The Chilean Airlines Association (Achila) has issued a strong call to attention regarding the growing congestion and long wait times affecting thousands of passengers at Santiago&#8217;s Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez Airport. According to the organization, the situation, described as a «crisis,» highlights the lack of effective measures to address the high demand of the season.
Carolina Simonetti, Achila&#8217;s general manager, emphasized that lines at immigration controls, both for entry and exit, are a recurring problem affecting not only passengers but also the country&#8217;s image as a tourist destination and air connectivity hub. «Authorities need to take an active role and coordinate immediate and long-term solutions,» she stated.
Although the Investigations Police (PDI) installed self-service kiosks as a measure to speed up immigration procedures, Achila argues that their impact has been limited. These devices, which can only be used by adult Chilean citizens, exclude a large portion of international travelers, perpetuating delays and congestion at the controls.
The situation is not new. Since November, Achila and other industry stakeholders have expressed their concerns to the General Directorate of Concessions of the Ministry of Public Works and other relevant entities, such as the <a href="https://aviacionline.com/2024/12/santiago-airport-faces-high-demand-plans-for-a-second-access-point-underway/">Office of the Comptroller General of the Republic</a>. However, the association claims that responses have been insufficient and lack real impact on the passenger experience.
Achila stresses that the airport&#8217;s operational problems affect Chile&#8217;s competitiveness in the region and calls for joint action between authorities and the concessionaire to improve infrastructure and processes. «It is unacceptable that an airport of this magnitude does not have management aligned with current demand,» Simonetti concluded.
Meanwhile, thousands of passengers continue to face long waits during the peak season, highlighting the need for immediate solutions to overcome a crisis that undermines confidence in the country&#8217;s main air terminal.

Santiago Airport Congestion: Airlines Association Warns of Operational Challenges

The Seve Ballesteros-Santander Airport is undergoing a series of upgrades to its facilities aimed at optimizing passenger flow, particularly for non-Schengen international flights. Aena reports that the works, which represent a total investment of €3.4 million, are already underway and include several key interventions.
<h3>New area for rental vehicles</h3>
The most significant project is the creation of a new parking area for rental vehicles without drivers, which will feature approximately 400 covered spaces on a 16,000-square-meter lot. This space will free up 246 spots in the general parking area for passenger use. According to Aena, this relocation will improve traffic flow at the airport&#8217;s access points by preventing the transit of vehicle transport trucks near the terminal building.
The project, awarded to the joint venture Aparcamientos Rent A Car for €2.79 million, has a completion timeline of 14 months.
<h3>Upgrades to the terminal building</h3>
Inside the terminal, three simultaneous projects are being carried out, awarded to Elecnor Servicios y Proyectos for €611,292:
<ul>
<li>Adaptation of Boarding Gate 1: This space will be adapted to handle both Schengen and non-Schengen flights simultaneously, facilitating passport control when necessary. The project, costing €78,943, has a four-month execution timeline.</li>
<li>Integration of the non-Schengen arrivals annex: The 290-square-meter area built in 2022 will be enclosed and integrated into the terminal building, with anti-return corridors and direct connection to the baggage claim area after passport control. The project, awarded for €194,007, will be completed within five months.</li>
<li>Expansion of the airside walkway and canopy: To improve pedestrian movement between aircraft and the terminal, the walkway will be widened, and the current canopy will be replaced. During construction, temporary walkways will be installed to ensure safety. This initiative, awarded for €338,341, also has a five-month timeline.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Works without affecting operations</h3>
According to Aena, all projects will be carried out without disrupting the airport&#8217;s regular operations, with work scheduled outside operational hours when necessary. These improvements follow the recent installation of a third security screening line, designed to handle peak-hour traffic.
In 2023, Santander Airport handled 1.24 million passengers, a 12.7% increase compared to the previous year, placing it as the 20th busiest airport in Spain.

Aena launches non-Schengen terminal upgrades at Santander Airport

The Paysandú «Tydeo Larre Borges» International Airport was officially inaugurated after a modernization process requiring an investment of $12.5 million. The event was attended by the President of Uruguay, Luis Lacalle Pou, along with national and departmental authorities, including the Minister of National Defense, Armando Castaingdebat, and the Mayor of Paysandú, Nicolás Olivera.
According to <a href="https://aeropuertosuruguay.com.uy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Aeropuertos Uruguay</a>, a subsidiary of Corporación América Airports, the works included the construction of a new 650 m² passenger terminal equipped with advanced technology and modern furnishings. Significant upgrades were also made to the aeronautical infrastructure, such as resurfacing the runway, a new apron, LED lighting, and an illumination system meeting international standards.
<a href="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/aeropuertos-uruguay-paysandu-02.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-349482" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/aeropuertos-uruguay-paysandu-02.jpg" alt="" width="1500" height="1000" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/aeropuertos-uruguay-paysandu-02.jpg 1500w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/aeropuertos-uruguay-paysandu-02-300x200.jpg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/aeropuertos-uruguay-paysandu-02-1350x900.jpg 1350w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/aeropuertos-uruguay-paysandu-02-768x512.jpg 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/aeropuertos-uruguay-paysandu-02-150x100.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></a>
<a href="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/aeropuertos-uruguay-paysandu-03.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-349481" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/aeropuertos-uruguay-paysandu-03.jpg" alt="" width="1500" height="1000" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/aeropuertos-uruguay-paysandu-03.jpg 1500w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/aeropuertos-uruguay-paysandu-03-300x200.jpg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/aeropuertos-uruguay-paysandu-03-1350x900.jpg 1350w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/aeropuertos-uruguay-paysandu-03-768x512.jpg 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/aeropuertos-uruguay-paysandu-03-150x100.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></a>
President Lacalle Pou highlighted the positive impact of the renovated airport on connectivity and local pride: “This milestone not only serves practicality but also fosters pride in who we are,” he stated.
“An international airport is crucial for the life of a department. Being connected makes a difference because airports bring more opportunities. That’s why we are grateful to Aeropuertos Uruguay, who took the risk, dared, and is part of this process we all want and embrace,” said Nicolás Olivera, the Mayor of Paysandú.
The airport modernization also included a fiber-optic perimeter ring, a CCTV surveillance system, an automatic weather station, and a new fuel plant. Additionally, the old passenger terminal was refurbished for the National Air Police, and a new Fire Department station was built, equipped to handle emergencies.
<a href="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/aeropuertos-uruguay-paysandu-04.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-349480" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/aeropuertos-uruguay-paysandu-04.jpg" alt="" width="1500" height="1000" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/aeropuertos-uruguay-paysandu-04.jpg 1500w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/aeropuertos-uruguay-paysandu-04-300x200.jpg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/aeropuertos-uruguay-paysandu-04-1350x900.jpg 1350w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/aeropuertos-uruguay-paysandu-04-768x512.jpg 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/aeropuertos-uruguay-paysandu-04-150x100.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></a>
<a href="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/aeropuertos-uruguay-paysandu-05.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-349479" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/aeropuertos-uruguay-paysandu-05.jpg" alt="" width="1500" height="1000" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/aeropuertos-uruguay-paysandu-05.jpg 1500w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/aeropuertos-uruguay-paysandu-05-300x200.jpg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/aeropuertos-uruguay-paysandu-05-1350x900.jpg 1350w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/aeropuertos-uruguay-paysandu-05-768x512.jpg 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/aeropuertos-uruguay-paysandu-05-150x100.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></a>
According to Aeropuertos Uruguay, the project is part of the National System of International Airports, which encompasses the modernization of six terminals across the country’s interior. Paysandú joins the already completed renovations in Carmelo, Rivera, Salto, and Melo, while works in Durazno are nearing completion.
Minister Castaingdebat stated that the new infrastructure would not only benefit passenger transport but also attract foreign investments to the department: “Today is a historic day for Paysandú and also for the interior of Uruguay.”

