{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Airport",
  "address": {
    "@type": "PostalAddress",
    "addressCountry": "Bolivia",
    "addressLocality": "Villamontes"
  },
  "airlines": [
    "regional carriers"
  ],
  "amenityFeature": [
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "Domestic to Domestic Connection Time",
      "value": "45 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "Domestic to International Connection Time",
      "value": "90 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "International to Domestic Connection Time",
      "value": "90 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "International to International Connection Time",
      "value": "120 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "Interline Connection Time",
      "value": "0 minutes"
    }
  ],
  "city": "Villamontes",
  "code": "VLM",
  "comparison_tool_link": "/compare/VLM",
  "connection_tips": "Teniente Coronel Rafael Pab\u00f3n Airport serves Villamontes in Bolivia's Gran Chaco region, providing essential air connectivity to this remote area near the Pilcomayo River and Argentine border. Weather conditions and seasonal variations affect flight operations, requiring passengers to check current flight status and weather forecasts before travel. The airport serves the broader Chaco region's agricultural and energy sectors, supporting connections to Bolivia's main cities and regional centers. Airport operations staff monitor flight schedules, coordinate with air traffic control, and manage ground support equipment to ensure safe and efficient aircraft movements. The facility operates under standard aviation regulations with appropriate safety equipment and emergency procedures in place.\n\nGround transportation in this remote region relies heavily on pre-arranged services, as public transit options are extremely limited and taxi availability varies significantly. Security protocols follow national aviation security requirements, with screening procedures and restricted area access controls implemented according to regulatory standards. Heat considerations require carrying adequate water and sun protection, particularly during ground transportation in the Chaco's intense climate conditions. Weather patterns include significant seasonal variations with wet and dry periods, plus the potential for afternoon thunderstorms that can affect flight operations and require flexible scheduling. Emergency medical services maintain readiness for passenger and crew medical situations, coordinating with local healthcare facilities when necessary.\n\nThe location's strategic position near international borders makes it important for regional connectivity but also subjects it to varying documentation and customs requirements. The facility experiences hot, humid subtropical climate with temperatures reaching 22\u00b0C/72\u00b0F and high humidity levels of 73%, requiring consideration for aircraft performance and passenger comfort. Ground handling services coordinate aircraft operations, passenger processing, and baggage management according to international aviation standards. Passengers should prepare for basic facilities with minimal amenities and services, necessitating advance coordination for fuel, maintenance, or extended ground services.",
  "country": "Bolivia",
  "flag_url": "https://flagcdn.com/w320/bo.png",
  "flight_search_affiliate_link": "https://book.beatthatflight.com.au/?currency=BOB",
  "frequent_traveler_tip": [
    "Villamontes' Rafael Pab\u00f3n Airport has limited services.",
    "Carry water in the Chaco heat and arrange hotel pickups ahead of arrival.",
    "Check your flight status before leaving for the airport.",
    "Allow extra time during peak travel periods at this airport.",
    "Keep important documents easily accessible at this airport."
  ],
  "global_map_link": "https://www.google.com/maps?q=Teniente+Coronel+Rafael+Pab\u00f3n+Airport",
  "google_maps_reviews": {
    "rating": 0.0,
    "recent_reviews": [],
    "total_reviews": 0
  },
  "hotel_affiliate_link": "https://book.beatthatflight.com.au/?currency=BOB",
  "iataCode": "VLM",
  "icao": "SLVM",
  "international": false,
  "last_modified": "June 2026",
  "last_updated": "2026-03-30",
  "latitude": -15.800421781246808,
  "layover_planner_info": "Limited amenities.",
  "longitude": -62.7923938546883,
  "mct_domestic_to_domestic": 45,
  "mct_domestic_to_international": 90,
  "mct_interline": 110,
  "mct_international_to_domestic": 90,
  "mct_international_to_international": 120,
  "missed_connection_help": "Contact your airline for assistance.",
  "name": "Teniente Coronel Rafael Pab\u00f3n Airport",
  "region": "South America",
  "related_airports": [
    {
      "code": "ASC",
      "name": "Ascensi\u00f3n de Guarayos Airport"
    },
    {
      "code": "SJV",
      "name": "San Javier Airport"
    }
  ],
  "terminal_info": "Teniente Coronel Rafael Pab\u00f3n Airport (VLM/SLVM) operates as the strategic aviation gateway to Villamontes\u2014historic Bolivian Army headquarters during the devastating 1932-1935 Chaco War that claimed 100,000 lives in South America's bloodiest 20th-century conflict over supposed oil reserves in Gran Chaco territory, serving today's petroleum industry centered in Tarija Department which holds 80% of Bolivia's natural gas reserves alongside cattle ranching, fishing, and oil extraction from Nancarainza fields originally sought by Standard Oil. Located at 388 meters elevation near the Pilcomayo River and Argentine border where 15,000 Bolivian soldiers deserted during the war's final phases, the facility provides essential connectivity for contemporary hydrocarbon operations while honoring the memory of Teniente Coronel Rafael Pab\u00f3n and the strategic military significance that made Villamontes Bolivia's last-stand defense position during Paraguay's encirclement campaigns.\n\nBasic frontier infrastructure serves the subtropical Chaco climate reaching 22\u00b0C with 73% humidity, accommodating charter flights and government operations supporting Bolivia's energy sector where petroleum-related activities generate significant regional employment alongside traditional cattle farming in this Gran Chaco municipality crossed by the Caiguam\u00ed stream at the foot of Serran\u00eda del Aguarag\u00fce hills. The facility coordinates emergency medical evacuations and government services for remote Chaco communities while supporting oil and gas exploration activities requiring executive transport and technical specialists accessing Bolivia's most productive hydrocarbon fields concentrated in this strategic border region where geography and geology converge to create national economic importance.\n\nOperational characteristics emphasize serving Bolivia's energy independence where natural gas reserves justify continued aviation investment despite the challenging subtropical climate and seasonal weather patterns including wet-dry cycles and afternoon thunderstorms affecting flight operations. The airport maintains essential border connectivity near Argentina's Formosa Province where historical military cooperation during the Chaco War established enduring cross-border relationships, now facilitating contemporary petroleum industry coordination and regional integration despite the tragic legacy of territorial conflict over resources that ultimately proved less valuable than anticipated by pre-war speculation.\n\nStrategic importance extends beyond regional connectivity to preserving historical memory of the Chaco War's human cost while supporting Bolivia's contemporary energy economy where Villamontes transformed from military headquarters into petroleum industry hub, demonstrating how geography shapes both conflict and cooperation. The facility anchors Bolivia's southern frontier aviation infrastructure enabling efficient coordination of hydrocarbon exploration while maintaining emergency services for isolated Gran Chaco communities, establishing aviation's dual role preserving national memory of sacrifice while supporting economic development in this historically and geographically significant region where past conflict yielded to present cooperation in South American energy development.",
  "terminal_map_url": "https://skyvector.com/airport/SLVM/Teniente-Coronel-Rafael-Pab\u00f3n-Airport"
}