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Capitan FAP Pedro Canga Rodriguez Airport

About the Airport

Capitan FAP Pedro Canga Rodriguez Airport. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars

The Captain FAP Pedro Canga Rodriguez Airport is not merely a transport hub, but a true gateway to the world of eternal summer on the northern coast. It is here that the journey begins to famous beaches with perfect waves and unique mangrove forests, where nature has been preserved in its pristine state. Travellers choose this airport for the opportunity to switch from the roar of turbines to the sound of the ocean surf and the relaxed atmosphere of the tropics as quickly as possible.

IATA Code TBP
ICAO Code SPME
City Tumbes
Distance to centre 8.5 km
Status International
Passengers per year ~400,000
Schedule Check on the AdP operator's website

Airport Features and Advantages

Strategic Location
Tumbes Airport is the closest arrival point for tourists heading to the popular beaches of Punta Sal and Máncora. This allows travellers to save significant time on ground transfers compared to other airports in the region, reaching the ocean as quickly as possible.

Proximity to the Border
Located just a few dozen kilometres from the border with Ecuador, the airport plays an important role in international tourism and trade. This makes it a convenient transit point for those planning combined journeys across two South American countries.

Comfort and Modernity
Following its transfer to a private operator, the terminal was modernized: a modern air conditioning system has been installed here, which is particularly important in the region's hot climate. The compact size of the building ensures a swift passage through all formalities without the queues and stress typical of large capital city hubs.

Contact Information

Below you will find the main contact information for communicating with the administration of the Captain FAP Pedro Canga Rodriguez Airport (TBP). Please note that the airport is managed by the company Aeropuertos del Perú (AdP), so many contacts lead to their central services.

  • Official Website: It is recommended to check current information about flights and services on the official website of the operator Aeropuertos del Perú (AdP): www.adp.com.pe.
  • Information Service Phone: For general enquiries, you can contact the AdP central office at: (+511) 710-5000.
  • Airport Address: Carretera Panamericana Norte Km. 1278, Corrales, Tumbes, Peru.
  • Email: For written enquiries, you can use the customer support email address: atencionalcliente@adp.com.pe.
  • Social Media: Official news from the operator can be tracked on their social media pages (e.g., Facebook) by searching for "Aeropuertos del Perú".
  • Lost Luggage Information: Matters regarding the tracing of lost or damaged baggage are handled exclusively by airline representatives. You must approach your airline's counter at the airport.
  • Passenger Support Contacts: For traveller support, the general AdP operator contacts listed above (phone and email) are used.

How to Get to the Airport

The Captain FAP Pedro Canga Rodriguez Airport (TBP) is located in the immediate vicinity of the city of Tumbes, serving as the main aerial gateway to this region in northern Peru. You can get from the airport to the city centre or back in several ways, suitable for any budget and level of comfort.

Taxis and Mototaxis are the most popular and fastest option. A trip to the city centre will take approximately 15-25 minutes depending on traffic conditions. The cost of a taxi ride is usually around 20-30 Peruvian Soles (PEN). It is recommended to use official services or agree on the price with the driver in advance. A cheaper and more colourful alternative is the mototaxi (auto-rickshaw), which will cost approximately 10-15 PEN — an ideal choice for solo travellers with light luggage.

For a more economical journey, you can use public transport, which is represented here in the form of "colectivo" — minibuses or route taxis. This is the most affordable way to travel: the cost of a trip usually does not exceed 2-5 PEN. However, it is worth noting that a "colectivo" may be less comfortable, especially with bulky luggage, and their routes and schedules are not always clearly defined. It is best to clarify details with locals.

If you value independence and plan to actively explore the surroundings of Tumbes, the best solution would be car rental. There are counters for several rental companies at the airport, but to guarantee vehicle availability, it can be booked online in advance. For those arriving at the airport in their own vehicle, parking is available, offering both short-term and long-term parking options.

Terminals and Map

The Captain FAP Pedro Canga Rodriguez Airport (TBP) in Tumbes is a small and compact regional airport distinguished by a simple and clear structure. It consists of one terminal serving all domestic flights, which makes navigating it extremely easy even for first-time visitors.

The airport layout is intuitively clear. Since there is only one terminal, the arrival and departure zones are located in the same building and in close proximity to each other. Upon entering the building, you will immediately see the check-in counters of several airlines operating in the region. After check-in, passengers proceed to a small security screening hall that leads directly to the boarding gates. The arrival zone is equally simple: it consists of a baggage claim belt and an exit to the city. Transfers between terminals are not required, as all operations are concentrated in one place.

A distinctive feature of the airport in Tumbes is its compactness and the absence of the unnecessary bustle characteristic of large hubs. There are no long corridors or confusing passageways here. All procedures, from check-in to boarding the aircraft, proceed quite quickly. Typically, check-in and security control take no more than 20-30 minutes, however, it is recommended to arrive at the airport generally 1.5-2 hours before departure to avoid any unforeseen situations.

To navigate the terminal, it is sufficient to follow the signs, although it is practically impossible to get lost here. Due to the small size, all key points — check-in counters, security screening, cafes, and the waiting hall — are within sight. This airport is a fine example of how simplicity and functionality make the start and end of a journey through northern Peru as comfortable and quick as possible.

Airport History

The Captain FAP Pedro Canga Rodriguez Airport (TBP) serves as the main air gate to the Tumbes region in northern Peru. Its history is closely linked to the development of this border area. The airport received its name in honour of a national hero, Peruvian Air Force Captain Pedro Canga Rodriguez, who died during the conflict with Ecuador in 1941. This fact highlights the strategic importance of the facility from the very beginning.