Inside the $12.5M Transformation of Paysandú International Airport

On November 27, ENAIRE, Spain&#8217;s national air navigation manager, commissioned a three-dimensional primary radar at Gran Canaria Airport. This equipment, manufactured by Indra, has a range of 100 nautical miles (185 kilometers) and complements the mode S secondary radar already in operation at the airport, according to the company.
The new technology will enhance coverage during approaches, takeoffs, and landings, as well as provide greater reliability in air surveillance in the event of aircraft transponder failures.
This radar is part of a broader project that includes the installation of three additional three-dimensional primary radars in different locations, with a total investment of 20.9 million euros.
According to ENAIRE, the new system replaces the primary radar installed in 2011 and represents a technological leap from a 2D system to a 3D one. The technology, based on electronic beams, allows for more precise altitude detection of aircraft, even in areas affected by interference from wind turbines.
<h3>Technical contribution and reinforcement of air safety</h3>
According to ENAIRE, this three-dimensional primary radar strengthens the surveillance systems in Gran Canaria, which already include secondary radar and ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance). These combined systems are essential to detect aircraft lacking transponders or those with signal issues, increasing safety in the airspace.
«The radio frequency signal emitted by the primary radar bounces off aircraft flying within its line of sight, with the echo being received by the radar itself. The time taken for the echo of the originally transmitted signal to return allows the calculation or measurement of the distance to the aircraft for each radial point of the radar antenna (rotating continuously at 360º). In this way, the position of the detected aircraft can be determined in terms of distance and azimuth (2D), according to conventional primary radar technology, particularly in the context of civil air surveillance,» ENAIRE explained in a statement.
«The adaptation of military 3D primary radar technology to the civil environment additionally allows the determination of the altitude of aircraft detected by the primary radar through the application of various techniques. One of these involves the use of a radiation diagram consisting of several electronic beams, sequenced over time. These beams have a narrower focus than conventional diagrams and are pointed at different elevations. This allows fine-tuning of the system configuration to reduce clutter, or unwanted signals reflected by the terrain, as well as determining altitude based on the beam through which each echo is detected, with altitude filters applied to limit abnormal effects on the radiofrequency signal due to proximity to wind turbines,» the statement continued.
See also: <a href="https://aviacionline.com/2024/12/enaire-opens-applications-for-150-new-air-traffic-controller-positions/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Spain: ENAIRE to hire 150 air traffic controllers</a>
«In the context of civil surveillance, the primary radar provides an additional layer of safety as it enhances the reliability of the surveillance function compared to operating solely with detections from the secondary radar, the primary source of surveillance information. It enables the detection and tracking of aircraft in cases where, due to absence or failure of the onboard transponder, the aircraft cannot respond to secondary radar interrogations or automatically transmit ADS-B information,» ENAIRE concluded.
This is the second radar of its kind that ENAIRE has incorporated into its network as part of its strategy to meet European technological modernization requirements for air traffic management.
ENAIRE manages air navigation services across Spanish airspace, including 21 airports in the Aena network. Its functions include ensuring air traffic surveillance and control during en-route, approach, and aerodrome phases. It also participates in international alliances such as SESAR and CANSO.
The incorporation of this radar addresses the need to strengthen safety and surveillance in a strategic region like the Canary Islands, which is characterized by a high volume of air traffic and its importance as a link between Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

ENAIRE Installs Advanced 3D Primary Radar at Gran Canaria Airport

Asur will expand the commercial apron of the Cozumel International Airport (CZM), increasing its capacity with eight new boarding gates. The project will require an investment of approximately 58 million Mexican pesos.
The concessionaire aims to add two positions to accommodate category C aircraft, which have a wingspan of 24 to 36 meters. This category includes aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 families.
The Cozumel airport is the third most important in the state of Quintana Roo, behind Cancún (CUN) and Tulum (TQO), with a passenger terminal covering an area of 14,000 m². With the commercial apron expansion, the terminal will cover nearly 17,000 m².
According to data shared by the Secretariat of Tourism, the Cozumel International Airport received 77,678 passengers between January and September of this year, representing an increase of 38.97% compared to the same period in 2023. The new expansion is expected to enable the terminal to meet the growing demand from both domestic and international passengers.
The works to be carried out include clearing the land designated for the apron expansion, filling existing caverns in the area, constructing the new ramp and stormwater drainage systems. Additionally, the marking of taxiways and apron boundaries will be completed, two 20-meter-high lighting poles will be installed, and signage will be placed for ground vehicle and aircraft traffic.
The construction of the new apron will generate 127 new temporary and permanent jobs, including positions for heavy machinery operators, surveyors, security guards, engineers, architects, construction workers, and supervisors.
<div class="code-block code-block-2">
The Cozumel International Airport connects to 14 destinations, four domestic and ten international, operated by eleven airlines.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-349336" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Flightmap-czm-mia-czm-cun_czm-mid_czm-mex_czm-mty_czm-iah_czm-dfw_czm-den_czm-atl_czm-clt_czm-ord_czm-msp_czm-yyz_czm-yul.png" alt="" width="1200" height="600" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Flightmap-czm-mia-czm-cun_czm-mid_czm-mex_czm-mty_czm-iah_czm-dfw_czm-den_czm-atl_czm-clt_czm-ord_czm-msp_czm-yyz_czm-yul.png 1200w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Flightmap-czm-mia-czm-cun_czm-mid_czm-mex_czm-mty_czm-iah_czm-dfw_czm-den_czm-atl_czm-clt_czm-ord_czm-msp_czm-yyz_czm-yul-300x150.png 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Flightmap-czm-mia-czm-cun_czm-mid_czm-mex_czm-mty_czm-iah_czm-dfw_czm-den_czm-atl_czm-clt_czm-ord_czm-msp_czm-yyz_czm-yul-768x384.png 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Flightmap-czm-mia-czm-cun_czm-mid_czm-mex_czm-mty_czm-iah_czm-dfw_czm-den_czm-atl_czm-clt_czm-ord_czm-msp_czm-yyz_czm-yul-150x75.png 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" />
</div>

