Tacna Airport

Welcome to the Coronel FAP Carlos Ciriani Santa Rosa International Airport — the main air gateway to the "Heroic City" of Tacna and the entire southern region of Peru. Managed by Aeropuertos Andinos del Perú, this airport plays a strategic role, located just a few kilometres from the border with Chile. Despite its international status, it currently serves as a vital hub for domestic flights, connecting the south of the country with the capital and offering passengers compact and convenient infrastructure to begin their journey.

Despite its modest size, Tacna Airport offers travellers everything necessary for a comfortable wait. In the single terminal, you will find several cafés where you can enjoy coffee and a snack, as well as a Duty Free shop for last-minute purchases. For passenger convenience, the main hall features ATMs, a Prom. Perú tourist information point offering advice on regional attractions, and official taxi service counters.

The main advantage of the airport is its simplicity and quick navigation. You will not have to wander long in search of boarding gates or the baggage claim area. Its proximity to the city — just 6-10 minutes by taxi or bus to the centre — makes it particularly convenient for tourists who value their time. Although there are currently no direct international flights, the airport remains a key transit point for those travelling by land between Peru and Chile.

For your convenience, we have compiled the essential contact information for Coronel FAP Carlos Ciriani Santa Rosa International Airport (TCQ).

• Official Website: The airport is managed by Aeropuertos Andinos del Perú (AAP). The most up-to-date information on flights, services, and regulations can be found on their official website: www.aap.com.pe.
• Information Desk Phone: For general enquiries, you may call: +51 52 314481.
• Airport Address: Aeropuerto Internacional Coronel FAP Carlos Ciriani Santa Rosa, Carretera Panamericana Sur, Tacna, Peru.
• Email: For general questions not related to specific airlines, you can write to the airport operator's email: atencionalcliente@aap.com.pe.
• Social Media: Official news and updates from the operator AAP are published on their social media pages, such as Facebook.
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of loss or damage to checked baggage, you must first contact your airline's representative at the airport. If you have lost personal items within the terminal, please contact the airport administration via the general phone number.
• Passenger Support Service: For assistance and consultations, please use the information desk phone number or email address provided above.

Getting to Coronel FAP Carlos Ciriani Santa Rosa International Airport (IATA: TCQ), serving the city of Tacna in Peru, is quite simple due to its close proximity to the centre — only about 7 kilometres. Travellers can choose the most convenient method depending on their budget, time, and amount of luggage.

Taxis and Transfers — the most popular and comfortable option. The journey from the city centre to the airport takes just 15–20 minutes depending on traffic. You can use official taxis or more economical mototaxis. The fare for a standard taxi is usually fixed, but it is always best to agree on the price before starting the trip. The estimated cost is 20–30 Peruvian Soles. For maximum convenience, you can book a private transfer in advance, which will collect you directly from your hotel.

Public Transport is mainly represented by shared taxis known as colectivos. These are minibuses or cars following a specific route and picking up passengers along the way. This is the most budget-friendly way to get to the airport, with fares significantly lower than taxis. However, please note that the journey may take longer, and there may not be enough space for large luggage. There are few direct bus routes to the airport, so the colectivo is the primary choice for budget-conscious tourists.

Car Rental is an excellent choice for those planning to explore the region independently. Both local and international rental companies operate in Tacna. You can rent a car in the city and return it at the company's airport office before departure. The airport grounds feature parking where you can leave a vehicle for both short and long periods, which is convenient for those arriving in their own transport.

Coronel FAP Carlos Ciriani Santa Rosa Airport (TCQ), serving the city of Tacna, is a small and compact aviation hub. The airport operates one passenger terminal, which is used to handle all flights — both domestic and international. Thanks to its simplicity and small size, navigating through it causes no difficulties even for those visiting for the first time.

The terminal layout is intuitive. The building is divided into two main zones: departures and arrivals. Upon entering the terminal, you find yourself in the general hall where the airline check-in counters are located. After receiving a boarding pass and checking in luggage, passengers proceed to the security screening area, beyond which lies a small waiting lounge with boarding gates. The arrivals area is located in another part of the building and includes a baggage claim belt and customs control for international flights.

Since there is only one terminal, the issue of transferring between terminals is not relevant — everything is within a single building and within walking distance. Moving from the check-in area to the waiting lounge or from the arrivals area to the exit takes just a few minutes. All signs are in Spanish and English, making orientation easier.

Completing all pre-flight formalities at Tacna Airport is usually quite quick. Check-in and security screening rarely take much time due to moderate passenger traffic. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport as standard — 1.5-2 hours before departure for a domestic flight, to complete all procedures without rushing. For international destinations, it is worth allowing a little more time.

The main advice for navigation at Tacna Airport is simply to follow the signs. It is practically impossible to get lost here. The small size of the terminal makes it very convenient for passengers, allowing them to avoid the stress and bustle characteristic of larger aviation hubs in Peru.

The airport of Tacna, officially known as Coronel FAP Carlos Ciriani Santa Rosa International Airport, has a rich history closely tied to the development of the southern region of Peru. It was inaugurated on 28 August 1954, becoming a vital air gateway for this strategic border city. The airport was named in honour of Carlos Ciriani Santa Rosa, a Peruvian aviator and hero of the 1941 war, who was a native of Tacna. This name highlights the city's heroic past and its contribution to national history.

