Dreaming of clear skies. That’s what comes to mind as we approach Central Newberry. Not just a spot for aviation enthusiasts but a vital part of Buenos Aires.
Central Newberry also known as Aeroparque Jorge Newbery. It stands a mere 2 kilometers from the city center. Think of it as Buenos Aires’ front door for domestic flights. It also welcomes some international flights. Uruguay, Brazil, Chile, and Paraguay are among the destinations served.
Originally, the idea surfaced in 1925. Mayor Carlos Noel proposed it. However, it took time for the idea to take flight. Feasibility studies and zoning disputes caused delays. Finally, in 1938, plans emerged. The idea was to create an island airport. It would connect to Avenida General Paz via a causeway.
Ultimately, a different location won. A former wetland reclaimed in 1916 became the site. It was closer to downtown. Aeronautics Secretariat engineer Víctor Acuña designed the facility. In 1945, his plans were set. The airport opened in 1947. It was named Aeroparque 17 de Octubre.
Initially, Central Newberry had just one runway. It was 1,000 meters long. Operations began in January 1948. It became the main hub for domestic flights. Flights to Uruguay also operated from there. The first terminal was ready in 1951. By then, the runway had grown to 1,550 meters.
After the 1955 coup against President Juan Perón, the airport received a new name. It honored Jorge Newbery. He was an Argentine aviation pioneer. In 1960, after expansion, it was re-inaugurated. The main runway reached 2,070 meters. A new terminal was also added.
The Argentine Air Force established a small base nearby in 1965. This site became significant in 1976. President Isabel Perón was formally deposed here during the March coup.
A new terminal specifically for Aerolíneas Argentinas opened in 1981. This expanded the total terminal area to 30,000 square meters. There were plans to merge Central Newberry with Ezeiza International Airport. The idea involved a new facility on an artificial island. Congressman Álvaro Alsogaray led a commission in 1996 to revive this. However, the plans were eventually dropped.
In 1998, operations were privatized. They transferred to Aeropuertos Argentina 2000. Eduardo Eurnekian, a local businessman, owned part of this conglomerate. The runway saw further extension in 2007. It grew by 180 meters. Work began in 2009 to increase the distance between the highway and the runway’s eastern end.
More routes were added in March 2010. Destinations included Brazil, Chile, and Paraguay. Construction of Terminals III and IV started in 2011. These totaled 35,000 square meters. They opened in March 2014. This effectively doubled the airport’s passenger capacity.
In 2019, international flights, except those to Uruguay, moved to Ezeiza Airport. This was due to increasing air traffic. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the runway was expanded. This allowed wide-body aircraft like the Airbus A330 to operate. Later, international flights recommenced to connect tourists with domestic flights.
Central Newberry has witnessed accidents too. LAPA Flight 3142 was among Argentina’s deadliest aviation accidents.
So, as you stand here at Central Newberry, remember its history. It is a story of vision, growth, and adaptation. From wetlands to a bustling airport, it remains a key part of Buenos Aires.