โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Maquehue Airport (PZS), designated by the ICAO as SCTC, is a historic aviation facility serving the city of Temuco and the Araucanรญa Region of southern Chile, located approximately 3 miles (5 km) southwest of the city center. Following the inauguration of the modern La Araucanรญa 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 Aรฉreo 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.
๐ 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 Araucanรญa 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 Araucanรญa Airport (ZCO) in 2014. For travelers needing to reach Temuco or the Araucanรญa 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 Araucanรญa business. It is the practical short-hop airport for the city.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Balmaceda Airport (BBA) is the primary aviation gateway to Chile's rugged Aysรฉn Region, serving as the essential link for the city of Coyhaique and the vast landscapes of northern Patagonia. Currently, the airport is undergoing a massive transformation with a major expansion project. As of late 2025, construction is well over 60% complete, aiming to replace the modest existing facilities with a state-of-the-art 12,000-square-meter terminal. This new facility, expected to open in 2027, will quintuple the airport's current capacity, allowing it to handle over 1.2 million passengers annually and supporting the regionโs booming tourism sector.
The existing terminal is a compact and functional building that provides basic amenities such as a regional souvenir shop and a small cafรฉ featuring Patagonian snacks. While passengers currently often walk across the apron to board their flights, the ongoing modernization will introduce five climate-controlled jet bridges and an expanded 35,000-square-meter aircraft apron. The new terminal design focuses on environmental sustainability and passenger comfort, incorporating advanced self-check-in technologies and larger waiting areas that offer stunning views of the surrounding Patagonian steppe and distant Andes peaks.
Balmaceda is well-served by Chile's major carriers, including LATAM, SKY Airline, and JetSMART, which provide multiple daily connections to Santiago and regional hubs like Puerto Montt. Flying into BBA is a unique experience, as aircraft often navigate the strong and persistent Patagonian winds. The airport maintains a high level of operational safety and is equipped with the latest navigational aids to manage the regionโs variable weather. For travelers, the airport serves as the starting point for the Carretera Austral, one of the world's most scenic road trips, making it a hub for adventure seekers from around the globe.
Ground transportation at Balmaceda is exceptionally well-organized, bridging the 56-kilometer distance to the regional capital, Coyhaique. Official airport minibuses operate on a fixed-rate schedule, providing a cost-effective and reliable transfer directly to city hotels. For more flexibility, several major international and local car rental agencies maintain counters within the arrivals hall, which is the preferred choice for those exploring the remote national parks. Additionally, direct bus services and private transfers are available, with the journey to Coyhaique typically taking about 45 to 60 minutes through the dramatic and wind-swept landscape of the Aysรฉn interior.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through Balmaceda Airport (BBA) is a unique Patagonian experience, currently being transformed by a massive expansion project scheduled for full completion by late 2025. As the primary gateway to the Aysรฉn region and the scenic Carretera Austral, the airport offers frequent daily connections to Santiago (SCL) and Puerto Montt (PMC) via LATAM, SKY Airline, and JetSMART. Due to the airportโs location on the open Patagonian steppe, extreme crosswinds exceeding 60 km/h are common, frequently causing flight delays or diversions. It is strongly advised to allow a 24-hour buffer if you have a critical international connection in Santiago. Ground transportation to the regional capital, Coyhaique (55 km away), is well-organized around flight arrivals.
Shared minibuses (shuttles) are the most reliable option, costing approximately $9,000 CLP per person for a 45-to-60-minute door-to-door service. You can book these at the 'Transfer' counters in the arrivals hall or via WhatsApp. For budget travelers, 'Buses Gardy' operates several times daily at a lower cost, though schedules are less frequent. Renting a 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended for exploring the rugged Carretera Austral; however, due to high demand, you must book at least six weeks in advance.
If you plan to drive into nearby Argentina (only 4 km away), you must notify your rental agency 10 days prior to secure the mandatory international insurance and exit permits. While the new terminal will offer expanded dining and VIP facilities, the existing terminal has limited amenities and a few ATMs. Carrying Chilean Pesos (CLP) in cash is essential for smaller towns along the southern highway where card acceptance can be intermittent. Finally, drivers of high-profile campervans should use extreme caution when leaving the airport, as sudden wind gusts can significantly impact vehicle stability.
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