Cozumel Airport to Expand with Eight New Boarding Gates in $58M Project

The Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez Airport in Santiago is facing high demand for domestic flights, resulting in long lines and wait times at the security checkpoints in Terminal 1. In response, the General Manager of Nuevo Pudahuel, Nicolás Claude, stated that they are considering the «opening of a second access point» to streamline passenger flow in the domestic boarding area.
According to Claude, the goal is to alleviate issues caused by the closure of traditional checkpoints, which has funneled all traffic through a single filter since October. “We are exploring alternatives to improve the user experience, including the addition of a second access point that could be operational for the southern summer of 2024-2025,” he said.
Airport sources indicated that the potential new checkpoint could be located in the former protocol offices of Terminal 1, on the western side of the building. This space would help diversify passenger traffic and reduce current queues. However, its implementation depends on the availability of equipment, staff, and proper coordination among the involved organizations.
Claude emphasized that, in addition to the measures being studied, it is crucial for passengers to arrive prepared for security checks. Improving signage within the airport is a priority to facilitate the process and minimize delays.
However, the manager’s statements sparked frustration among passengers, who argue that the current situation stems from a lack of planning and information from the airport administration. Users have criticized the delay in implementing concrete solutions and the lack of timely communication to prevent long waits during the boarding process.
<h2>Comptroller General addresses the Concessions Directorate</h2>
The Comptroller General’s Office has formally contacted the Concessions Directorate of the Ministry of Public Works (MOP) to investigate the long waits reported at Santiago Airport. This process aims to identify potential management deficiencies and coordinate actions with the concessionaire Nuevo Pudahuel to address the issues impacting user experience.
The investigation responds to numerous complaints about delays and crowding at security checkpoints, which have drawn criticism from both passengers and airport operators. The Comptroller’s Office has requested detailed information on wait times and measures taken so far to mitigate congestion in Terminal 1.
<h2>Traffic projections and next steps</h2>
During the holiday season, Santiago Airport is expected to handle over one million passengers, with 548,480 on domestic flights and 514,329 on international flights between December 20 and January 2, 2025. This increase in traffic places additional strain on the current infrastructure and underscores the need for effective solutions.
The opening of the new access point, if realized, would be key to expediting processes in the domestic terminal and providing a more efficient experience for passengers. However, the criticism of the General Manager’s statements reflects user dissatisfaction, as they demand faster and more effective actions to address the current challenges.
Meanwhile, the Comptroller’s intervention highlights the need for better coordination between authorities, the concessionaire, and oversight bodies to ensure that proposed solutions are implemented on time and effectively.

Santiago Airport Faces High Demand: Plans for a Second Access Point Underway

ENAIRE announces a call for air traffic control personnel recruitment: the agency will add 150 professionals to its workforce. The recruitment of professionals is part of the strategic Flight Plan 2025.
The call will be open from December 16 to January 10, 2025, and those interested can register on <a href="https://empleo.enaire.es/empleo?_gl=1*zx8jnw*_ga*MTcwMzAyOTQzNi4xNzM0NDY1NjY5*_ga_6BWPFHBF33*MTczNDQ3ODU5Ny4zLjAuMTczNDQ3ODU5Ny42MC4wLjA." target="_blank" rel="noopener">ENAIRE&#8217;s official website through this access link</a>. The announcement was published in the Official State Gazette (BOE), marking the fourth open call since 2021, offering a total of 468 job positions to date.
The director general of ENAIRE, Enrique Maurer, stated that “with this new call for 150 positions, a total of 468 new air traffic controller jobs will have been created since 2021. This is a clear commitment by ENAIRE to providing a quality service.”
On the ENAIRE website, an updated syllabus for the acceptance exam was published. The exam will include a test on English, aptitude, and personality in Phase 1. Once the selection process is completed and successfully passed, possessing an air traffic controller license or a student air traffic controller license will be required for employment. Candidates without prior experience must complete an initial training course that will qualify them for the profession of air traffic control.
Once hired by ENAIRE, they must complete a Unit training course lasting approximately 3 to 6 months, depending on the assignment, which will enable them to provide air traffic control services at the assigned location.

ENAIRE Opens Applications for 150 New Air Traffic Controller Positions

La Argentine Air Navigation Company (EANA) has selected Indra to modernize air traffic management (ATM) systems in the five control centers that cover the country&#8217;s airspace. The company will implement ManagAir, an advanced technological solution that will optimize the efficiency and safety of air operations while contributing to more sustainable aviation.
ManagAir is a centralized air traffic management (ATM) solution developed by Indra, designed to integrate and optimize all air traffic control services, ranging from en-route, approach, and aerodrome control to complete gate-to-gate flight supervision.
Main features of ManagAir:
<ul>
<li>Complete integration: Combines en-route, approach, and tower services into a single ATM suite, including advanced systems such as the Advanced Surface Movement Guidance and Control System (A-SMGCS) level 4 and integration with virtual tower solutions like IRTOS.</li>
<li>4D trajectory management: Enables the planning of more precise and efficient routes, reducing fuel consumption, CO₂ emissions, and flight times.</li>
<li>Advanced automation: Provides a high degree of automation in control tasks, including silent coordination, flexible use of airspace, and support for oceanic control with ADS-C and CPDLC capabilities.</li>
<li>Safety tools: Incorporates conflict detection functionalities and advanced safety nets, enhancing operational safety.</li>
</ul>
With this implementation in Argentina, Indra strengthens its position as a leader in the region. The company has already modernized 70% of the air traffic control centers in Latin America, deploying close to 50 air surveillance radars and a similar number of radio navigation systems.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-349136 aligncenter" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Centro-Control-EANA-Argentina-2.jpg" alt="Centro Control EANA Argentina" width="1920" height="1281" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Centro-Control-EANA-Argentina-2.jpg 1920w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Centro-Control-EANA-Argentina-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Centro-Control-EANA-Argentina-2-1349x900.jpg 1349w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Centro-Control-EANA-Argentina-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Centro-Control-EANA-Argentina-2-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Centro-Control-EANA-Argentina-2-150x100.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" />
In recent projects, ManagAir has proven its effectiveness in managing large airspaces, as seen in Morocco, where it facilitated the implementation of the «free route» concept, and in Vietnam, optimizing operations in two-thirds of the country’s airspace.
Indra’s technology, with more than 30 years of presence in Argentina, is already operational at Ezeiza International Airport, the country’s most important terminal, where it has implemented surveillance and landing aid systems.

Argentina’s EANA Adopts Indra’s ManagAir for Sustainable Air Traffic Management

The San Sebastián Airport has had new instrument approach procedures based on satellite navigation technology through the European EGNOS system since November 28. This innovation improves the performance of previous procedures that relied solely on GPS signals, according to ENAIRE, Spain&#8217;s national air navigation service provider.
According to ENAIRE, the implementation of EGNOS offers an efficient alternative to conventional approaches based on ground-based radio aids, especially at airports with complex terrain and geographical limitations, such as San Sebastián. The organization highlights that the new technology will reduce the decision height during approach and landing, facilitating operations under low cloud ceiling conditions.
The procedures, which primarily affect runway 22, will represent a significant improvement as airlines adopt the required avionics and certifications to operate with EGNOS. ENAIRE specifies that the operational implementation of these systems requires aircraft to be adequately equipped and crews to have the corresponding training.
<h3>More efficient and alternative procedures</h3>
The introduction of this technology adds to improvements made in 2021, when departure and arrival procedures based on conventional VOR/DME radio aids were optimized with GPS satellite navigation. ENAIRE explains that EGNOS systems, which do not rely on ground infrastructure, are particularly useful during periods of maintenance or when radio aids are out of service.
<h3>EGNOS system and European collaboration</h3>
The European EGNOS (European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service) system is owned by the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA), and its operation is overseen by the ESSP (European Satellite Services Provider), the service provider authorized by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). ENAIRE, together with other air navigation providers from Germany, France, Italy, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland, is part of ESSP.
For the implementation of these new procedures, ENAIRE carried out the corresponding safety studies, which were subsequently approved by the Spanish Aviation Safety Agency (AESA).

