⏰ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic → Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic → International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
🏢 Terminal Information
Maquehue Airport (PZS), designated by the ICAO as SCTC, is a historic aviation facility serving the city of Temuco and the Araucanía Region of southern Chile, located approximately 3 miles (5 km) southwest of the city center. Following the inauguration of the modern La Araucanía International Airport (ZCO) in 2014, PZS transitioned from being the primary commercial gateway to a specialized military and general aviation hub. It currently serves as the headquarters for the Maquehue Air Base of the Chilean Air Force and the main base for the Club Aéreo de Temuco.
The terminal infrastructure has been repurposed to support its current military and private aviation mission, featuring functional administrative offices and high-efficiency hangars for the local flight club. While the original passenger terminal building remains, it no longer hosts public commercial amenities such as check-in counters, retail shops, or full-service restaurants. Travelers and private pilots have access to basic waiting lounges and briefing areas within the Aero Club complex, which maintains a professional environment for flight training and institutional operations.
Operationally, the airport features a single 5,577-foot asphalt runway (06/24) capable of supporting a wide variety of private jets and military transport aircraft. Ground transportation to central Temuco is well-supported by local taxi services situated near the air base entrance, providing a quick 10 to 15-minute link to the city's main districts. Travelers are strongly advised to note that all scheduled commercial airline services for the region now utilize the new ZCO facility located in Freire, and they should verify their flight destination code carefully before departure to ensure a professional and streamlined journey.
🔄 Connection Tips
Maquehue Airport (PZS) in Temuco, Chile, is officially CLOSED to all scheduled commercial passenger flights. IMPORTANT: Do not attempt to book or plan travel to the PZS code. Ensure you use ZCO as your primary air hub for the Chilean Lake DistrictMaquehue has become a regional/utility airport for Temuco's southern Chile network, with its role shaped by the city's growth, the nearby roads, and the wider Araucanía movement pattern. The airport matters because it is the closest aviation option for a major regional city, not because it is a huge terminal. The city-side transfer is the whole point here.
All commercial operations were moved to the new La Araucanía Airport (ZCO) in 2014. For travelers needing to reach Temuco or the Araucanía region, the only gateway is ZCO, located 25km south of the cityFor travellers, the airport is useful as a short hop into the city and the surrounding lake-and-forest corridor. The ground leg is simple and that keeps the field practical.
The former airfield now primarily serves as a strictly military and police aviation base From ZCO, economic 'AndresTour' shuttles and private taxis provide reliable transfers to central Temuco.The airport is there because the Temuco area needs a close-in field for regional movement, university travel, and Araucanía business. It is the practical short-hop airport for the city.
⏰ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic → Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic → International
80
minutes
International → Domestic
80
minutes
International → International
95
minutes
Interline Connections
125
minutes
🏢 Terminal Information
Andrés Sabella Gálvez International Airport (ANF) is the primary air gateway to the Antofagasta Region and Chile's mining industry. It operates from a single, modern terminal building spread across two levels. The ground floor houses arrivals, check-in counters, and car rental agencies, while the second floor is dedicated to departures and airside operations. Due to the region's industrial importance, the terminal experiences distinct peak periods, particularly in the early mornings when shift workers transit for mining operations. Travelers should anticipate busier security queues during these times.
The departures area on the second level features a selection of cafes, souvenir shops, and duty-free options. For eligible passengers, the **Salones VIP Pacific Club** is located airside, roughly opposite Gate 3. This lounge offers a quiet retreat from the busy terminal, providing complimentary Wi-Fi, snacks, beverages (including alcoholic drinks with limits), and comfortable seating. It is important to note that the lounge is currently accessible only to domestic passengers.
Accessibility features are incorporated throughout the terminal, including elevators and ramps connecting the two levels. Ground transportation is readily available curbside on the ground level, with authorized taxis and transfer shuttles (Transvip) connecting efficiently to Antofagasta city center. The airport is also known for strong afternoon winds from the Atacama Desert; passengers disembarking via stairs should be prepared for dusty gusts.
🔄 Connection Tips
Andrés Sabella Gálvez International Airport (ANF) serves as the primary aviation hub for Chile's Antofagasta Region and is a critical node for the nation's massive copper mining industry. Due to its industrial importance, the airport experiences highly concentrated peak periods, particularly in the early mornings between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM. During these times, hundreds of shift workers transit for mining operations, which can lead to significantly longer queues at both check-in counters and the secondary-level security checkpoint. Travelers are strongly advised to arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours for any international departures to ensure a stress-free transition through the terminal.
The single-terminal layout is compact and intuitive, making the physical act of connecting between gates very fast—typically under 10 minutes. 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.
However, if you are 'self-connecting' between separate tickets, you must allow a minimum of 2. 5 hours. This buffer is essential for descending to the ground-floor arrivals to retrieve checked baggage and then returning to the upper level to re-complete the check-in and security process. For ground transportation, authorized taxis and TransVIP shuttles are available 24/7 curbside and offer fixed-rate services to the city center, which is about a 30-minute drive. The Line 103 public bus provides a more economical connection, though it can take over an hour depending on traffic.
Environmental conditions at ANF are unique due to its location on the edge of the Atacama Desert. Passengers should be prepared for strong afternoon winds, which can create dusty conditions on the tarmac during stair-boarding or deplaning. Utilizing online check-in and carrying a digital boarding pass is highly recommended to bypass the busiest counters. If you have a longer wait, the Salones VIP Pacific Club near Gate 3 offers a reliable refuge with Wi-Fi and refreshments, though access is currently prioritized for domestic passengers.
← Back to Maquehue Airport