Comodoro Rivadavia Airport
Generated by GPT-5-miniExpansion Funnel Raw 65 → Dedup 21 → NER 14 → Enqueued 0
| Comodoro Rivadavia Airport | |
|---|---|
| Name | Comodoro Rivadavia Airport |
| Nativename | Aeropuerto General Enrique Mosconi |
| Iata | CRD |
| Icao | SAVC |
| Type | Public / Military |
| Owner | Aeropuertos Argentina 2000 |
| Operator | Aeropuertos Argentina 2000 |
| City-served | Comodoro Rivadavia, Chubut Province |
| Location | Comodoro Rivadavia |
| Elevation-f | 332 |
| Elevation-m | 101 |
| R1-number | 06/24 |
| R1-length-m | 2,900 |
| R1-surface | Asphalt |
| Stat-year | 2019 |
| Stat1-header | Passengers |
| Stat1-data | 286,912 |
Comodoro Rivadavia Airport is the principal air facility serving Comodoro Rivadavia and the Patagonia region of Argentina. Located in Chubut Province, the airport functions as a hub for regional connectivity linking to Buenos Aires, Neuquén, Río Gallegos and oil-industry centers such as Caleta Olivia and Comandante Luis Piedra Buena. Operated by Aeropuertos Argentina 2000, it supports both civilian airlines and elements of the Comando de Regiones Aéreas through shared infrastructure.
History
The airport originated in the early 20th century amid development driven by the Argentine oil industry led by figures associated with Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales and the legacy of Enrique Mosconi, with progresive expansions during the administrations of Juan Perón and infrastructure programs influenced by World War II logistics. During the Cold War era the facility hosted aircraft types operated by Aerolíneas Argentinas and served as a waypoint for flights linking Ushuaia and Bariloche while supporting naval and air operations tied to the Argentine Navy and Fuerza Aérea Argentina. Modernization in the 1990s paralleled privatization waves under Carlos Menem when Aeropuertos Argentina 2000 assumed concessions, and 21st century upgrades reflected demand spikes driven by Vaca Muerta-era energy projects and regional tourism tied to Patagonia National Park visitors.
Facilities and Infrastructure
The passenger terminal includes check-in halls, security screening, and boarding gates configured to handle narrow-body aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 families operated by regional carriers including Aerolíneas Argentinas and LADE. Ground infrastructure comprises a primary asphalt runway 06/24 capable of handling medium-haul flights, instrument landing systems comparable to ICAO Category I procedures, and apron space used by cargo operators like Transporte Aéreo Military and private charter firms supporting YPF operations. Ancillary facilities include fuel farms compatible with Jet A-1, fire and rescue services compliant with ICAO aerodrome rescue and firefighting categories, and navigation aids coordinated with the Administración Nacional de Aviación Civil (ANAC) and Servicios de Navegación Aérea.
Airlines and Destinations
Scheduled services have historically included national routes to Buenos Aires–Aeroparque Jorge Newbery, regional links to Neuquén–Presidente Perón International Airport, seasonal flights to Bariloche–San Carlos de Bariloche Airport, and connections to southern hubs such as Río Gallegos International Airport. Operators have featured Aerolíneas Argentinas, Flybondi, regional subsidiaries associated with LADE and charter operators contracted by energy companies like Pan American Energy and Petrobras. Cargo services have connected to freight nodes at Ezeiza International Airport and logistics centers serving the Patagonian supply chain.
Statistics
Annual passenger volumes have fluctuated with cycles in the oil and natural gas sectors and with national travel demand; pre-pandemic figures peaked near 300,000 passengers, while downturns aligned with macroeconomic events under administrations such as Mauricio Macri and Alberto Fernández. Aircraft movements include a mix of scheduled commercial flights, military sorties by the Fuerza Aérea Argentina, and corporate charters supporting firms like Tecpetrol and Pluspetrol. Cargo throughput tracks energy-sector freight and general cargo routed through Comodoro Rivadavia for southern distribution.
Ground Transportation and Access
Ground access is provided via National Route 3 and provincial road links connecting to downtown Comodoro Rivadavia, regional bus terminals serving operators like Flecha Bus and Andesmar, and local taxi and shuttle services contracted to hotels and energy companies operating in Puerto de Caleta Córdova. Parking and car rental services include international brands and local agencies used by business travelers to Rada Tilly and industrial zones near General Mosconi installations. Intermodal connections facilitate transfers to long-distance services bound for Rawson and Trelew.
Accidents and Incidents
The airport's operational history includes incidents involving turboprop and jet aircraft during approaches and on the apron, with investigations conducted by the Junta de Investigaciones de Accidentes de Aviación Civil and coordinated with ANAC and manufacturers such as Boeing and Airbus. Notable responses have involved coordinated emergency procedures with the Prefectura Naval Argentina and provincial emergency services during weather events influenced by Patagonian winds and coastal conditions near Golfo San Jorge.
Category:Airports in Chubut Province Category:Airports established in the 20th century