Zapala Airport (APZ)

Zapala Airport (APZ), formally known as Vicecomodoro Olezza Airport, is located in the Neuquén Province of Argentina, serving the city of Zapala and the surrounding central Patagonian region. The airport features a modest terminal building designed to handle regional traffic. While it has historically hosted scheduled flights from carriers like LADE (Líneas Aéreas del Estado), it frequently operates with a primary focus on general aviation, government, and sanitary flights. The terminal infrastructure is preserved but basic, consisting of a small main hall that integrates check-in and waiting areas.

Operational procedures at Zapala are straightforward and typical of small Argentine aerodromes. When commercial or charter flights are running, passenger processing is quick due to low volumes. Security measures are standard for domestic flights, involving basic baggage screening and personal checks, but lacking the advanced technology found at major hubs like Buenos Aires. Passengers board aircraft by walking directly onto the tarmac, where the strong Patagonian winds are a constant environmental factor to consider.

Amenities at APZ are sparse. The terminal provides essential facilities such as restrooms and seating, but travelers should not expect dining services, retail shops, or Wi-Fi. Transport to the city center is typically by taxi or private vehicle. The airport's strategic location makes it a potential alternate for flights diverted from nearby airports like Neuquén (NQN) or San Martín de los Andes (CPC) during adverse weather, though its own operational capacity is limited.