San Carlos de Bariloche Airport
The San Carlos de Bariloche Airport (Spanish: Aeropuerto de San Carlos de Bariloche), also known as Teniente Luis Candelaria Airport, serves as the primary international gateway to the city of San Carlos de Bariloche in the Río Negro province of Argentina. Located 13 kilometres (8.1 mi) from the city center, this facility is essential for tourists and residents accessing the scenic landscapes of the Argentine Andes.
The airport is managed by Aeropuertos Argentina 2000 S.A. and spans a total area of 1,810 hectares (4,500 acres). Its infrastructure includes a 12,000-square-metre terminal designed to handle the significant influx of seasonal travelers.
Key Facts
- IATA Code: BRC
- ICAO Code: SAZS
- Elevation: 2,776 ft (846 m) above mean sea level (AMSL)
- Runway: A single asphalt runway (11/29) measuring 7,703 ft (2,348 m)
- Annual Traffic: 1,980,000 passengers (2022 statistics)
- Location: Ruta Nacional Nº 237 s/n, San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
Airport Infrastructure and Operations
The airport operates with a single asphalt runway, designated as 11/29, which allows for the landing and takeoff of various commercial aircraft. Its strategic location at an elevation of 2,776 feet ensures connectivity to the high-altitude regions of Patagonia.
Passenger Traffic Trends
The airport has seen steady growth over the decades. Between 2005 and 2010, passenger numbers grew from approximately 648,569 to over 831,000. By 2022, the facility handled a significantly higher volume, reaching 1.98 million passengers.
Airlines and Destinations
San Carlos de Bariloche Airport connects the region to major domestic hubs in Argentina and international destinations, particularly in Brazil and Chile. Many of these routes are seasonal, peaking during the winter snow season.
| Airline | Destinations |
|---|---|
| Aerolíneas Argentinas | Buenos Aires (Aeroparque, Ezeiza), Córdoba, Mendoza, Rosario, Salta, Tucumán, Viedma, São Paulo |
| Azul Brazilian Airlines | Belo Horizonte, Campinas, Porto Alegre (Seasonal) |
| Flybondi | Buenos Aires (Aeroparque, Ezeiza), Córdoba |
| JetSmart Argentina | Buenos Aires (Aeroparque, Ezeiza), Córdoba, Mendoza |
| LADE | Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires (Aeroparque), Mar del Plata, Puerto Madryn |
| LATAM (Brasil & Chile) | São Paulo, Santiago de Chile (Seasonal) |
| Sky Airline | Puerto Montt, São Paulo, Santiago de Chile |
Safety Record and Incidents
The airport's history includes several aviation accidents, often attributed to the challenging mountainous terrain surrounding the region.
Fatal Accidents
- May 13, 1957: A LADE Vickers VC.1 Viking crashed into mountains 30 km from the airport; all 16 occupants perished.
- March 16, 1975: A LADE Fokker F27-400M struck a mountain 35 km west of the city during approach from El Palomar, resulting in 52 fatalities.
- November 21, 1977: An Austral Líneas Aéreas BAC 1-11 crashed 21 km east of the city during a premature descent on final approach, killing 46 of 79 people on board.
Non-Fatal Incidents
On August 16, 1989, a LADE Fokker F28-1000C failed to get airborne and overran the runway, eventually being stopped by a dike without resulting in fatalities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the IATA and ICAO codes for Bariloche Airport?
The IATA code is BRC and the ICAO code is SAZS.
Who operates the San Carlos de Bariloche Airport?
The airport is operated by Aeropuertos Argentina 2000 S.A.
How far is the airport from the city of Bariloche?
The airport is located approximately 13 kilometres (8.1 mi) away from the city.
What is the length of the airport's runway?
The asphalt runway (11/29) is 7,703 feet (2,348 metres) long.
Which international airlines fly into BRC?
International service is provided by airlines such as LATAM, Sky Airline, and Azul Brazilian Airlines, primarily connecting to Brazil and Chile.