Gateway to Chile's Atacama mining heartland.
Opened
1965
Location
Calama, Chile
El Loa Airport (IATA: CJC, ICAO: SCCF) serves Calama, a city in the Antofagasta Region of northern Chile, situated at approximately 2,265 metres (7,431 feet) above sea level. It is the primary air gateway for the surrounding Atacama Desert region, which is home to some of the world's largest copper mining operations, including the Chuquicamata and Escondida mines.
The airport handles a significant volume of both commercial passengers and mining industry personnel, making it one of the busiest regional airports in Chile by passenger traffic. Its elevated altitude and desert environment present specific operational considerations for aircraft performance.
Calama itself serves as a staging point for travellers heading to the popular tourist destination of San Pedro de Atacama, approximately 100 kilometres to the southeast, further boosting the airport's passenger numbers.
Terminals
The airport operates with a single passenger terminal building handling both domestic and limited international traffic.
Getting to & from
Taxis, shared transfer services, and rental cars provide the main ground transport links between the airport and Calama city centre, approximately 4 kilometres away.
Airlines here
LATAM Airlines and Sky Airline are the primary carriers operating scheduled services at El Loa Airport, connecting Calama principally with Santiago.
Notable facts
- ›Located at an elevation of approximately 2,265 metres (7,431 ft) above sea level.
- ›Serves as a key access point for Chile's copper mining industry in the Atacama region.
- ›Acts as a transit hub for tourists visiting San Pedro de Atacama.
- ›One of the busiest regional airports in Chile by annual passenger volume.
- ›The airport name 'El Loa' references the Loa River, the longest river in Chile.
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 Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