Founded in the mid-20th century, the airport initially served both military and civil purposes. Its location in immediate proximity to the border with Ecuador made it a key logistical hub. In the early stages of its development, it was a small airfield providing a link between the remote region and the rest of the country. Over time, as the economic and tourism potential of Tumbes grew, the need for its expansion arose.

A truly new era in the airport's history began in 2006 when it was granted in concession to the company Aeropuertos del Perú (AdP). This event became the catalyst for large-scale modernization. Significant work was carried out to reconstruct the passenger terminal, improve the runway, and update navigation equipment. Thanks to these investments, the airport was able to meet modern international standards of safety and passenger service.

Today, Tumbes Airport is an important centre for the tourism industry. It is here that the majority of travellers arrive when heading to the famous beaches of Peru's northern coast, such as Máncora, Zorritos, and Punta Sal. The constant growth in passenger traffic, especially during the high season, is the best evidence of its successful development and indispensable role in the regional economy. The airport has become a symbol of Tumbes' transformation into a popular tourist destination.

Services and Amenities

The Captain FAP Pedro Canga Rodriguez Airport (TBP) in Peru is a small regional airport serving the city of Tumbes and its surroundings. Despite its modest size, it offers passengers a basic set of services to make waiting for a flight comfortable.

Dining and Shops. In the terminal, you will find a small cafe where you can have a snack with sandwiches, pastries, and order beverages. There are also several kiosks offering souvenirs, snacks, and essential items that may be useful on the road.

Waiting Halls and VIP Service. There are no specialized VIP halls or business class lounges at the airport. A general waiting hall with a sufficient number of seats is available for all passengers.

Wi-Fi and Charging Stations. Wi-Fi is generally available in the terminal building. In the waiting hall, you can find sockets for charging mobile devices, although their number may be limited, so it is recommended to carry a portable power bank.

Financial Services. There are ATMs on the airport premises where you can withdraw cash. Currency exchange points may be absent or operate intermittently, so it is better to exchange money in the city in advance.

Additional Services:

  • Medical Assistance: There is a first aid station at the airport for emergency situations.
  • Passengers with Children: Baby changing tables are equipped in the restrooms for the convenience of travellers with infants.
  • Accessibility: The airport is equipped with ramps and special restrooms for passengers with reduced mobility. To receive assistance in moving through the terminal and boarding, it is recommended to notify your airline in advance.
  • Accommodation: There are no hotels directly on the airport grounds. The nearest hotels and apartments are located in the city of Tumbes, which can be easily reached by taxi in 15-20 minutes.
  • Business Services: Specialized conference rooms and business centres are absent at the airport.

Where to Eat

The Captain FAP Pedro Canga Rodriguez Airport in Tumbes (TBP), Peru, is a small regional airport, so the choice of dining establishments here is quite modest and focused on the basic needs of travellers. One should not expect a large variety of restaurants and cafes as found in major international hubs. All options are concentrated in the single terminal.

Primarily, small cafeterias and kiosks located in the general area before security control (landside) are available to passengers. Here you can have a quick snack before departure. The assortment usually includes sandwiches, pastries (such as empanadas), crisps, sweets, and beverages — coffee, tea, juices, and water. This is a good option if you need to satisfy light hunger or drink something before boarding.

Although Tumbes is famous for its unique cuisine, especially seafood, it is unlikely you will find complex local dishes at the airport. For a full lunch or dinner, it is strongly recommended to eat at one of the city's restaurants before arriving at the airport. Options for a substantial meal within the terminal itself are practically non-existent.

Passengers with specific dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or specific religious dietary requirements) will find it difficult to find suitable food. The selection is extremely limited, so if you follow a strict diet, it is better to bring a snack with you. Prices in airport establishments are, as a rule, somewhat higher than in the city.

The main dining points are in the departure zone before screening. After passing security (airside), the choice will likely be even more limited or non-existent. Cafe opening hours are usually tied to the flight schedule, so they may be closed at night or between flights.

Travel Tips

To ensure your journey through the Captain FAP Pedro Canga Rodriguez Airport goes smoothly, make use of these tips. For domestic flights within Peru, it is recommended to arrive 2 hours before departure, and for international ones — at least 3 hours. Although the airport in Tumbes is not as large as capital city airports, it is better to have a buffer of time, especially during peak season. If possible, complete online check-in — this will allow you to avoid queues at the airline counters.

The security screening procedure is standard, but to speed it up, prepare in advance. Liquids in hand luggage must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in a single transparent bag. Laptops and other large electronics must be removed from bags. Ensure you do not have prohibited items, such as knives or other sharp objects. When choosing a seat on the plane, especially on flights along the coast, opt for a window seat — stunning views may open up to you.

If you have a connection at another airport, clarify in advance whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage. Leave at least 1.5-2 hours between connecting flights to calmly pass all formalities. Upon arrival by international flight in Tumbes, you will have to undergo customs control. Keep your passport and boarding pass ready and familiarize yourself with the regulations on importing goods into Peru in advance to avoid delays.

To save money, bring an empty reusable water bottle, which can be filled after passing security control, and light snacks. In the event of a flight delay, contact your airline representative first for information. Remain calm and find out about your rights: for long delays, you may be provided with drinks, meals, or even accommodation. Be sure to keep all receipts for expenses incurred due to the delay.

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