Could you imagine, that Buenos Aires has three airports serving business aviation flights? They are Buenos Aires Ezeiza, Aeroparque Jorge Newbery, and San Fernando. The best option depends on several factors.
Here we are in front of Avioneta. Let me tell you a story about flying in Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires is Argentina’s bustling capital. It ranks among the region’s top destinations for business jet travel. Only Brazil’s São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro rival it. The city’s robust economy makes it a hub for entrepreneurs. Executives and corporations find it a strategic location.
Buenos Aires has airports for various needs. Ministro Pistarini International Airport known as Ezeiza is the largest international airport in Argentina. It is 35 km southwest of the city. The drive to downtown takes about 40 to 45 minutes. Ezeiza is open 24/7 with no restrictions. You don’t need PPR or slots. Parking can be scarce during peak season from October to January. Hangar space is available for rent. Renting avoids parking fees. All private aviation operators use the new General Aviation Terminal. It is open 24 hours daily but using it costs extra. The terminal offers VIP lounges and meeting rooms. Crew areas, internet access and showers are available. Intercargo SAC runs all ground equipment at Ezeiza. They prioritize airlines over corporate flights. Delays are likely. Some tow bars are available but not all types. Check availability beforehand. Customs clearance takes about two minutes per person at the GAT. Customs and airport police inspect the aircraft upon arrival and departure. All luggage must be unloaded. The aircraft remains empty during its stay.
Aeroparque Jorge Newbery is the central hub for domestic flights in Argentina. It also handles international flights for South American destinations. This airport is in the Palermo Ward along the Rio de la Plata. It sits northeast of the city. It is nine km from the city center a 20-minute drive. SABE is open 24/7 but needs PPR. Foreign general aviation aircraft need PPR. It is primarily a domestic airport. Slots are not required. General aviation aircraft not based at SABE need a special landing permit. Operations are limited to quick drop-offs. The aircraft must move to another airport. Arrange permissions at least 72 working hours ahead. No general aviation aircraft can park overnight. Only military or official government flights can get parking spaces. A private VIP aircraft can stay overnight only if hangar space is available. General aviation parking is limited to two hours. The airport used to have Terminal Sur for general aviation. The military now controls it. It is only for official or diplomatic flights. General aviation aircraft park on the airport’s south side. Passengers are driven to the main terminal’s customs area a 10-minute ride. Delays can occur if a commercial flight arrives. Aircraft power movement is restricted. Bring your own towbar. The handler will not provide one. This airport handles aircraft up to 80 tons takeoff weight. Customs must be arranged two working days in advance. Crew and passengers clear customs at the main terminal. Handlers can assist. Customs and airport police inspect the aircraft after passengers exit. All luggage is unloaded. The aircraft remains empty. It is inspected again before departure.
San Fernando is 21 km north of the city. The drive to downtown takes about 25 minutes. English-speaking controllers are available 24/7. SADF is open 24/7 but only for aircraft under 30 tons MTOW. PPR and slots are not required. Aircraft can only be 40 minutes on the platform for operation. After that, it must move to the hangars. There’s no public overnight parking. It is only possible in private hangars. Customs and immigration are available 24/7 at the main apron. Crew and passengers clear customs there. Handlers can assist. Customs and airport police inspect the aircraft upon arrival. Everything must be removed from the aircraft. It stays empty while parked. The aircraft is inspected again before departure. Remember there is only one immigration desk for arrivals and another for departures.
Flying in Buenos Aires offers various options. Ezeiza handles major international flights. Aeroparque manages domestic and regional traffic. San Fernando caters to smaller aircraft. Each airport provides specific services and faces unique restrictions. Careful planning ensures smooth operations for business aviation in this dynamic city.