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
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
International โ Domestic
90
minutes
International โ International
120
minutes
Interline Connections
150
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Carriel Sur International Airport (CCP), also identified by its ICAO code SCIE, is a major international airport serving Concepciรณn and the Bio Bรญo Region of Chile. Located approximately 6 to 8 kilometers from Concepciรณn's city center, it is one of the largest and busiest airports in Chile, acting as a crucial hub for domestic trunk routes and select international services. The airport is also a primary alternate for international flights to Santiago's Arturo Merino Benรญtez Airport during adverse weather conditions.
The airport features a single, modern two-story passenger terminal that efficiently handles both domestic and international flights. The ground floor is dedicated to arrivals, including luggage claim and customs control for international passengers, while the upper level facilitates departures. The terminal underwent significant renovations in the 2000s, enhancing its facilities with various cafes, restaurants, and shops offering local products. Passengers can also enjoy free Wi-Fi and access to VIP lounges for a more comfortable experience.
Operational infrastructure at CCP is designed to support high volumes of traffic, accommodating a wide range of aircraft types. Ground transportation options are comprehensive, with car rental services available directly at the airport, and taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Cabify providing convenient access to the city center. The airport is also environmentally conscious, offering a charging point for electric vehicles, and its efficient operations make it a preferred gateway for travelers to south-central Chile.
๐ Connection Tips
Carriel Sur International Airport (CCP) is the second-largest aviation hub in Chile and the primary gateway to Concepciรณn and the Biobรญo Region. While the airport is relatively compact and easy to navigate, most travelers will connect here through Santiagoโs Arturo Merino Benรญtez International Airport (SCL). If you are arriving on an international flight to Santiago, you will land at the newer Terminal 2. You must clear immigration, collect your luggage, and pass through the SAG (agricultural inspection) and customs before walking to Terminal 1 (Domestic) to re-check your bags for your flight to Concepciรณn.
It is highly recommended to allow a minimum of 3 hours for this transfer in Santiago, as queues for immigration and customs can be lengthy during peak morning and evening banks. Upon arrival at CCP, you will find a modern, two-story terminal where the ground floor is dedicated to arrivals and baggage claim. For onward transportation, official taxi desks (such as Ejecu-express) are located inside the arrivals hall, offering fixed rates to downtown Concepciรณn (approximately 6 km away). Rideshare services like Uber and Cabify are also widely available and often pick up on the second floor (departures) for convenience.
If you are traveling alone or on a budget, shared van shuttles (Transfers) are a reliable option that will drop you directly at your hotel for a lower per-person fee. For those planning to explore the coast or the nearby Andes, major car rental agencies like Avis, Budget, and Europcar have desks in the main arrivals area. Note that while CCP is an international airport, its international routes are limited, and it serves as the primary alternate for SCL when fog or weather impacts landings in the capital.
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