โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
60
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Chos Malal Airport (HOS), officially known as Aeropuerto de Chos Malal, is a vital regional aviation facility serving the northern district of the Neuquรฉn Province in Argentina's Patagonia region. Located approximately 9 kilometers south-southeast of the city of Chos Malal, the airport acts as a critical link for this rugged, mountainous area, facilitating both commercial and essential air services. Its strategic position makes it a primary gateway for travelers exploring the northern Neuquรฉn cordillera and the nearby Domuyo Volcano, which is the highest peak in Patagonia.
The terminal building is a small, functional structure designed to efficiently handle the low-volume regional traffic characteristic of northern Neuquรฉn. The interior provides basic passenger comforts, including a modest waiting area and administrative counters for regional carriers. Navigation is extremely straightforward due to the airport's compact size, with the transition from the entrance to the aircraft parking apron involving only a few steps. While modern and well-maintained, the facility retains a quiet, remote atmosphere reflecting its location at the edge of the Andes.
Facilities at Chos Malal are limited but focused on the needs of regional travelers and essential services. The airport primarily supports flights operated by American Jet, which connects the town to the provincial capital, Neuquรฉn City. Additionally, the airport is a frequent base for sanitary flights (medevac), official government transport, and private general aviation. A local pilot training school also operates from the site, contributing to the airport's role as a hub for aviation education in the region. While there are no large-scale retail or dining options airside, the staff's local knowledge and hospitality provide a personalized experience for every visitor.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through Chos Malal Airport is rare and typically involves transferring from a regional American Jet flight to a private charter or a provincial government service. Given the single-terminal layout, such a transfer is incredibly simple and can be completed in less than 15 minutes. However, passengers should note that there are no automated baggage transfer systems; you will likely need to collect your luggage and re-check it with your onward carrier if you are not traveling on a single ticket. The airport's operational schedule is highly dependent on weather conditions in the Andes, so always confirm flight status before traveling.
Most passengers using HOS are destined for local towns or the surrounding mountains rather than connecting to other air services. If you are planning to connect to a domestic flight at Neuquรฉn City (NQN) for onward travel to Buenos Aires, ensure you have a minimum buffer of 3 hours between flights. This allows for the flight time from Chos Malal and the necessary check-in procedures at the larger NQN hub. The airport is strictly domestic, so all international travel requires a transfer through a major hub like Buenos Aires (EZE or AEP).
Ground transportation is essential for reaching the city of Chos Malal or nearby attractions, with local taxis being the most reliable option upon arrival. The terminal provides free parking and basic amenities like clean restrooms and a comfortable waiting zone. For layovers or delays, the airport's quiet environment is suitable for light work, but you should bring your own snacks and beverages as on-site catering is not always available. The professional staff at the terminal are well-versed in local logistics and can assist with arranging transport to the nearby National Parks or thermal springs.
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 Chos Malal Airport