El Tuqui Airport (OVL)

El Tuqui Airport (OVL) is a regional aviation facility serving the city of Ovalle in the Coquimbo Region of Chile. The airport features a modest terminal structure that primarily functions as the base for the Club Aéreo de Ovalle and supports general aviation, medical evacuations, and emergency services. It acts as a vital link for the Limarí Province, situated on a unique ridge approximately 3.7 miles (6 km) northeast of the city center.

The terminal infrastructure is basic and focused on essential operations, providing administrative offices and flight planning areas for local and visiting pilots. While the facility lacks modern commercial amenities like retail shops or dining outlets, it provides a sheltered environment for passengers waiting for private or charter flights. Travelers are advised to coordinate all logistical needs, such as food and water, in the nearby city of Ovalle prior to arrival.

The airfield features a single 3,789-foot asphalt runway (04/22) and is maintained by the Chilean Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC). Due to its position on a high plateau with steep drop-offs at both ends of the runway, pilots must exercise specific navigational caution during approach. Ground transportation to central Ovalle is informal, typically managed via local taxis or private transfers, as there are no regular scheduled commercial airline services currently at OVL.