San Sebastián Airport adopts EGNOS-based satellite navigation for improved landings

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&#8217;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:
<ul>
<li>Three additional airline counters (bringing the total to 16).</li>
<li>126 new parking spaces (totaling 486).</li>
<li>Three new aircraft stands (for a total of seven).</li>
</ul>
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.
<div id='gallery-6' class='gallery galleryid-348643 gallery-columns-3 gallery-size-full'><figure class='gallery-item'>
			<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>
				<a href='https://aviacionline.com/2024/12/el-aeropuerto-de-arica-inauguro-su-nueva-terminal-de-pasajeros/ari-aeropuerto/#main'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="1080" src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/ARI-Aeropuerto.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full" alt="" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/ARI-Aeropuerto.jpg 1080w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/ARI-Aeropuerto-300x300.jpg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/ARI-Aeropuerto-900x900.jpg 900w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/ARI-Aeropuerto-150x150.jpg 150w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/ARI-Aeropuerto-768x768.jpg 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/ARI-Aeropuerto-96x96.jpg 96w" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></a>
			</div></figure><figure class='gallery-item'>
			<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>
				<a href='https://aviacionline.com/2024/12/el-aeropuerto-de-arica-inauguro-su-nueva-terminal-de-pasajeros/arica-2/#main'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1440" height="1440" src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Arica-2.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full" alt="" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Arica-2.jpg 1440w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Arica-2-300x300.jpg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Arica-2-900x900.jpg 900w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Arica-2-150x150.jpg 150w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Arica-2-768x768.jpg 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Arica-2-96x96.jpg 96w" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" /></a>
			</div></figure><figure class='gallery-item'>
			<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>
				<a href='https://aviacionline.com/2024/12/el-aeropuerto-de-arica-inauguro-su-nueva-terminal-de-pasajeros/arica/#main'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2048" height="1366" src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/arica.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full" alt="" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/arica.jpg 2048w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/arica-300x200.jpg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/arica-1349x900.jpg 1349w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/arica-768x512.jpg 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/arica-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/arica-150x100.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px" /></a>
			</div></figure><figure class='gallery-item'>
			<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>
				<a href='https://aviacionline.com/2024/12/el-aeropuerto-de-arica-inauguro-su-nueva-terminal-de-pasajeros/arica-airport/#main'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1440" height="1440" src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Arica-airport.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full" alt="" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Arica-airport.jpg 1440w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Arica-airport-300x300.jpg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Arica-airport-900x900.jpg 900w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Arica-airport-150x150.jpg 150w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Arica-airport-768x768.jpg 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Arica-airport-96x96.jpg 96w" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" /></a>
			</div></figure>
		</div>

<h3>Local and national impact for Arica</h3>
The new terminal is expected to boost tourism, logistics, and agriculture, creating new job opportunities, according to a press release from the <a href="https://www.mop.gob.cl/">Ministry of Public Works</a>. 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 <a href="https://aviacionline.com/2024/12/airports-plan-2025-2030-3-3-billion-to-boost-chiles-aviation-network/">Chile Airport Plan 2025–2030</a>, 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 <a href="https://aviacionline.com/2024/12/santiago-airport-hits-25-million-passengers-in-2024-a-record-breaking-milestone/">Santiago (SCL)</a>, 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.

Chile’s Chacalluta Airport Modernizes with Expanded Terminal and Runway

The airports of Grupo Aena (comprising 46 airports and two heliports in Spain, London-Luton Airport, and 17 airports in Brazil) closed the eleventh month of 2024 with 26,433,304 passengers, an 8.7% increase compared to the same month in 2023; handled 240,282 aircraft movements, a 9.2% increase compared to 2023; and transported 130,424 tons of cargo, a 14.1% increase over last year.
In cumulative terms, up to November 2024, Grupo Aena airports have served 342,518,118 passengers (an 8.6% increase over 2023); registered 2,964,370 aircraft movements (+7.2%); and transported 1,297,068 tons of cargo, an 18.8% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
<h4>Aena airports in Spain</h4>
The Aena airport network in Spain closed November with 21,560,768 passengers, a 9.2% increase over the same month in 2023; handled 193,247 aircraft movements, an 11.1% increase compared to 2023; and transported 120,427 tons of cargo, a 17.6% increase over last year.
Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport recorded the highest passenger numbers in November with 5,287,809, representing a 9.2% growth compared to the same month last year. It was followed by Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport, with 4,048,233 (+5.7% compared to 2023); Málaga-Costa del Sol, with 1,612,653 (+9.4%); Gran Canaria, with 1,426,180 (+13.1%); Tenerife Sur, with 1,291,881 (+9.7%); Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández, with 1,279,116 (+19.6%), and Palma de Mallorca, with 1,199,920 passengers, representing a 9.3% increase compared to November 2023.
A record for passengers in a November was set for the entire Aena network and at 21 airports: Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat, Palma de Mallorca, Málaga-Costa del Sol, Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández, Gran Canaria, Tenerife Sur, Valencia, Sevilla, César Manrique-Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Menorca, Bilbao, Tenerife Norte-Ciudad de La Laguna, Ibiza, Santiago-Rosalía de Castro, Asturias, La Palma, El Hierro, La Gomera, and Son Bonet.
In terms of operations, the airport with the most movements in November was Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas, with a total of 34,177 (+6.8% compared to 2023), followed by Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat, with 26,036 flights (+3.4%); Gran Canaria, with 13,156 (+11.5%); Málaga-Costa del Sol, with 12,068 (+9.7%); Palma de Mallorca, with 10,708 (+8.5%); Tenerife Sur, with 8,668 (+9.1%), and Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández, with 8,566 landings and takeoffs (+23%).
Additionally, November 2024 recorded the month with the highest global operations for Aena and at 18 infrastructures: Gran Canaria, Málaga-Costa del Sol, Palma de Mallorca, Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández, Tenerife Norte-Ciudad de La Laguna, César Manrique-Lanzarote, Sevilla, Sabadell, Jerez, Ibiza, La Palma, Burgos, Córdoba, Logroño, El Hierro, and the Region of Murcia International Airport. Furthermore, Tenerife Sur and Fuerteventura airports also recorded the month with the highest operations in their history.
Regarding cargo traffic, November 2024 recorded the highest total cargo traffic to date for the entire Aena network in Spain. Among the airports, Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas had the largest cargo volume, with 71,438 tons, a 16.8% increase compared to the same month in 2023.
This represents the November with the highest total commercial cargo traffic in the history of the Madrid facility, as well as Zaragoza Airport, with 21,091 tons (+50.6%), which also set a historical cargo record. It was followed by Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport, which recorded 15,157 tons (+9.5%), and Vitoria, with 5,838 tons (-9%).
By the end of November 2024, Aena airports in Spain have served 287,628,309 travelers (a 9.4% increase compared to 2023); registered 2,402,011 aircraft movements (+7.8%), and transported 1,169,188 tons of cargo, a 19.3% increase over the same period in 2023.
<h4>Aena airports in Brazil</h4>
The 17 airports of Aena Brazil reached 3,734,647 passengers in November, a 6.3% increase compared to the same month in 2023. They operated 37,901 aircraft movements, representing a 2.2% increase compared to November 2023, and transported 7,484 tons of cargo, a 19.9% decrease compared to the same month last year.
The group of six ANB airports (1) closed November with 1,332,056 passengers (+9.7%). Recife Airport reached 784,173 passengers (+4.8%). A total of 12,273 flights were operated (+1.1%), of which Recife managed 6,945 (-2.3%). They transported 4,983 tons of cargo (+3.1%), of which 4,013 tons corresponded to Recife Airport (+2.3%).
The group of eleven BOAB airports (2) recorded 2,402,591 passengers in November (+4.6% compared to the same month in 2023). Among them, Congonhas Airport (3) stood out with 2,041,025 travelers (+5.1%). A total of 25,628 flights were operated (+2.7%), with 19,259 flights handled at the São Paulo capital airport (+3.4%). They transported 2,501 tons of cargo (-44.6%). Congonhas Airport in São Paulo managed 2,021 tons, a 46.5% decrease compared to the same month last year.
Between January and November 2024, Aena airports in Brazil have served 39,437,340 travelers (+5.5%); registered 440,583 aircraft movements (+5.3%), and transported 99,281 tons of cargo, a 12.5% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
<h4>London-Luton Airport</h4>
During November, London-Luton Airport handled 1,137,889 passengers (4), a 6.3% increase compared to the same month in 2023. It managed 9,134 aircraft movements (+2.2%) and transported 2,513 tons of cargo (5), a 3% decrease compared to 2023.
Up to the eleventh month of 2024, the airport recorded 15,452,469 travelers (4) (+3.2%), managed 121,776 aircraft movements (+3%), and transported 28,599 tons of cargo (5) (+19.7%).

