Martín Miguel de Güemes International Airport
Located in the heart of the Argentine Andes, the Martín Miguel de Güemes International Airport (IATA: SLA, ICAO: SASA) serves as the primary gateway to the city of Salta and its surrounding province. Situated 7 km (4.3 mi) southwest of Salta's city center, this public facility is a critical piece of infrastructure for both regional tourism and international commerce in northern Argentina.
Also known as El Aybal Airport, the facility spans 208 hectares (510 acres) and is operated by Aeropuertos Argentina 2000. The current passenger terminal, which was constructed in 2000, has evolved to meet the growing demands of the region, recently undergoing modernization in 2024 to increase its capacity to over 1.5 million passengers annually.
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Key Facts
- Location: 7 km southwest of Salta, Argentina.
- Traffic Rank: The most used airport in northern Argentina and the seventh busiest nationwide.
- 2023 Volume: Handled 1,460,349 total passengers.
- Elevation: 4,091 feet (1,247 meters) above mean sea level (AMSL).
- Operator: Aeropuertos Argentina 2000.
Infrastructure and Operations
The airport is designed to handle a variety of aircraft types, utilizing two asphalt runways to manage take-offs and landings across different wind conditions.
| Runway | Length (m) | Length (ft) | Surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02/20 | 3,025 | 9,925 | Asphalt |
| 06/24 | 2,400 | 7,874 | Asphalt |
Airlines and Global Connectivity
As a major hub for the Argentine Andes, the airport is primarily served by Aerolíneas Argentinas and Andes Líneas Aéreas. It provides extensive domestic connectivity to major cities including Buenos Aires (Aeroparque and Ezeiza), Córdoba, Mendoza, Neuquén, Puerto Iguazú, Resistencia, Rosario, San Carlos de Bariloche, and Tucumán.
International connectivity has seen significant growth. The return of LATAM Perú in late 2023 restored the route to Lima, providing a vital link to global destinations such as Miami, Madrid-Barajas, and São Paulo-Guarulhos. Other international operators include Copa Airlines (Panama City) and Paranair (Asunción), with seasonal services to Florianópolis and Rio de Janeiro (the latter scheduled to begin December 18, 2026).
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Current Airline Destinations
- Aerolíneas Argentinas: Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Mendoza, Neuquén, Puerto Iguazú, Resistencia, Rosario, San Carlos de Bariloche, São Paulo, Tucumán, and seasonal flights to Florianópolis.
- Copa Airlines: Panama City–Tocumen.
- Flybondi: Buenos Aires–Aeroparque, Córdoba.
- JetSmart Argentina: Buenos Aires (Aeroparque and Ezeiza), Córdoba, Mendoza, Neuquén.
- LATAM Perú: Lima.
- Paranair: Asunción.
- Gol Linhas Aéreas: Seasonal flights to Rio de Janeiro–Galeão.
Historical Growth and Statistics
The airport has experienced steady growth in passenger and cargo volume over the last two decades. Between 2005 and 2010, passenger numbers grew from approximately 294,708 to over 614,012, reflecting the increasing popularity of the Salta region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IATA code for Salta Airport?
The IATA code for Martín Miguel de Güemes International Airport is SLA.
Who operates the airport?
The airport is operated by Aeropuertos Argentina 2000.
How many passengers did the airport handle in 2023?
In 2023, the airport handled a total of 1,460,349 passengers.
Which international cities can be reached from Salta?
Direct international flights are available to Lima, Panama City, Asunción, and São Paulo, with seasonal services to Rio de Janeiro and Florianópolis.
Is the airport currently being expanded?
Yes, as of 2024, the passenger terminal is being modernized to accommodate more than 1.5 million passengers per year.