Since its foundation, the airport has played a key role in ensuring transport accessibility for Tacna. Over the decades, it gradually developed, but received a real impetus for modernisation in the 21st century. A crucial stage in its recent history was the concession of the airport to the consortium Aeropuertos Andinos del Perú (AAP) in 2011. This step launched a comprehensive programme to upgrade infrastructure and improve passenger service quality.

Under the management of AAP, significant reconstruction works were carried out. Key projects included the modernisation of the passenger terminal, improvement of the runway surface, and updating of air navigation equipment. These enhancements were aimed at increasing flight safety and creating more comfortable conditions for travellers.

One interesting fact is that, despite its "international" status, the airport today mainly serves domestic flights, connecting Tacna with the capital, Lima, and other cities in the country. Its history is not so much about records, but about consistent development as a vital transport hub for the economic and social prosperity of the region, known for its free trade zone and proximity to the Chilean border.

Coronel FAP Carlos Ciriani Santa Rosa International Airport (TCQ), serving the city of Tacna, is a compact yet functional terminal. Here, passengers will find all the necessary services to spend their time comfortably whilst waiting for their flight.

For those wishing to have a snack or buy souvenirs, the airport has several cafés and small shops. The selection includes local snacks, beverages, and handicrafts — an excellent option for buying last-minute gifts. For a more comfortable wait, you can use the Caral VIP Lounge, where guests are offered a quiet environment, snacks, beverages, and a working area. Access to the lounge may be provided through loyalty programmes or for a separate fee.

Wireless internet (Wi-Fi) is available throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay connected. Charging stations for electronic devices can also be found in the waiting hall, although their number may be limited. For financial matters, ATMs and currency exchange points operate at the airport, where major world currencies can be exchanged for Peruvian Soles.

The airport is equipped to serve all categories of passengers. If necessary, you can contact the medical point for first aid. Basic amenities are provided for travellers with children. Passengers with reduced mobility can request special assistance in advance, including the provision of wheelchairs and accompaniment through the terminal.

There are no hotels directly within the airport building, but many accommodation options are located in the city of Tacna itself, just a 15-20 minute drive away. For business travellers, essential business services such as workspaces and internet access are provided in the VIP lounge. There are no specialised conference halls at the airport.

Tacna Airport (TCQ) is a small regional air station, so the choice of establishments here is quite compact but sufficient for a snack before departure. The main dining spots are oriented towards passengers who want a quick coffee or something light to eat.

Most cafés and snack bars are located in the general hall before security control (landside). This is where the main selection for passengers and those seeing them off is concentrated. After passing through security, in the sterile departure area (airside), the choice is usually more limited and may be reduced to a small kiosk with drinks and packaged snacks.

For a quick snack, fresh sandwiches (sánguches), traditional empanadas (empanadas), as well as various pastries, biscuits, and crisps are excellent options. Drinks available include coffee, tea, water, and fizzy drinks. Do not miss the chance to try the famous Peruvian soda Inca Kola. However, there are practically no options for a full hot meal at the airport. If you are counting on a hearty meal, it is better to eat at one of the city's restaurants before travelling to the airport.

Passengers with strict dietary restrictions (vegan, gluten-free, halal meals) are strongly recommended to bring food with them, as specialised options are unlikely to be found at the airport. Vegetarians can count on simple options, for example, a cheese sandwich. Please note that prices at the airport are traditionally higher than in city establishments.

The opening hours of cafés and snack bars are usually tied to the flight schedule. They open a few hours before the first departure and close after the last aircraft has left to serve all passengers.

To ensure your journey through the airport of Tacna is as comfortable as possible, it is worth considering a few tips. Plan your arrival at the airport in advance — typically, 2 hours before a domestic flight departure will be sufficient to complete all formalities without rushing. This gives you a buffer in case of unforeseen queues at check-in or security.

To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides this option. This will allow you to head straight to baggage drop or, if travelling light, to the security checkpoint. The security procedure is standard: be prepared to present liquids in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag, and remove laptops and other large electronics from your hand luggage.

When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences. A window seat will give you the opportunity to enjoy views of the unique landscapes of southern Peru during take-off and landing. An aisle seat provides more legroom and allows you to stand up freely without disturbing neighbours. Regarding hand luggage, besides standard restrictions on liquids, remember that sharp objects are prohibited. Liquids purchased in the city in bottles larger than 100 ml must be checked in.

Tacna Airport is not a major transfer hub, so most passengers begin or end their journey here. If you do have a transfer planned, especially to a flight with a different airline, check if you need to collect your luggage and check in again. When passing through customs control upon arrival, keep your passport and completed declaration ready. Honestly declare all goods subject to control to avoid fines and delays.

To save money, bring an empty water bottle that can be filled after passing security, and light snacks. This is more economical than buying food and drinks at the airport. A pre-booked transfer to the city may also prove cheaper than a taxi taken on the spot. The main secret to saving time is good organisation: keep documents to hand and pack your belongings so that you can easily take out everything necessary at security control.

In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for information on the flight status and your rights (drinks, meals, hotel accommodation for long delays). The airport usually has Wi-Fi to help you stay connected. Having a book, a charged power bank, and headphones will help pass the waiting time with greater comfort.