Pampa Guanaco Airport (DPB)

Pampa Guanaco Airport (SCBI) is a small rural airfield located near Inútil Bay in Chile's Tierra del Fuego province, serving the remote Timaukel commune. The airport features basic infrastructure with a single runway (8/26) at 591 feet elevation, positioned in challenging terrain with low ridges south and west of the runway. As a non-commercial facility, the airport operates primarily for chartered flights, private aircraft, and emergency services rather than scheduled passenger operations. The airport provides essential FBO (Fixed Base Operator) services including tower communications, ground handling, UNICOM radio, and clearance delivery for aircraft operations. Due to its remote location in one of Chile's most isolated regions, passenger facilities are minimal with basic shelter and waiting areas rather than a traditional terminal building. The facility serves oil exploration activities, emergency medical evacuations, and logistical support for the sparsely populated Tierra del Fuego region. Operational considerations include strict weather monitoring due to Patagonian wind conditions, advance coordination for landing permits and fuel services, and limited ground transportation options in the surrounding area. The nearest commercial airports are Río Grande (48 miles), Ushuaia (56 miles), and Punta Arenas (106 miles), making Pampa Guanaco a critical aviation link for this remote corner of South America where road access is extremely limited and weather conditions can change rapidly.