โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
80
minutes
International โ Domestic
80
minutes
International โ International
95
minutes
Interline Connections
125
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport (MDZ), also known as El Plumerillo Airport, serves the city of Mendoza and the Cuyo region of Argentina, acting as the primary gateway to the country's world-famous wine-producing areas. The terminal is a modern, multi-level facility designed to handle a significant volume of domestic and regional international traffic, reflecting Mendoza's status as a major tourism and business hub at the foot of the Andes Mountains. Its architecture features a spacious departure hall with efficient check-in areas and an arrivals wing designed to manage the flow of travelers from hubs like Buenos Aires, Santiago, and Sรฃo Paulo.
The terminal experience at MDZ is professional and well-organized, featuring climate-controlled spaces that provide comfort in the region's high-desert environment. Inside, passengers have access to comfortable waiting lounges, digital flight information systems, and clear signage to assist with security and boarding processes. The facility is managed with a focus on high-quality service, ensuring that tourists headed to the nearby vineyards and business travelers driving the regional economy can transition smoothly through the airport. The layout is optimized for efficiency, with dedicated areas for customs and immigration to handle international connections.
Amenities within the Mendoza terminal are excellent, featuring a selection of duty-free shops, retail boutiques offering local Malbec wines and regional products, and diverse dining options that range from traditional Argentine snacks to international food. The facility provides essential modern services such as free Wi-Fi, mobile charging stations, and dedicated informational kiosks for tourists. Outside the main arrivals exit, a well-organized ground transport network is available, including dedicated taxi stands, car rental agencies, and shuttle services providing reliable connections to the center of Mendoza and the various winery districts across the Valle de Uco and Lujรกn de Cuyo.
๐ Connection Tips
Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport (MDZ), also known as El Plumerillo Airport, is a modern and highly efficient gateway serving the city of Mendoza and the world-renowned wine regions of western Argentina. Ground transportation is well-coordinated; local taxis and shared vehicles (remises) meet every scheduled flight outside the terminal hall and provide a reliable link to the city's major hotels and the spectacular wine routes of Maipรบ and Lujรกn de Cuyo. Arriving at least 90 minutes before domestic departures is typically sufficient to clear security and check-in. Amenities include free high-speed Wi-Fi, several airline lounges, and a diverse selection of dining options serving traditional Argentine cuisine and world-class local Malbec wines. MDZ provides a professional and remarkably stress-free arrival experience, reflecting the unique hospitality and dynamic growth of Argentina's wine capital.
For travelers, the most critical tip is understanding that MDZ primarily handles domestic flights operated by major carriers like Aerolineas Argentinas, Flybondi, and JetSMART, connecting Mendoza to the national hub at Buenos Aires (AEP/EZE), along with regional international links to Santiago (SCL), Sรฃo Paulo (GRU), and Panama City (PTY). It is standard practice to negotiate the fare beforehand, as ride-hailing apps like Uber have inconsistent coverage in the region; a typical fare to the city center is very reasonable. Car rental agencies like Avis, Hertz, and Localiza have desks directly in the terminal arrivals hall. The regional climate is arid and pleasant year-round, but summer heat can be intense.
Arriving at least 2 to 3 hours before international departures is standard to navigate the thorough security and customs screening characteristic of the region. A unique tip for visitors is utilizing the airport as a technical stop before heading directly into the spectacular Andes Mountains or the world-famous Aconcagua Provincial Park; several specialized transfer companies provide pickup services directly from the terminal exit. The terminal facilities at Mendoza are state-of-the-art and professional, following a major renovation in 2016. When connecting back to a long-haul international flight from Buenos Aires, always allow for a minimum 4-hour buffer to account for potential regional delays.
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 Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport