The new passenger terminal at Chacalluta Airport in Arica (ARI), Chile, officially began operations this week following a USD 80 million investment. The new infrastructure, led by concessionaire Sacyr, increases the terminal’s capacity to handle up to one million passengers per year, an improvement from the previous 300,000 annual passengers.
The new terminal expands the existing area from 5,352 m² to 12,184 m². It currently includes three of the five planned boarding bridges, with the remaining two expected to become operational upon project completion. The terminal also features 192 seats in boarding lounges, a number set to increase to 510 once all construction is finished.
Infrastructure improvements include:
- Three additional airline counters (bringing the total to 16).
- 126 new parking spaces (totaling 486).
- Three new aircraft stands (for a total of seven).
Additionally, the airport now boasts modernized facilities for the DGAC (General Directorate of Civil Aviation), including a control tower, a fire station, an electrical substation, an air traffic information office, and a new cargo terminal.
“This is a historic milestone for the region. This modern terminal provides critical infrastructure for Chile’s northern border, enhancing passenger experience and supporting regional development,” highlighted Jessica López, Chile’s Minister of Public Works, during the inauguration ceremony.
She also noted the completion of the 2,800-meter runway extension, which enables larger and heavier aircraft to operate and has been in use since April 2024.
Local and national impact for Arica
The new terminal is expected to boost tourism, logistics, and agriculture, creating new job opportunities, according to a press release from the Ministry of Public Works. Mayor Orlando Vargas emphasized the importance of attracting more passengers to fully utilize the terminal’s capacity and called for initiatives to stimulate the local tourism industry.
The improvements to Chacalluta Airport are part of the Chile Airport Plan 2025–2030, aimed at strengthening the country’s airport network. The plan represents a total investment of USD 3.1 billion, targeting 19 airports nationwide, including key locations such as Easter Island, Puerto Natales, and Estero Teniente in Antarctica.
In 2023, the airport recorded over 306,000 passengers through November, with more than 32,000 boardings in that month alone. The improvements are expected to further enhance connectivity and economic activity in the region.
The airport exclusively handles domestic flights, primarily to Santiago (SCL), operated by LATAM (19 weekly flights), SKY Airline (16 weekly flights), and jetSMART (3-6 weekly flights) using Airbus A320ceo/neo and A321ceo/neo aircraft.