Aena Airports Report Record Growth in Passengers, Flights, and Cargo for November 2024

The <a href="https://eldorado.aero/">El Dorado International Airport</a> is preparing to receive more than 100,000 daily passengers during this holiday season. To ensure a smooth and comfortable experience, the airport has implemented various measures and technological tools.
<article>
<section>El Dorado stands out for its focus on technology to optimize passenger flow:
<ul>
<li>Biomig: This system streamlines international immigration procedures, reducing waiting times to as little as five minutes. Colombians can register at counter 68 on the second level, while foreign visitors over 14 years old can use it without prior registration.</li>
<li>DoraBot: A virtual assistant powered by Artificial Intelligence, available 24/7 via WhatsApp. DoraBot provides real-time information about flights, travel procedures, and airport services. Users can access it by messaging <a href="https://wa.me/573228220300" target="_blank" rel="noopener">+57 322 8220300</a>.</li>
<li>Auto check-in and Self Bag Drop: 46 self check-in kiosks and 19 machines for baggage registration without queues are available on the second floor of the terminal.</li>
<li>VeryPax: 28 machines enable faster security pre-checks for access to waiting areas. Passengers are advised to bring a physical boarding pass or increase their phone’s screen brightness for scanning.</li>
</ul>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-348455 aligncenter" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/WhatsApp-Image-2024-12-12-at-9.45.27-AM.jpeg" alt="" width="1200" height="1600" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/WhatsApp-Image-2024-12-12-at-9.45.27-AM.jpeg 1200w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/WhatsApp-Image-2024-12-12-at-9.45.27-AM-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/WhatsApp-Image-2024-12-12-at-9.45.27-AM-675x900.jpeg 675w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/WhatsApp-Image-2024-12-12-at-9.45.27-AM-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/WhatsApp-Image-2024-12-12-at-9.45.27-AM-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/WhatsApp-Image-2024-12-12-at-9.45.27-AM-640x853.jpeg 640w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/WhatsApp-Image-2024-12-12-at-9.45.27-AM-150x200.jpeg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" />
</section>
<section>The airport suggests travelers consider the following recommendations to enhance their experience:
<ul>
<li>Arrive two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights.</li>
<li>Check specific destination requirements and download the Check-Mig app for international trips.</li>
<li>Review policies for transporting pets and use the animal restrooms available in the terminal.</li>
<li>Use airport-authorized transportation and stay alert to traffic conditions.</li>
<li>Avoid paying for free technological services at the airport to prevent potential scams.</li>
</ul>
</section>
<section>
<h4>Operational capacity and global connectivity</h4>
El Dorado maintains an operational capacity of 74 operations per hour, distributed in 15-minute intervals. For the 2025 summer season, the following capacities have been defined:
<ul>
<li>Arrivals: A maximum of 9 operations per quarter hour, not exceeding 34 per hour.</li>
<li>Departures: A maximum of 10 operations per quarter hour, not exceeding 40 per hour.</li>
</ul>
This planning is made possible through slot management techniques and the ACDM (Airport Collaborative Decision Making) concept, which enables more effective decision-making among all actors in the airport system.
In an effort to decentralize operations, José María Córdova Airport in Medellín is being strengthened as a hub specializing in routes to the U.S. West Coast and Canada, while Bogotá focuses on Europe, the Caribbean, and the East Coast of North America.
</section>
<footer><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-348457 aligncenter" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/WhatsApp-Image-2024-12-12-at-9.39.54-AM.jpeg" alt="" width="1600" height="1200" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/WhatsApp-Image-2024-12-12-at-9.39.54-AM.jpeg 1600w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/WhatsApp-Image-2024-12-12-at-9.39.54-AM-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/WhatsApp-Image-2024-12-12-at-9.39.54-AM-1200x900.jpeg 1200w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/WhatsApp-Image-2024-12-12-at-9.39.54-AM-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/WhatsApp-Image-2024-12-12-at-9.39.54-AM-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/WhatsApp-Image-2024-12-12-at-9.39.54-AM-150x113.jpeg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px" /><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-348458 aligncenter" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/WhatsApp-Image-2024-12-12-at-9.39.54-AM-1.jpeg" alt="" width="1200" height="1600" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/WhatsApp-Image-2024-12-12-at-9.39.54-AM-1.jpeg 1200w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/WhatsApp-Image-2024-12-12-at-9.39.54-AM-1-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/WhatsApp-Image-2024-12-12-at-9.39.54-AM-1-675x900.jpeg 675w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/WhatsApp-Image-2024-12-12-at-9.39.54-AM-1-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/WhatsApp-Image-2024-12-12-at-9.39.54-AM-1-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/WhatsApp-Image-2024-12-12-at-9.39.54-AM-1-640x853.jpeg 640w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/WhatsApp-Image-2024-12-12-at-9.39.54-AM-1-150x200.jpeg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></footer>
</article>
&nbsp;

El Dorado International Airport Prepares for Over 100,000 Daily Passengers This Holiday Season

