Chile's northernmost international gateway near the Peruvian border.
Opened
1965
Location
Arica, Chile
Chacalluta International Airport (IATA: ARI, ICAO: SCAR) serves Arica, a city in the Arica y Parinacota Region of far northern Chile, just kilometers from the Peruvian border. The airport handles domestic routes within Chile as well as limited international connections, primarily to Peru and Bolivia.
The airport is named after the Chacalluta valley where it is located, and serves as an important transport hub for a region that is geographically isolated from the rest of Chile. Arica's proximity to Peru and Bolivia makes the airport strategically significant for cross-border trade and tourism.
Passenger volumes are relatively modest compared to major Chilean airports, but the facility plays a key role in connecting the far north of Chile to Santiago and neighboring countries.
Terminals
The airport operates a single terminal building handling both domestic and international passengers.
Getting to & from
Taxis and shared transfer services are the primary ground transportation options connecting the airport to downtown Arica, approximately 15 kilometers away.
Airlines here
LATAM Airlines and Sky Airline are the primary carriers serving Chacalluta, operating routes to Santiago and other Chilean destinations.
Notable facts
- ›Located approximately 18 km north of Arica city center, close to the Chilean-Peruvian border.
- ›One of the northernmost airports in Chile.
- ›Serves as a gateway for travelers crossing between Chile, Peru, and Bolivia in the Atacama region.
- ›The surrounding Chacalluta wetlands near the airport are a protected ecological area and bird sanctuary.
- ›The airport's elevation and desert climate result in relatively stable flying conditions year-round.
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
