Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport - SCL
Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport is also known as the Santiago International Airport and also as the Nuevo Pudahuel Airport. It is located in Pudahuel, Santiago and is just 15 kilometers from downtown Santiago. A public and military airport, it is operated by Nuevo Pudahuel and serves as the hub for the LATAM Airlines Group, Sky Airline, and JetSmart. It offers flights to domestic and international locations including Europe, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. In 2011, it was one ranked as the ninth busiest airport in Latin America. Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport is also one of the busiest airports in South America. The airports’ code is SCL.
Best Time to Visit
Construction on the Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport started in 1961 and was commissioned by the Aeropuerto Internacional de Pudahuel. In 2000, it was renamed into the Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport in honor of the founder of the Chilean Air Force. A second runway was completed in March 2007. There are four levels to the terminal building with shopping and dining options. There are also a number of airline lounges in the terminals including those for LATAM Airlines, American Airlines Admirals Club, Delta Air Lines Sky Club, and the Pacific Club.
What to Do & Area Attractions
For passenger ease, there are a number of hotels located in and near the airport. The Holiday Inn Santiago Airport Terminal is internally connected to the terminals in the airport. Other airports located within the airport area are the Hotel Diego de Almagro Aeropuerto, the Hilton Garden Inn Santiago Airport, and the LQ Hotel Santiago Airport.
Alternate airports to Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport include the El Tepual International Airport.