The airport concessionaire Aena held the groundbreaking ceremony on December 11 to formalize the start of construction at Congonhas Airport in São Paulo.
With an investment of R$ 2.4 billion, the aerodrome in the capital of São Paulo will gain a passenger terminal more than twice its current size, new boarding bridges, and several improvements in operational efficiency. The airport will also feature 20,000 m² dedicated to commercial areas.
<a href="https://aeroin.net/com-cerimonia-aena-celebra-o-inicio-das-obras-de-ampliacao-e-modernizacao-do-aeroporto-de-congonhas/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">According to reports from our associated outlet Aeroin</a>, after the works, São Paulo will have a more comfortable, safer, greener, and more spacious airport for boarding and deplaning, according to the concessionaire.
In addition to the incorporation of operational areas, new equipment, technologies, and modern systems will be acquired, promoting greater operational efficiency. Another new feature is the positions for aircraft adapted to receive higher-capacity models such as the Airbus A321neo and Boeing 737 MAX-10.
“The expansion and modernization of Congonhas reflect Aena’s global mission to offer excellent airport infrastructure, connect people, and promote sustainable development. This project reaffirms our confidence in Brazil and our commitment to delivering innovative solutions for air transportation,” said Aena’s president, Maurici Lucena, who attended the event.
“This milestone symbolizes Aena&#8217;s commitment to transforming Congonhas into a benchmark of modernity, sustainability, and efficiency. With significant investments, we are creating a more comfortable and safer environment for our passengers while respecting the rich history of this iconic airport in the city of São Paulo,” stated Santiago Yus, general director of Aena Brasil.
In addition to Aena executives from Spain and Brazil, the event on Wednesday was attended by the Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filho, the National Secretary of Civil Aviation, Tomé Franca, and the Vice Governor of São Paulo, Felicio Ramuth, as well as the Secretary of Urban Planning and Licensing of São Paulo, Elisabete França, federal deputy Celso Russomano, members of the Ports and Airports Committee of the Federal Chamber, and other authorities, representatives of airlines, and stakeholders in the air transport sector.
Aena announced that HTB would be the construction company responsible for the project. Delivery is expected by June 2028, when passenger boarding will begin in the new terminal.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-348378 aligncenter" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Congonhas-projecao-24121106.jpg" alt="" width="1252" height="835" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Congonhas-projecao-24121106.jpg 1252w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Congonhas-projecao-24121106-300x200.jpg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Congonhas-projecao-24121106-768x512.jpg 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Congonhas-projecao-24121106-150x100.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1252px) 100vw, 1252px" />
To minimize operational impacts, the works will be carried out in stages. The first phase will include demolishing structures, installing construction works, interventions in the aircraft apron, and improvements in taxiways. In the second phase, airlines will move to the new hangars, starting the construction of the pier for the new terminal and the works in the cataloged hangar.
In the third phase, boarding bridges will be installed at the new pier, and a baggage control and processing system will be implemented. The final stages will include the completion of the passenger terminal with the delivery of new bridges, baggage systems, and modernization of the current terminal.
“We had the honor of being chosen by Aena to carry out this great project. With solid experience in the airport sector, we have performed interventions at over 20 airports across the country in recent years. This new contract is the culmination of our successful strategy, and we will apply all our experience and knowledge to deliver another project of excellence, thereby contributing to its success,” said Detlef Dralle, general director of the construction company.
<h4>The terminal will be double its current size</h4>
Once the works are completed, the boarding and deplaning area will double, reaching over 100,000 m². The project includes the preservation and revitalization of spaces listed as Historical Heritage, which will be integrated into the new terminal. The new buildings will be used for boarding, while the current terminal will handle arrivals.
A new commercial concept will also be implemented, featuring a renewed mix of shops, more comfortable VIP lounges, and corporate spaces such as offices and business rooms.
The departures terminal will feature a new check-in hall with 72 wide and accessible counters, expandable to 108, and a new pier, 33 meters wide and 330 meters long. There will be 19 new boarding bridges replacing the current 12, ensuring 70% or more direct boardings to aircraft.
The cataloged hangar will be repurposed, with 10 remote boarding gates. There will also be 13 automated boarding pass readers, and inspection channels will increase to 17.
Upon arrival, passengers will also enjoy greater comfort. A new, faster, and smarter baggage processing system with 10 carousels (currently three) will be installed, and the number of baggage claim belts will increase from five to seven, totaling 228 meters in length.
The works will also enhance operational efficiency. A new 215,000 m² apron for commercial aviation will increase aircraft positions from 30 to 37, of which 19 are on bridges and 18 are remote, meeting international standards and capable of accommodating Airbus A321neo and Boeing 737 MAX-10 aircraft at all positions.
<div id='gallery-4' class='gallery galleryid-348434 gallery-columns-3 gallery-size-full'><figure class='gallery-item'>
			<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>
				<a href='https://aviacionline.com/2024/12/aena-celebra-el-inicio-de-las-obras-de-ampliacion-y-modernizacion-del-aeropuerto-de-congonhas/congonhas-projecao-24121101/#main'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1252" height="835" src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Congonhas-projecao-24121101.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full" alt="" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Congonhas-projecao-24121101.jpg 1252w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Congonhas-projecao-24121101-300x200.jpg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Congonhas-projecao-24121101-768x512.jpg 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Congonhas-projecao-24121101-150x100.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1252px) 100vw, 1252px" /></a>
			</div></figure><figure class='gallery-item'>
			<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>
				<a href='https://aviacionline.com/2024/12/aena-celebra-el-inicio-de-las-obras-de-ampliacion-y-modernizacion-del-aeropuerto-de-congonhas/congonhas-projecao-24121107/#main'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1252" height="835" src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Congonhas-projecao-24121107.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full" alt="" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Congonhas-projecao-24121107.jpg 1252w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Congonhas-projecao-24121107-300x200.jpg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Congonhas-projecao-24121107-768x512.jpg 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Congonhas-projecao-24121107-150x100.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1252px) 100vw, 1252px" /></a>
			</div></figure><figure class='gallery-item'>
			<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>
				<a href='https://aviacionline.com/2024/12/aena-celebra-el-inicio-de-las-obras-de-ampliacion-y-modernizacion-del-aeropuerto-de-congonhas/congonhas-projecao-24121105/#main'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1252" height="835" src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Congonhas-projecao-24121105.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full" alt="" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Congonhas-projecao-24121105.jpg 1252w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Congonhas-projecao-24121105-300x200.jpg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Congonhas-projecao-24121105-768x512.jpg 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Congonhas-projecao-24121105-150x100.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1252px) 100vw, 1252px" /></a>
			</div></figure><figure class='gallery-item'>
			<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>
				<a href='https://aviacionline.com/2024/12/aena-celebra-el-inicio-de-las-obras-de-ampliacion-y-modernizacion-del-aeropuerto-de-congonhas/congonhas-projecao-24121104/#main'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1252" height="835" src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Congonhas-projecao-24121104.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full" alt="" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Congonhas-projecao-24121104.jpg 1252w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Congonhas-projecao-24121104-300x200.jpg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Congonhas-projecao-24121104-768x512.jpg 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Congonhas-projecao-24121104-150x100.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1252px) 100vw, 1252px" /></a>
			</div></figure><figure class='gallery-item'>
			<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>
				<a href='https://aviacionline.com/2024/12/aena-celebra-el-inicio-de-las-obras-de-ampliacion-y-modernizacion-del-aeropuerto-de-congonhas/congonhas-projecao-24121103/#main'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1252" height="835" src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Congonhas-projecao-24121103.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full" alt="" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Congonhas-projecao-24121103.jpg 1252w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Congonhas-projecao-24121103-300x200.jpg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Congonhas-projecao-24121103-768x512.jpg 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Congonhas-projecao-24121103-150x100.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1252px) 100vw, 1252px" /></a>
			</div></figure>
		</div>

Additionally, the runways and aprons will receive structural reinforcement, new taxiways, a new service road for general aviation, and a rapid exit when operating on threshold 35L.
To improve road traffic and reduce congestion at the terminal entrance, Aena will create a new pick-up plaza with 72 spaces for app-based cars. The curb area will increase by 250 meters for passenger boarding and deplaning, and there will be direct access to the future Golden Line metro station.
In terms of sustainability, Congonhas Airport will have a new electrical substation with better equipment and the use of clean energy, reducing fossil fuel consumption. There will also be electrical power and air conditioning for aircraft at boarding bridges, reducing CO2 emissions.
Other improvements include a new solid waste plant, efficient air conditioning in the terminal, and increased natural lighting.
<h4>Actions already taken</h4>
In its first year managing Congonhas Airport, Aena has already implemented several improvements. A pocket for app-based car drivers and a new passenger boarding area were opened during the year, reducing user waiting times. Aena has already started expanding the remote departure lounge and renovating the bathrooms, expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2025.
Combining sustainability and comfort, Aena acquired ten 100% electric buses for remote passenger boarding. These models produce zero gas and noise emissions, with a range of 270 kilometers per battery recharge. These sustainable vehicles will reduce CO2 emissions by 510 tons per year.
Other completed actions include reorganizing and expanding taxiway repaving and opening new stores and restaurants.

