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Gateway to Chile's Atacama Desert mining region.
Opened
2010
Location
Copiapó, Chile
Desierto de Atacama Airport (IATA: CPO, ICAO: SCAT) serves Copiapó, the capital of Chile's Atacama Region, an area known for its vast copper and mining industries. The airport plays a critical role in connecting the region's mining workforce and businesses to Santiago and other Chilean cities.
The airport gained international attention in 2010 when it served as a staging point during the rescue operations for the 33 trapped miners at the San José mine, one of the most widely followed rescue missions in history. The facility handles both domestic passenger traffic and cargo operations linked to regional mining activities.
Located approximately 45 kilometers northwest of Copiapó city center, near the coastal town of Caldera, the airport replaced the older Chamonate Airport as the primary aviation hub for the region when it opened in 2010.
Terminals
The airport features a single modern terminal building designed to handle domestic and limited international passenger traffic.
Getting to & from
Ground transport to Copiapó city center is available via taxi and bus services, with the journey taking approximately 45 minutes.
Airlines here
LATAM Airlines and Sky Airline operate routes connecting Copiapó to Santiago and other domestic destinations.
Notable facts
- ›Located near the coastal city of Caldera, roughly 45 km from Copiapó city center.
- ›Replaced the older Chamonate Airport as the region's primary commercial airport.
- ›Served as a logistics hub during the 2010 San José mine rescue of 33 trapped miners.
- ›Situated in one of the driest regions on Earth, the Atacama Desert.
- ›Supports significant cargo operations tied to the region's copper mining industry.
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 Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
