Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, also known as Santiago International Airport and Nuevo Pudahuel Airport, is Chile’s largest aviation facility and busiest international airport, located in Pudahuel, 15 km northwest of the center of Santiago, the capital of Chile.
Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport serves domestic and international flights to destinations in Europe, Oceania, Africa (cargo only), Asia and the Americas. In terms of passenger traffic, the port is the ninth busiest airport in Latin America and the sixth busiest in South America. Its location in Chile’s most populous region and in the central part of the country has made it an ideal hub and maintenance center for most local airlines, such as LATAM and Sky Airline, as well as being heavily used for private jet flights to the country. LATAM Airlines accounts for approximately 82% of the airport’s total commercial operations.
The airport is owned by the Chilean government and operated since October 2015 by Nuevo Pudahuel, a consortium of companies formed by Aéroports de Paris (France), Vinci (France) and Astaldi (Italy). Air traffic control is carried out by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. The ICAO category is 4F. The airport functions as a joint civil-military facility. It is the headquarters of the 2nd Air Brigade of the Chilean Air Force and the base of the 10th Aviation Group.
Chile private jet charter prices
Although Arturo Merino Benítez Airport air charter fees depend on variables such as the number of passengers, departure airport, flight time, aircraft position, flight date, the prices for private jet charter from Istanbul → Santiago are as follows.
| Heavy Jet | 163.550 EUR |
| Long Range Jet | 228.150 EUR |
| VIP Airliner | 268.700 EUR |
These prices are average amounts and you can contact us on our flight reservation screen or by phone for the most accurate price information.
History of Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport
The demands of Santiago’s growing metropolitan area and the need for modern, jet-age airport facilities capable of safely handling both domestic and intercontinental flights dictated the relocation of the Chilean capital’s main airport from Los Cerrillos Airport in Santiago’s dense southwest metropolitan area to the more rural northwest metropolitan area.
Construction of the original terminal building, east runway (17L/35R), control tower, east apron and cargo facilities began in 1961. On February 2, 1967, the airport was inaugurated as Aeropuerto Internacional de Pudahuel, due to its location in the municipality of Pudahuel. On March 19, 1980, the airport was renamed Air Commodore Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport in honor of the founder of the Chilean Air Force and the Chilean airline LATAM Chile.
The facility was expanded in 1994 with a new 90,000 square meter international terminal inspired by the architecture of Marseille Provence Airport in France. The building is located between two parallel runways. The expansion added a new control tower, jetways, a duty-free area, a hotel and a larger parking area. The old terminal was used for domestic flights until 2001, when all passenger operations were consolidated in the same building.
In 2000, Lan Chile joined Oneworld, making Arturo Merino Benitez Airport the alliance’s first hub in Latin America and second in the Southern Hemisphere (after Qantas’ Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport in Australia). As of April 2014, 71% of international and 75% of domestic passengers were carried by Oneworld member airlines. During the 2010 Chilean earthquake, the passenger terminal building suffered internal damage and the pedestrian bridge between the vehicle ramp and the departure area collapsed. However, both runways and the control tower were undamaged, enabling a major humanitarian airlift organized by the Chilean Air Force to Concepción, Chile (Carriel Sur International Airport), close to the area hardest hit by the earthquake and subsequent tsunami. The airport authority closed all commercial flight operations on February 27 at around 1200 UTC and resumed full operations on March 3, 2010.
In June 2011, Santiago International Airport received the Air Cargo Excellence Award as the best Cargo Airport in Latin America. Construction of runway 17R/35L began in 2004 and opened to traffic in September 2005. However, within a few months, defects were discovered and the runway had to be repaired, which was completed in January 2006. Unfortunately, further work on the problem revealed that the initial repairs were inadequate and additional work was required. Finally, 17R/35L was reopened to traffic in March 2007.
On February 4, 2015, the “Nuevo Pudahuel” consortium, formed by French Aéroports de Paris (45%), Vinci Airports (40%) and Italian infrastructure company Astaldi (15%), won the tender to manage and develop the airport for 20 years from October 1, 2015.
List of places to visit in Santiago
Santiago, the capital of Chile, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South America. Its rich history, vibrant culture, breathtaking natural beauty and modern architecture attract thousands of tourists every year. Among the places to visit in Santiago:
One of Santiago’s Most Important Buildings: La Moneda Palace
La Moneda Palace, the official residence of Chile’s head of state, is one of the most important buildings in Santiago. Built in 1805, the palace attracts visitors with its architecture and historical importance. The museum inside the palace allows visitors to learn about the history of Chile.
Plaza de Armas The Heart of the City
One of the most important squares in Santiago, Plaza de Armas is the heart of the city. Built in the 16th century, the square is famous for its historic buildings, churches and museums. The Metropolitan Cathedral, located here, is one of the most important churches of the city. The Correo Central Building, one of the oldest buildings in the city, is also located around the square.
San Cristobal Hill: The Best Way to See the City
For spectacular views of Santiago, head up San Cristobal Hill. The highest hill in the city, San Cristobal attracts visitors with its natural beauty and views. Here, you can see the city’s historic district and views of the Andes Mountains.
Mercado Central Seafood Paradise
Mercado Central, Chile’s famous seafood market, is located in the heart of Santiago. Here you can buy fresh seafood or taste the famous Chilean dishes. Mercado Central is also a historical building and attracts visitors with its architecture.
Bellavista The Vibrant Area of the City
Bellavista is Santiago’s most vibrant neighborhood, attracting young people and tourists. It is famous for its vibrant colors, art galleries, restaurants and nightlife. You can also visit the Pablo Neruda House, where the famous Chilean poet Pablo Neruda lived.
Santiago airport transportation details
Arturo Merino Benitez is approximately 17 kilometers (11 miles) by car from Santiago city center. The airport is well served by the six-lane Costanera Norte highway (Exit 31), which runs from west to east of the city along the banks of the Mapocho river, while the Vespucio Norte Express Ring highway (Exit 18) connects it to the west, north and northeast of Santiago.
There are two official airport taxi services: Taxi Oficial and Taxi Vip. TransVip services reach most of Santiago’s hotel, business and residential areas.
Centropuerto buses connect the airport with the Los Héroes station of the Santiago Metro. Their frequency is every 10 minutes on weekdays and 15 minutes on weekends. Turbus offers a similar service to the Alameda terminal. Both services stop at the Pajaritos metro station/bus terminal on the way.
