๐จ๐ฑ Los Andes, Chile
San Rafael Airport (LOB), identified by its ICAO code SCAN, is a public aviation facility serving the city of Los Andes in the Valparaรญso Region of Chile. Situated approximately five kilometers west-northwest of the city center, the airport primarily acts as a hub for general aviation, flight training, and regional aeroclub operations. The facility operates from a single, basic terminal structure that houses the administrative offices for the Club Aรฉreo Los Andes and specialized flight schools.
Infrastructure at the San Rafael terminal is minimalist and focused on providing functional support for private pilots and aviation students. As there are currently no regular scheduled commercial airline services operating at LOB, the terminal lacks standard metropolitan amenities such as retail shops, professional lounges, or diverse dining facilities. Instead, the facility provides essential administrative areas, briefing rooms for flight crews, and basic waiting spaces for private charter travelers. The airport is also a prominent base for the Latin American Aviation Training (LAAT) school, emphasizing its role as an educational center.
Ground transportation to and from the terminal is highly convenient due to its proximity to downtown Los Andes, with local taxis and private vehicles being the primary modes of access. The airfield features a single 750-meter asphalt runway (05/23) and is situated within a scenic mountain basin, requiring specialized pilot skills for navigation. For travelers seeking scheduled commercial airline connections in the region, Arturo Merino Benรญtez International Airport (SCL) in Santiago remains the primary gateway, located approximately 80 kilometers to the south. Travelers utilizing the LOB facility are advised to coordinate their arrival directly with the local aero club or flight school to ensure access to the terminal area.
San Rafael Airport (LOB) is a specialized regional aviation facility located in the Aconcagua Valley of central Chile, serving the city of Los Andes and the surrounding mountain communities. For those arriving at LOB via private aircraft, ground transportation should be pre-arranged. Los Andes is world-famous for its spectacular mountain scenery and its role as a primary gateway to the Portillo ski resort and the Cristo Redentor tunnel to Argentina; renting a car in Santiago or Los Andes is the most practical way to explore the region's diverse natural and historic wonders at your own pace. When planning a return trip to a major international carrier from Santiago, always allow for a generous buffer timeโideally 3 to 4 hoursโto account for potential road delays on the busy mountain highways.
While the airport primarily handles general aviation, flight training, and private charters, it is critical for travelers to understand that LOB currently lacks regularly scheduled commercial airline services. The airfield is located just 2 kilometers from the Los Andes city center. The terminal facilities at San Rafael are functional and professional, offering basic passenger amenities including a small waiting lounge and a pilot briefing room. LOB provide a professional and remarkably quiet arrival experience for private flyers seeking direct access to the heart of the Chilean Andes.
For commercial domestic or international connections to the Los Andes or Aconcagua regions, the primary gateway is Comodoro Arturo Merino Benรญtez International Airport (SCL) in Santiago, located approximately 80 kilometers (a 90-minute drive) to the southwest via the CH-60 and Route 57. While local taxis can be arranged with prior notice, it is highly recommended to coordinate a pickup through your host or a local service, as on-demand options directly at the quiet terminal can be limited. The regional climate is Mediterranean and pleasant year-round, but mountain fog and strong winds can occasionally lead to flight delays for light aircraft.
โข Check ahead for limited amenities and operating hours.
โข Check your flight status before leaving for the airport.
โข Allow extra time during peak travel periods at this airport.
โข Keep important documents easily accessible at this airport.
โข Download your airline's mobile app for updates at this airport.
Minimum domestic connection:
45 minutes
International connections:
90 minutes
Interline transfers:
120 minutes
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Last updated: April 2026 | Data Source: IATA and other airline sites and resources