Chacalluta Airport

Overview

Chacalluta International Airport is the main air gateway for Arica, Chile, handling domestic and international traffic as a medium airport in the country’s far north. Known by the codes ARI and SCAR, it sits at a low elevation of 167 feet (51 m), which helps keep arrivals and departures straightforward in this coastal desert setting. For most visitors, the airport is the first practical link between Arica’s beaches, border-region travel, and the wider north of Chile, making it a useful starting point for both city stays and onward journeys.

Key facts

• Official name: Chacalluta International Airport
• Location served: Arica, Chile
• Airport type: Medium airport
• Runway: 03/21, 9,186 feet long, asphalt surface, lighted
• Time zone: America/Santiago
• Official website: https://aeropuertoarica.cl/

What travelers should know

For passengers, the most important detail is that Chacalluta International Airport is built around a single long, lighted runway, which supports reliable operations and makes flight activity easy to follow. Because it serves Arica rather than a distant regional center, transfer times into the city are generally more manageable than at larger airports, which is helpful if you are arriving late or leaving early. Before traveling, it is worth checking the official airport website for current terminal information, transport details, and service updates, especially if your plans involve tight connections, cross-border travel, or seasonal schedule changes.