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Maquehue Airport Mountain Airport illustrationMountain Airport
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PZSmedium airport

Maquehue Airport

Temuco, Chile
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SCTC
ICAO
304 ft
Elevation
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Temuco's historic airport serving Chile's Araucanía region.

Location
Temuco, Chile
Maquehue Airport (IATA: PZS, ICAO: SCTC) is a civilian and military airport located in Temuco, the capital of Chile's Araucanía Region. Situated approximately 6 kilometers south of the city center, it has historically served as the primary air gateway to the region. The airport shares its facilities with the Chilean Air Force's Base Aérea Maquehue, reflecting its dual civil-military character. Due to capacity and operational limitations, Temuco's air traffic has been gradually transitioning to the newer La Araucanía Airport (ZCO), located outside Temuco in Freire, which opened in 2013 and has increasingly taken over commercial operations. Maquehue Airport's role in scheduled commercial aviation has diminished significantly since La Araucanía Airport began operations, though it retains importance for general aviation, military, and some regional activities.
Terminals
The airport has a modest single terminal structure designed for limited domestic passenger operations.
Getting to & from
The airport is accessible by road approximately 6 kilometers from Temuco's city center, with taxi and private vehicle options available.
Airlines here
Commercial scheduled service has largely shifted to La Araucanía Airport, with Maquehue primarily supporting general aviation rather than major airline hubs.
Notable facts
  • ›Maquehue Airport is co-located with Chile's Air Force Base Aérea Maquehue, giving it a dual civil-military function.
  • ›La Araucanía Airport (ZCO), opened in 2013, has largely replaced Maquehue for scheduled commercial airline services.
  • ›The airport is situated roughly 6 km south of downtown Temuco.
  • ›Temuco is the largest city in Patagonian Chile and serves as the gateway to the Lake District.
  • ›The IATA code PZS is no longer actively used for commercial scheduled flights due to the transition to ZCO.
Wikipedia
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 Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.

Airlines serving this airport

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Routes

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City & Place Guide

Gateway to Patagonia steeped in Mapuche culture and nature

Temuco is a bustling mid-sized city in Chile's Araucanía region, roughly 670 km south of Santiago. It serves as the cultural and commercial hub of Mapuche indigenous territory, blending urban energy with deep ancestral traditions, colorful markets, and lush surrounding landscapes.

The city is a practical base for exploring nearby volcanoes, lakes, and hot springs. Villarrica and Conguillio National Parks are within easy reach, making Temuco a favorite among nature lovers and adventure travelers heading into the Lake District or Patagonia beyond.

  • •Mercado Municipal — vibrant indoor market showcasing Mapuche crafts, produce, and street food
  • •Monumento Natural Cerro Ñielol — forested hill reserve with native flora and city views
  • •Museo Regional de la Araucanía — excellent collection of Mapuche history, art, and artifacts
  • •Feria Pinto — sprawling outdoor market reflecting everyday life and local commerce
  • •Parque Nacional Conguillío — dramatic volcano, lava fields, and ancient araucaria forests nearby
  • •Temuco Cathedral — striking modernist landmark anchoring the central Plaza Aníbal Pinto

Getting around: Temuco has an extensive local bus network covering the city and surrounding towns at low fares. Colectivos (shared taxis running fixed routes) are fast and affordable for short trips. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and inDriver operate here, and regular long-distance buses connect Temuco to Santiago and southern destinations from the main terminal on Avenida Caupolicán. The city is also a stop on Chile's Tren Austral heritage rail service during summer months.

Best time: Spring (October–November) and summer (December–February) offer the warmest, driest weather ideal for exploring parks and outdoor attractions.

Local food: Try cazuela de vacuno (hearty beef stew), milcao (potato cakes), catutos (Mapuche wheat dumplings), and fresh merkén-spiced dishes at the Mercado Municipal.

This guide is provided for general information only. Verify details locally before making travel decisions.

Passport, Visa & Immigration

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Temuco Maquehue Airport
Encyclopaedia

Maquehue Airport is an airport 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) southwest of Temuco, a city in the La Araucanía Region of Chile.

Read full article on Wikipedia

Entity data from open aviation datasets (OurAirports, OpenFlights) with AI-assisted editorial clearly marked. Always confirm time-sensitive details with the official airport website. Sources & verification