Key Highlights
Here are the key things to know before you fly into Santiago International Airport:
- The airport’s official name is Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, with the IATA code SCL.
- It serves as the main gateway to Santiago, the capital of Chile, located just 15 km from the city center.
- SCL features two main passenger buildings: Terminal 1 for domestic flights and the modern Terminal 2 for all international travel.
- It is a major hub for LATAM, Sky Airline, and JetSmart, connecting to destinations across the Americas, Europe, and Oceania.
- The airport provides extensive passenger services, including VIP lounges, diverse dining options, and multiple ground transport connections.
Introduction
Welcome to Santiago de Chile! Your journey to Chile’s vibrant capital begins at Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL). Nestled against the stunning backdrop of the Andes mountains, this airport is your primary gateway to the country. As Chile’s largest and busiest aviation facility, SCL is designed for efficiency and comfort, connecting millions of travelers to domestic and international destinations each year. This guide will provide you with everything you need to know for a smooth arrival or departure.
Key Facts About Santiago Airport
When you book your flight, you’ll likely see the airport code SCL, but its official name is Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport. This name honors the founder of the Chilean Air Force. It is the busiest airport in Chile and a key connection point for travel throughout South America.
Functioning as a major hub, Santiago International Airport is well-equipped to handle millions of passengers. With a dedicated domestic terminal (Terminal 1) and a new, expansive international terminal (Terminal 2), the airport ensures a streamlined experience whether you are exploring Chile or flying abroad.
Official Name and Airport Code
The official name of Santiago’s main airport is Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport. It was named in 1980 to commemorate the founder of both the Chilean Air Force and LATAM, the country’s flagship airline. While this is its formal title, you will often hear it referred to simply as Santiago International Airport.
For travel purposes, you will primarily use the IATA code, which is SCL. This three-letter code is what appears on your boarding passes and baggage tags. There is also an ICAO code, SCEL, which is used by air traffic controllers and for flight planning.
The airport is also sometimes called Nuevo Pudahuel Airport, a name that references the operating consortium led by Vinci Airports and Aéroports de Paris. No matter which name you hear, they all refer to the same bustling hub connecting you to Chile.
Location and International Status
Santiago Airport is conveniently located in the municipality of Pudahuel, approximately 15 kilometers (about 9.3 miles) northwest of downtown Santiago. Its proximity to the city center makes it easily accessible via expressways, allowing for quick transfers to your hotel or next destination in the Santiago de Chile metropolitan region.
Yes, it is Chile’s largest and most important international airport. It acts as the primary gateway for travelers coming from Europe, North and South America, and even Oceania. The airport serves as a critical connection point for both international and domestic flights, making it a central pillar of the country’s transportation network.
To manage its high volume of traffic, the airport operates two separate buildings. The state-of-the-art International Terminal (Terminal 2) handles all flights to and from other countries, while the original building (Terminal 1) is now dedicated to domestic travel within Chile.
Airlines and Flight Operations
Santiago Airport (SCL) is a hub for Chile’s leading local carriers, including LATAM, Sky Airline, and JetSmart. These airlines offer extensive networks throughout the country and continent. In addition, many major international airlines operate flights from SCL, connecting Santiago to the wider airport world.
You can easily find information on all flight operations. The official airport website provides real-time updates for both arrivals and departures, allowing you to track any flight. This service helps you stay informed about flight statuses before heading to the airport. The following sections offer more detail on specific carriers and their destinations.
Major Airlines and Popular Destinations
A wide array of major airlines provides service at Santiago Airport (SCEL), making it a truly global hub. International carriers like Air France, American Airlines, Iberia, and British Airways offer long-haul flights to Europe and North America. The airport is also the primary hub for LATAM Chile, which, along with Sky Airline and JetSmart, dominates the domestic and regional flight operations.
The airport connects passengers to numerous cities at home and abroad. Below are some of the busiest routes from Santiago.
| Busiest International Routes | Busiest Domestic Routes |
|---|---|
| Buenos Aires, Argentina | Antofagasta |
| Lima, Peru | Calama |
| São Paulo, Brazil | Iquique |
| Bogotá, Colombia | Concepción |
| Panama City, Panama | Puerto Montt |
As a key airport for the Oneworld alliance and a flagship project for operator Vinci Airports, SCL’s flight operations are robust. LATAM alone accounts for approximately 82% of the airport’s commercial activity, underscoring its importance as a strategic hub in South America.
Passenger Facilities and Services
Santiago Airport is equipped with a wide range of facilities and amenities designed to make your travel experience comfortable and convenient. From the moment you check in to the time you board, you will find everything you need within the terminal buildings.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to work, a good meal, or some last-minute shopping, the airport has you covered. Services include VIP lounges, numerous restaurants, and various practical amenities to assist all passengers. The next sections will explore these offerings in more detail.
Lounges and Relaxation Options
For travelers seeking a peaceful escape from the bustling terminal, Santiago Airport offers several VIP lounges. These spaces provide an ideal environment for relaxation or catching up on work before your flight. You can enjoy comfortable seating, complimentary refreshments, and a quieter atmosphere.
The primary lounges are located in Terminal 1, with access typically through the second floor. These facilities are designed to offer an exclusive experience, ensuring you can unwind in style. Each lounge has its own access policy, so it is a good idea to check eligibility with your airline or credit card provider beforehand.
For the most current information on available lounges, their locations, and access requirements, check the official airport website or its social media channels. As the airport continues to develop, new relaxation options may become available, especially within the new international terminal.
Dining, Shopping, and Amenities
You will find plenty of dining and shopping opportunities at Santiago International Airport. The departures area on the second floor of Terminal 1 hosts a variety of shops and restaurants, with even more options on the third floor. Additionally, the new international piers in Terminal 2 feature modern commercial and gastronomic spaces for travelers.
Beyond food and retail, the airport provides several essential amenities to ensure your needs are met. These practical services are conveniently located throughout the terminals. Some of the key facilities include:
- A bank office for currency exchange and financial services.
- A pharmacy for any last-minute health needs.
- Booths for telecommunication companies like Claro, Movistar, and Entel PCS.
- A police station (Carabineros de Chile) for safety and assistance.
These amenities are designed to provide a seamless experience, whether you are just arriving or waiting for a flight. The thoughtful layout of each terminal ensures that you can easily find what you are looking for, from a quick snack to travel insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there lounges available at Santiago airport?
Yes, Santiago International Airport features several VIP lounges where you can relax before your flight. These lounges are located in Terminal 1 and the new international terminal, offering comfortable seating and other amenities. Access policies vary, so check with your airline or the specific lounge for entry details.
How do I get from Santiago airport to downtown Santiago?
Getting from SCL to downtown Santiago is easy. You can choose from official taxis and private shuttle services like TransVip for a direct ride. For a more economical option, Centropuerto and Turbus buses connect the airport to Santiago’s metro system, making this gateway city highly accessible.
What transport options are available from Santiago airport?
From Santiago Airport, you can take an official taxi, a shared shuttle, or a pre-booked private car. Additionally, public bus services operated by Centropuerto and Turbus run frequently from the terminal, connecting passengers to the Santiago Metro network and other key destinations in Chile’s capital.