โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
International โ Domestic
75
minutes
International โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
El Palomar Airport (EPA), also known by its ICAO code SADP, is a historic aviation facility located approximately 18 kilometers west of downtown Buenos Aires, Argentina. Established in 1912, it is one of the oldest airfields in the country and serves as the primary home base for the 1st Air Brigade of the Argentine Air Force. Throughout its long history, the airport has been a critical center for military logistics, government transport, and national defense, maintaining a specialized role within the metropolitan area's aviation network.
In early 2018, the airport underwent a significant transformation when it was inaugurated as Argentina's first dedicated low-cost commercial airport. During this brief but impactful era, the facility served as the primary hub for budget carriers Flybondi and JetSMART, aiming to democratize air travel in the region. The terminal was designed with a utilitarian "low-cost" concept, focusing on rapid passenger processing and high aircraft utilization, which allowed for significantly lower fares compared to the larger hubs at Ezeiza and Aeroparque.
Commercial operations at El Palomar were suspended in December 2020 following a series of legal challenges, neighborhood environmental concerns, and the operational shifts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Regional authorities ultimately determined that the significant infrastructure investment required for runway reconstruction was not sustainable given the proximity of other well-equipped regional airports. Since the suspension, the commercial passenger facilities have been largely dismantled and relocated, and the airport has reverted to its original mission as a dedicated military and general aviation airfield.
Today, the airport remains a bustling center for the Argentine Air Force and hosts an active local flight school. While it no longer serves scheduled commercial passengers, its strategic location near the El Palomar station of the San Martรญn railway line remains a notable feature of its geography. Travelers who previously utilized EPA are now directed to Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) or Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) for low-cost services. Despite the end of its commercial chapter, El Palomar continues to be a cornerstone of Argentina's military aviation heritage and a vital asset for the country's aerial defense infrastructure.
๐ Connection Tips
El Palomar Airport (EPA) is a facility of profound historical significance located approximately 18 kilometers west of downtown Buenos Aires. For travelers, it is vital to understand that EPA has undergone a major operational shift; while it served as Argentinaโs first dedicated low-cost commercial hub for budget carriers like Flybondi and JetSMART between 2018 and 2020, all regularly scheduled commercial passenger services have been permanently suspended. Currently, the airport has reverted to its original mission as a restricted military base for the 1st Air Brigade of the Argentine Air Force and a center for general aviation flight training.
It is critical to note that the former low-cost passenger terminal facilities have been largely dismantled or repurposed, and any traveler looking for commercial links into Buenos Aires must now utilize Jorge Newbery Airfield (AEP) for domestic flights or Ezeiza International (EZE) for international and domestic connections. For those visiting the El Palomar area for historical or military interests, the facility remains highly accessible via the San Martรญn railway line, with the El Palomar station situated just a short walk from the main gate. Ground transportation is well-served by local buses and taxis in the surrounding residential district.
Because the airfield remains a high-activity military zone, public access to the tarmac and hangars is strictly restricted to authorized personnel. Always verify your departure airport on your ticket, as outdated database entries may still erroneously show EPA as a commercial destination. El Palomar remains a storied and active node in Argentinaโs military aviation infrastructure, but no longer functions as a public passenger terminal.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Paso de los Libres Airport (AOL) serves the city of the same name in the Corrientes province of Argentina, located just 6 kilometers west of the city center. The airport features a single, compact terminal building of approximately 600 square meters. Its primary function is to provide essential air connectivity for this border city, which sits directly across the Uruguay River from Uruguaiana, Brazil.
The terminal provides basic amenities for travelers. Passengers can expect a waiting area with seating, restrooms, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi access. While there is a small canteen or cafeteria on-site for snacks and beverages, extensive dining or shopping options are not available. The airport does not feature any dedicated VIP or airline lounges, reflecting its small size and the nature of its operations.
Despite its modest size, the airport supports important regional flights, with Aerolineas Argentinas historically providing services that connect Paso de los Libres to major hubs like Buenos Aires. The airport also caters to general aviation and can handle limited international charter flights, which is a key feature given its strategic location on the border with Brazil. Travelers should always verify current flight schedules, as service frequency can vary.
Ground transportation from the airport is straightforward but limited. Taxis are the primary means for getting to and from the terminal and the nearby city of Paso de los Libres. It is also possible to arrange for private transfers in advance. There are no public bus services or ride-sharing apps operating directly from the airport, so planning onward travel is recommended.
๐ Connection Tips
Paso de los Libres Airport (AOL) serves as a vital aviation gateway for the southern Corrientes province and a critical link for cross-border travel to Brazil. For travelers, 'connecting' at AOL typically involves transitioning between a domestic flight from Buenos Aires and a land transfer across the Uruguay River to Uruguaiana, Brazil. The airport is a designated 'airport of entry,' but international arrivals must provide at least two hours of Prior Notice Required (PNR) to ensure that customs and immigration officials are available for clearance. The single-terminal layout is compact and intuitive, allowing for a rapid transition from the aircraft to ground transportation in under 15 minutes.
Ground transportation is well-integrated with the city's border-town logistics. Taxis are readily available at the rank outside the arrivals hall and provide a direct 10-minute connection to the Agustรญn P. Justo - Getรบlio Vargas International Bridge. To cross into Brazil, you can take a local bus or coordinate a private transfer that specialized in the Integrated Control Area protocols. It is essential to carry your physical DNI (for Mercosur citizens) or a valid passport, as digital identification is not accepted at the border.
Additionally, if you are driving, ensure you have your vehicle registration and valid Mercosur insurance ready for inspection. Be prepared for significant delays during the peak summer holiday season when the international bridge can experience long queues for customs checks. Please ensure that all your onward travel arrangements, including ground transport to your final destination, are confirmed well in advance. Our research indicates that regional transit in this area is highly weather-dependent and requires travelers to remain flexible with their schedules. Always confirm your flight status 24 hours prior to departure, carry your essential medications and critical documents in your hand baggage, and maintain open lines of communication with your local hosts or transport providers. By treating this airport segment as the foundation of your regional travel plan rather than the conclusion of your flight, you will find that it is a highly reliable gateway, provided you account for the unique pace of local transport and the seasonal variability of the local environment, which can often be unpredictable due to sudden meteorological shifts or technical logistics.
Travelers should be aware that Paso de los Libres and Uruguaiana operate in a cash-heavy environment. While major services at the airport accept credit cards, it is highly recommended to carry both Argentine Pesos (ARS) and Brazilian Reais (BRL) in cash for taxi fares, bus tickets, and small local purchases, as card acceptance can be spotty in the border zone.
โ Back to El Palomar Airport