Brigadier Antonio Parodi Airport (EQS)

Brigadier General Antonio Parodi International Airport (EQS) is a premier aviation gateway serving the city of Esquel and the ruggedly beautiful northern Chubut province in Argentine Patagonia. Located approximately 21 kilometers east-southeast of the city center, the airport acts as a critical node for regional transportation, connecting the remote Andean foothills with the national capital of Buenos Aires. Its position is essential for the economic and social integration of the region, providing a reliable link for both business travelers and residents. The airport is globally recognized as the primary entry point for visitors to the UNESCO-listed Los Alerces National Park and the celebrated La Hoya ski resort. Situated just 13 kilometers north of Esquel, La Hoya is one of Argentina's most popular winter sports destinations, and the airport sees a significant influx of international and domestic tourists during the peak skiing season from June to September. The facility is well-equipped to handle winter sports equipment and provides seamless coordination with specialized mountain shuttles and regional car rental services. To meet the growing demands of Patagonian tourism, the airport is currently undergoing a transformative $30 million modernization and expansion project. This massive investment is reactivating a plan to enlarge the passenger terminal from its original 1978 footprint to a state-of-the-art 4,300-square-meter facility. The project aims to dramatically increase the airport's handling capacity, featuring a brand-new, spacious boarding lounge, updated restrooms, and an expanded gastronomic area that will showcase local Patagonian delicacies and international cuisine. The technical upgrades included in the modernization program are equally significant, featuring the construction of a new 27-meter-high control tower equipped with the latest in aviation technology. A new jet bridge (manga) is being installed to provide all-weather boarding for commercial jet aircraft, a critical amenity for the region's often harsh Andean climate. Additionally, the airport's parking capacity is being quadrupled to accommodate over 200 vehicles, alongside improvements to approach lighting and airfield security. These enhancements ensure that EQS remains a world-class facility capable of supporting the long-term growth of southern Argentina's aviation network.