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
Check in advance as services may be limited. The facility maintains flexible scheduling to accommodate weather-related delays common in the region. Ground transportation options include rental vehicles and taxi services, though advance booking is recommended. Seasonal weather patterns significantly impact flight operations, requiring travelers to maintain flexible schedules. The airport's strategic location serves multiple communities across the surrounding region. Emergency services and medical evacuation capabilities are maintained year-round for community safety. Local aviation services include flight training, aircraft maintenance, and specialized charter operations. Weather monitoring systems provide essential data for safe flight operations in challenging conditions. The facility coordinates closely with regional air traffic control for optimal flight routing. Baggage handling procedures are streamlined due to the airport's focused operational scope.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
D. Casimiro Szlapelis Airport (ARR) serves the remote town of Alto Rรญo Senguer in the Chubut Province of Argentina. Located in the heart of Patagonia, this airport is named after a pioneering local aviator and provides essential air connectivity for this isolated region. While it is not a major commercial hub, it has historically received service from LADE (Lรญneas Aรฉreas del Estado), which specializes in connecting isolated Patagonian communities. The terminal infrastructure is small, functional, and designed to handle low passenger volumes and general aviation traffic.
Operational procedures at the airport are simple and informal. For any scheduled flights, check-in is typically handled manually at a small counter within the terminal building. Security screening is basic, consistent with the low threat level and community nature of the facility. Passengers should be prepared for the often harsh Patagonian climate; boarding usually involves walking across the apron, which is frequently exposed to strong winds and can be covered in snow during the winter months.
Amenities at the airport are very limited, catering only to the most essential needs. There are restrooms and a basic waiting area, but travelers will not find duty-free shops, restaurants, or currency exchange services on-site. The nearby town of Alto Rรญo Senguer offers a few accommodation and dining options for those with layovers or extended stays. The airport's primary utility is for government flights, private pilots, and occasional scheduled services, making it a quiet but crucial outpost in the vast southern landscape.
๐ Connection Tips
D. Casimiro Szlapelis Airport (ARR), also known as Alto Rรญo Senguer Airport, serves as a critical aviation outpost in the heart of central Patagonia. For travelers, 'connecting' at ARR typically involves transitioning from a domestic LADE (Lรญneas Aรฉreas del Estado) flight originating in Comodoro Rivadavia (CRD) to local ground transportation. Since the facility does not host high-frequency commercial services, it is absolutely essential to coordinate your arrival with your local host or charter operator well in advance. The airport features a single 1,539-meter runway with a grass and packed-earth surface, which can be significantly impacted by seasonal rain or snow, making it vital to check the latest NOTAMs regarding runway serviceability. Ground transportation is well-suited for regional exploration, with the airport located approximately 9 kilometers southwest of the Alto Rรญo Senguer town center. While taxis are generally available to meet scheduled LADE arrivals, renting a heavy-duty 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended for those planning to navigate the vast distances of the Chubut province. If you are 'self-connecting' to the national commercial air network, allow at least five hours for the road transfer back to Comodoro Rivadavia, as the 290-kilometer journey via Ruta Nacional 26 involves long unpopulated stretches and variable road surfaces. During the winter months (June to August), tire chains are mandatory for any onward travel through the nearby mountain passes. As a high-latitude Patagonian airfield, passengers should be prepared for extreme weather conditions, including powerful northerly winds that can reach speeds of 150 km/h. Morning flights are typically smoother, as wind intensity often peaks in the afternoon. The terminal provides only basic community-maintained shelter and lacks any retail, dining, or financial services. Ensure you have sufficient Argentine Pesos
โ Back to El Palomar Airport