โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
El Tehuelche Airport (IATA: PMY, ICAO: SAVY), officially opened on May 16, 1972, serves Puerto Madryn in Argentina's Chubut Province, located 5 kilometers northwest of the city center. Named in honor of the indigenous Tehuelche people, the airport serves as the primary aviation gateway to Peninsula Valdรฉs UNESCO World Heritage site and the region's world-renowned whale watching destinations. The facility experiences peak activity from June to December during Southern Right Whale season, when these marine mammals arrive at the shores of Patagonia.
The terminal building is compact but functional, offering basic passenger services including a cafรฉ serving light snacks, sandwiches, pastries, and soft drinks, plus a small souvenir shop selling locally produced goods. While the terminal appears dated, it remains fully operational and handles busy periods during whale watching season. The facility has just one cafeteria and limited commercial amenities, requiring passengers to prepare accordingly for their journey.
El Tehuelche Airport receives four flights per week from Buenos Aires via Aeroparque (2-hour flight duration), plus additional service from Ushuaia through airlines including Andes and LADE. The airport has one main runway and operates approximately 15-20 minutes from Puerto Madryn city center. Transfer PMY (bookable online) and taxi services provide ground transportation, though public transport options are limited and taxi fares can be expensive.
The airport's scenic approach often provides passengers views of the azure waters of Golfo Nuevo, and during whale season, lucky travelers may spot Southern Right Whales directly from aircraft windows. The facility serves as a crucial transport hub for tourists visiting Peninsula Valdรฉs, where Puerto Pirรกmides offers the only authorized location in Argentina for nautical whale watching excursions. Playa El Doradillo, just 15 kilometers from Puerto Madryn, allows shore-based whale viewing during winter months when whales approach within meters of the beach, offering accessible wildlife experiences for families and visitors with mobility limitations.
๐ Connection Tips
Aerolineas Argentinas and Flybondi provide domestic service to Buenos Aires from this Patagonian marine wildlife destination accessing Peninsula Valdรฉs UNESCO World Heritage whale watching and marine ecosystems. Basic terminal facilities offer minimal amenities requiring advance preparation, though specialized tour operators coordinate airport transfers and Peninsula Valdรฉs wildlife expeditions. Marine wildlife tours coordinate with scientific research seasons and animal migration patterns, particularly southern right whale breeding season that draws visitors from around the world. Environmental awareness essential when visiting UNESCO World Heritage marine areas where strict conservation protocols protect critical breeding habitats for marine mammals.
Ground transport includes rental cars and pre-arranged tours accessing Puerto Madryn (5 kilometers) and Peninsula Valdรฉs marine reserves where southern right whales, elephant seals, and orcas create world-class wildlife viewing opportunities. Spanish language essential for all services in this Patagonian region where Welsh heritage from 19th-century settlers blends with Argentine culture and marine conservation efforts. Health considerations include strong Patagonian sun exposure and potential seasickness during marine wildlife boat tours requiring appropriate preparation and medications. Consider seasonal wildlife patterns when planning visits, as whale watching peaks during breeding season (June-December) while summer brings elephant seal activity and optimal weather for Peninsula Valdรฉs exploration.
Patagonian maritime climate with strong winds and seasonal variations affecting flight operations, while whale season (June-December) brings peak tourism requiring advance booking for accommodation and tours. Banking services limited requiring Argentine pesos cash, as credit card acceptance restricted to major tour operators and hotels serving international wildlife tourism. Cultural attractions include Welsh heritage sites, traditional tea houses, and museums reflecting the unique settlement history of this Patagonian coastal region.
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 Tehuelche Airport