Aena Begins Modernization of São Paulo’s Congonhas Airport with $2.4 Billion Investment

The Teterboro Airport (TEB) has inaugurated its new air traffic control tower, with a height of 47 meters and more than 1,700 m² of office space for controllers, technicians, and administrative staff.
The new infrastructure allows air traffic controllers to have a «bird&#8217;s eye view» of the entire aerodrome, the most important in the New York area for executive aircraft and general aviation. The design of the new control tower can adapt to the airport&#8217;s current layout as well as potential future modifications.
The FAA&#8217;s Deputy Administrator, Katie Thomson, stated that «aviation is an invaluable part of daily life and our national economy, which is why we need the right infrastructure at our airports.»
«This taller and more modern control tower will not only help controllers maintain the safety of the National Airspace System but also assist the airport in expanding its flight operations. That means more options for both consumers and businesses,» she added.
The new building is equipped with the most advanced technology to meet the current and future demand of the growing aerodrome. With its inauguration, it replaces the previous control tower opened in 1975, which stood at nearly 22 meters tall.
The FAA&#8217;s Air Traffic Director at Teterboro, Matthew Peterson, highlighted that «the new Teterboro tower will house our controllers and technicians, who will do what they do best: keep our skies safe, organized, and efficient.»
The inaugurated tower complies with the Guiding Principles for Sustainable Federal High-Performance Buildings, reducing energy and water consumption, conserving resources, minimizing waste, and protecting indoor air quality, among other objectives.
The air traffic control building staff at Teterboro Airport consists of 41 employees: 29 in air traffic services and 12 in technical operations. The technical operations staff installs and maintains air traffic control equipment. The construction of the new control tower required an investment of approximately $73.4 million.

New 47-Meter Control Tower Boosts Operations at Teterboro Airport

In an initiative that expands mobility options at <a href="https://aviacionline.com/tag/aeroparque/">Aeroparque Jorge Newbery</a> in Buenos Aires, the bus company <a href="https://viabariloche.com.ar/">Vía Bariloche</a> has started offering direct services to various points in Argentina from the airport located near the city center.
This new feature will allow passengers arriving or departing from Aeroparque to connect to destinations that lack direct flights or airport infrastructure, providing an efficient alternative for intermodal transportation.
Vía Bariloche is not the first company to implement this model in the region. At Ministro Pistarini International Airport (Ezeiza), Tienda León already operates connection services to Santa Fe, Rosario, and Mar del Plata with an intermediate stop in San Nicolás, offering an additional option to air travel.
According to the blog Sir Chandler, Vía Bariloche’s services will depart from the Retiro terminal, make a stop at Aeroparque, and then continue to their destinations.
The recent expansion of Aeroparque included the addition of exclusive bays for short and long-distance buses in the airport&#8217;s south parking lot. These areas, already used by Tienda León and NEO Traslados for routes to Puerto Madero, Plaza Italia, Retiro, and Ezeiza, facilitate direct passenger connections to different parts of the city and, now, other regions of the country.
The national government authorized this year for long-distance bus companies to establish stops in locations other than the terminal stations in each city.
<h4>What destinations does Via Bariloche offer at Aeroparque?</h4>
According to the website, the company offers seven destinations with their intermediate stops. Additionally, since last week, Via Bariloche buses began offering Wi-Fi service via Starlink.
<ul>
<li>Claromecó, with stops at Dellepiane, Liniers, General Belgrano, Ayacucho, Balcarce, Necochea, and Orense.</li>
<li>Tandil, with stops at Brandsen, General Belgrano, Real Audiencia, Udaquiola, Solanet, Ayacucho.</li>
<li>Tandil, with stops at Dellepiane, Liniers, Ezeiza, Cañuelas, San Miguel del Monte, Gorchs, Las Flores, and Rauch.</li>
<li>Bahía Blanca, with stops at Dellepiane, Liniers, Ezeiza, Cañuelas, San Miguel del Monte, Gorchs, Las Flores, Rauch, Tandil, Benito Juárez, González Chávez, Tres Arroyos, Coronel Dorrego, and Punta Alta.</li>
<li>Rosario, with stops at General Pacheco, Escobar, Campana, San Pedro, and San Nicolás de los Arroyos.</li>
<li>Paraná, with stops at General Pacheco, Escobar, Campana, Baradero, San Pedro, San Nicolás de los Arroyos, Rosario, and Santa Fe.</li>
<li>Miramar, with stops at Santa Clara del Mar, Mar del Plata, and Chapadmalal.</li>
</ul>

Aeroparque Enhances Mobility: Via Bariloche Adds Long-Distance Bus Services

<a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://www.delta.com/">Delta Air Lines</a> boosts its premium offering with the opening of a third Delta One Lounge at Boston Logan International Airport. Located in Terminal E, this 6,700-square-foot lounge offers customers a high-expectation culinary experience and Delta&#8217;s signature hospitality.
“No two Delta One Lounges are alike: with each new space, we strive to create something truly special and distinctive for the host city, never compromising on service or quality. We know our guests value the exclusivity and hospitality of dining in a Delta One Lounge. This lounge is designed to deliver the elevated VIP experience our guests desire, an experience inspired by Boston&#8217;s history and culinary traditions,” said Claude Roussel, Vice President of Delta Sky Club and Lounge Experience.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-348172" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/deltaonebos_bar2_11987-copy-1350x900.jpg" alt="" width="1200" height="800" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/deltaonebos_bar2_11987-copy-1350x900.jpg 1350w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/deltaonebos_bar2_11987-copy-300x200.jpg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/deltaonebos_bar2_11987-copy-768x512.jpg 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/deltaonebos_bar2_11987-copy-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/deltaonebos_bar2_11987-copy-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/deltaonebos_bar2_11987-copy-150x100.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" />
The new Delta One Lounge is inspired by Boston&#8217;s maritime heritage, featuring standout attributes such as a custom sail ceiling. Elements like a handrail at the base of the bar and a metal cage on the ceiling pay homage to the maritime ambiance. The color palette reflects Boston&#8217;s academic heritage, with maroon tones and leather evoking the city&#8217;s educational institutions.
Guests can enjoy a three-course meal in nearly an hour, with high-quality seafood dishes, octopus carpaccio, and breaded cod. Other options include premium meats, crispy cauliflower, steak with fries, and more.
Delta Air Lines offers more than 160 daily departures during peak periods to 63 destinations worldwide, including Amsterdam, Paris, Cancun, and starting December 21, Liberia/Guanacaste (Costa Rica), raising the total to 13 international destinations. Next year, new services to Barcelona and Milan-Malpensa will be added.
Delta is the largest airline at Logan International Airport in terms of departures and serves 25 domestic markets from its New England hub. Among the new operations is a daily service to San Antonio and a seasonal winter route.
See also: <a style="color: #ffcc00;" href="https://aviacionline.com/2024/12/brisbane-welcomes-deltas-airbus-a350-flights-from-los-angeles/">Delta Air Lines lands in Brisbane</a>

