, or the baggage claim area. It is practically impossible to get lost here. The terminal is focused on quick and efficient passenger flow processing, not long stays, so the range of services here is basic: a waiting area, airline counters, and essential amenities.

Retalhuleu Airport (RER), also known as Base Aérea del Sur, has a unique history of transformation. Originally founded as a military airfield for the Air Force of Guatemala, for decades it performed exclusively military and logistical tasks, being an important strategic facility in the south of the country.

A turning point in the airport's history was the 2010s, when, due to the growing popularity of the nearby IRTRA theme parks (Xetulul and Xocomil), a decision was made on its radical modernization. The main goal was to transform the military base into a modern international airport capable of receiving commercial flights and promoting tourism development in the region.

The large-scale reconstruction, officially completed in 2016, included the construction of a new passenger terminal, updating navigation equipment, and, most importantly, lengthening and strengthening the runway. These improvements allowed the airport to receive larger aircraft, such as the Boeing 737. Obtaining international status became the main achievement in its history, opening direct air access to the tourist treasures of southern Guatemala.

One of the most interesting facts about the RER airport is its successful conversion. The story of transforming a closed military facility into a gateway for thousands of tourists is a vivid example of how infrastructure can be adapted for new economic realities. Today, the airport symbolizes not only transport accessibility but also the tourist revival of the entire region.

Base Aérea del Sur Airport (RER), serving the city of Retalhuleu, is a small dual-use airfield. Passengers should note that its infrastructure is quite modest and not comparable to major international hubs. Only a basic set of services necessary for departure and arrival is provided here.

Dining and Shopping: Opportunities for shopping and snacking at the airport are extremely limited. There are no large restaurants, cafes, or Duty-Free shops here. Travelers are advised to bring snacks and drinks with them or eat in the city beforehand.

Waiting Areas and Facilities: A small general waiting hall is equipped for passengers. There are no specialized VIP lounges or business lounges. Access to Wi-Fi is generally not provided, and the number of outlets for charging electronic devices is limited. It is recommended to have a portable charger with you.

Financial and Medical Services: There are no banks, currency exchange points, or ATMs on the airport territory. All financial operations should be carried out in advance in the city of Retalhuleu. Medical assistance is limited to basic first aid supplies; in case of serious problems, it is necessary to contact medical institutions in the city.

Additional Services: There are no specialized services at the airport, such as children's playrooms, mother and child rooms, conference halls, or business centers. Passengers with disabilities or those traveling with small children are strongly recommended to contact the airline in advance to clarify the possibilities for assistance during boarding and disembarking. There are no hotels directly on the airport territory; the nearest accommodation options are located in the city of Retalhuleu.

It is important to understand that Base Aérea del Sur (RER), also known as Retalhuleu Air Base, is primarily a military facility, not a commercial airport. In this regard, standard passenger services, including various dining outlets, are practically absent here.

There are no public restaurants, cafes, or bars on the air base territory. Dining infrastructure, if it exists, is intended exclusively for military personnel and base staff. Therefore, do not count on the presence of establishments here with menus offering local cuisine, vegetarian, gluten-free, or other dietary options.

Travelers arriving at the air base or departing from it are strongly advised to take care of meals in advance. The best solution would be to eat in the city of Retalhuleu before the trip to the base or bring a light snack (for example, sandwiches, fruit) and water. This will allow you to avoid inconveniences associated with the inability to buy food and drinks on site.

Thus, establishments in the nearest city are best suited for a full lunch or dinner, and pre-prepared food for a quick snack. Opening hours, price range, and specific locations of food points on the air base territory are not applicable, as they are not oriented towards serving tourists.

To ensure your journey through Base Aérea del Sur Airport in the city of Retalhuleu goes smoothly and without unnecessary worry, use our useful tips. This small airport serves mainly domestic flights, making it quite convenient for passengers.

Arrival Time and Check-in. For domestic flights within Guatemala, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before departure. This time is enough to calmly check in luggage and go through security. If possible, use online check-in — this will save you time in the queue at the airline counter.

Security Control and Seat Selection. Security checkpoints here are usually not as busy as in major hubs, but the rules are standard. Prepare documents in advance, and remove electronics and liquids from hand luggage. When choosing a seat on the plane, note that window seats will give you the opportunity to enjoy views of volcanic landscapes, while aisle seats will allow you to stand up freely during the flight.

Hand Luggage and Baggage. Standard security rules apply here too: liquids are allowed in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited in the cabin. Always check the exact baggage allowance on your airline's website to avoid extra charges.

Passengers with Connections. If you have a connecting flight, check in advance if you need to collect and re-check your luggage. Leave a sufficient margin of time between flights, especially if you are flying with different airlines. On international flights, you will have to go through customs and passport control, so keep all necessary documents at hand.

In Case of Flight Delay. In the event of a flight delay or cancellation, immediately contact your airline's counter for current information and instructions. Ensure your hand luggage has everything necessary for a long wait: a portable charger, a light snack, and water. Remain calm, and airport staff will help you find a solution.