Delta Expands Premium Offerings with New Lounge at Logan International Airport

The Government of Chubut and the concessionaire <a href="https://londonsupplygroup.com/">London Supply</a> announced the expansion of the Almirante Marcos A. Zar International Airport terminal, which serves Trelew. The project aims to increase the terminal&#8217;s space to add more flights and airlines.
The airport director, Fabio Orellano, revealed to local media that the concessionaire is finalizing the details to launch the tender and officialize the start of the construction work, scheduled to begin during the first quarter of 2025.
The goal of the expansion is to increase the capacity from 200 to 400 passengers per hour in the boarding, pre-boarding, and arrivals areas. This upgrade will enable the airport to simultaneously accommodate two aircraft with up to 189 passengers each. Orellano stated that part of the infrastructure is already in place, which would require less work for the expansion.
<h4>More flights in Trelew</h4>
The municipal government seeks to make Trelew a more competitive airport for the region following a challenging 2024. This year, Flybondi stopped operating flights to the airport, focusing instead on neighboring Puerto Madryn (PMY), located 65 kilometers away. Furthermore, Aerolíneas Argentinas discontinued flights from Córdoba and ceased operations on the Atlantic Corridor (which connected Trelew with Bahía Blanca, Comodoro Rivadavia, and Mar del Plata).
<a href="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/aeropuerto-de-trelew-chiubut-argentina.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-348080" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/aeropuerto-de-trelew-chiubut-argentina.jpg" alt="" width="1500" height="844" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/aeropuerto-de-trelew-chiubut-argentina.jpg 1500w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/aeropuerto-de-trelew-chiubut-argentina-300x169.jpg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/aeropuerto-de-trelew-chiubut-argentina-768x432.jpg 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/aeropuerto-de-trelew-chiubut-argentina-150x84.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></a>
According to the National Civil Aviation Administration (ANAC) of Argentina, from January to October, Trelew Airport received 225,824 passengers, a decline of 3.31% compared to the same period in 2023 and an 18.9% decrease versus 2019.
To reverse this trend, Orellano stated that negotiations are underway for the return of Flybondi, while discussions about the potential arrival of jetSMART in 2025 with up to one daily flight are also advancing. The executive is negotiating incentives to attract one or both airlines to Trelew.
Currently, Trelew receives three daily flights from Aerolíneas Argentinas from Buenos Aires using Embraer 190, Boeing 737-700, 737-800, and 737 MAX 8 aircraft. From October to March, two weekly flights operate to El Calafate and three weekly flights to Ushuaia with Boeing 737-800 and MAX 8 aircraft.

Trelew Airport Expansion: Doubling Passenger Capacity by 2025

The Brazilian Airport Infrastructure Company (Infraero) announced the completion of the first phase of works at Torres Airport, in Rio Grande do Sul, including the expansion of the taxiway and the renewal of runway markings, with an investment of 22 million reais. These works include the expansion of the taxiway from 16 to 25 meters, enabling the airport to receive category 3C aircraft, such as the ATR-72, and the renewal of markings on the runways, taxiways, and apron.
<h4>Positions</h4>
Additionally, five positions for airplanes and one for helicopters were installed, as well as the PAPI (Precision Approach Path Indicator) system on both ends of the runway, enhancing operational safety. The inauguration ceremony was held on December 2, meeting the planned schedule following the airport&#8217;s concession to Infraero in September 2024. The works required the suspension of landing and takeoff operations between October 28 and November 28, 2024, and were completed within the established deadlines.
<div id='gallery-2' class='gallery galleryid-348095 gallery-columns-3 gallery-size-full'><figure class='gallery-item'>
			<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>
				<a href='https://aviacionline.com/2024/12/el-aeropuerto-de-torres-brasil-amplio-la-calle-de-rodaje-y-renovo-senalizacion/torres/#main'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="1920" src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Torres.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full" alt="" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Torres.jpg 2560w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Torres-300x225.jpg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Torres-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Torres-768x576.jpg 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Torres-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Torres-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Torres-150x113.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></a>
			</div></figure><figure class='gallery-item'>
			<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>
				<a href='https://aviacionline.com/2024/12/el-aeropuerto-de-torres-brasil-amplio-la-calle-de-rodaje-y-renovo-senalizacion/torres-aero/#main'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="1920" src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Torres-Aero.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full" alt="" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Torres-Aero.jpg 2560w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Torres-Aero-300x225.jpg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Torres-Aero-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Torres-Aero-768x576.jpg 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Torres-Aero-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Torres-Aero-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Torres-Aero-150x113.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></a>
			</div></figure><figure class='gallery-item'>
			<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>
				<a href='https://aviacionline.com/2024/12/el-aeropuerto-de-torres-brasil-amplio-la-calle-de-rodaje-y-renovo-senalizacion/torres-aeroporto/#main'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2048" height="1536" src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Torres-Aeroporto.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full" alt="" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Torres-Aeroporto.jpg 2048w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Torres-Aeroporto-300x225.jpg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Torres-Aeroporto-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Torres-Aeroporto-768x576.jpg 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Torres-Aeroporto-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Torres-Aeroporto-150x113.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px" /></a>
			</div></figure>
		</div>

<h4>Future operations and second phase at Torres</h4>
The second stage of the project at Torres Airport, currently underway, includes the construction of a perimeter inspection route and a wall in sensitive areas of the airport. Infraero plans to complete this phase in early 2025. With these improvements, the airport will be ready to receive regular flights from airlines such as <a href="https://aviacionline.com/2024/07/infraero-operara-los-aeropuertos-de-torres-y-canela-en-rio-grande-do-sul/">Azul Linhas Aéreas and VoePass</a>, according to Infraero. Infraero&#8217;s president, Rogério Barzellay, <a href="https://torres.rs.gov.br/2024/12/02/infraero-realiza-a-entrega-das-primeiras-obras-no-aeroporto-regional-de-torres-mais-de-22-milhoes-em-investimentos/">emphasized the Company&#8217;s responsibility in meeting agreed timelines</a> and improving the infrastructure of airports in Rio Grande do Sul: “Infraero is present, supporting the reconstruction of Rio Grande do Sul, and our investments in the State are proof of this, in addition to the efforts we have already made at the airports of Passo Fundo and Santo Ângelo.”
<h4>Surf Capital</h4>
Torres, known as the «Brazilian surf capital», has a population of nearly 100,000 and attracts approximately 500,000 tourists annually due to its beautiful beaches, cliffs, and hills. The opening of the airport represents a significant improvement in the region&#8217;s connectivity, which previously depended on the nearest airports, such as Porto Alegre and Jaguaruna, located several hours away by road.

Airports