Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport
Located just 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) northeast of the city center of Mendoza, the capital of Argentina's Mendoza Province, the Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport serves as a vital transportation hub for the region. More commonly known as El Plumerillo International Airport, this facility facilitates both civilian and military aviation, connecting the heart of Argentina's wine country to domestic and international destinations.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]
The airport is managed by Aeropuertos Argentina 2000 and operates as a dual-purpose site. While the primary focus is public commercial travel, the southern section of the airport houses the 4th Air Brigade, also known as the El Plumerillo Military Air Base.
Key Facts
- IATA Code: MDZ
- ICAO Code: SAME
- Elevation: 2,310 ft (700 m) above mean sea level (AMSL)
- Runway: A single concrete runway (18/36) measuring 2,789 metres (9,150 ft)
- Operator: Aeropuertos Argentina 2000
- Total Passengers (2017): 1,813,623
Airport Infrastructure and Operations
The airport's technical layout is designed to handle a variety of aircraft types. Its primary runway, designated 18/36, is constructed from concrete to ensure durability and safety for landing and takeoff operations. Situated at an elevation of 2,310 feet, the airport is strategically positioned to serve the Mendoza metropolitan area.
Flight Destinations and Airlines
Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport connects passengers to several key cities, particularly in Brazil and the Caribbean. Current airline operations include:
- Aerolíneas Argentinas: Flights to São Paulo–Guarulhos and seasonal services to Aruba.
- Arajet: Direct connections to Punta Cana.
- Azul Brazilian Airlines: Seasonal flights to Campinas.
- Gol Linhas Aéreas: Seasonal services to Rio de Janeiro–Galeão.
- JetSmart Argentina: Flights to Rio de Janeiro–Galeão.
Historical Traffic and Statistics
Between 2005 and 2010, the airport experienced steady growth in passenger volume and cargo handling. Notably, cargo tonnage saw a significant spike in 2010, increasing by over 100% compared to the previous year.
| Year | Total Passengers | Passenger Change | Aircraft Operations | Cargo (Metric Tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 652,504 | 10.20% | 14,938 | 2,645 |
| 2006 | 655,318 | 0.43% | 12,586 | 3,054 |
| 2007 | 689,963 | 5.29% | 10,625 | 3,364 |
| 2008 | 780,464 | 13.12% | 12,017 | 3,436 |
| 2009 | 858,984 | 10.06% | 12,354 | 2,759 |
| 2010 | 976,889 | 13.73% | 13,688 | 5,533 |
Safety Record
The airport's history includes a tragic incident on January 20, 1944. A LanChile Lodestar 18–50 (registration CC-CLC-0072), operating a cargo service from Mendoza to San Juan, crashed during takeoff. All 12 occupants on board perished in the accident.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IATA code for Mendoza's international airport?
The IATA code for Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport is MDZ.
Who operates the airport?
The airport is operated by Aeropuertos Argentina 2000.
Is there a military presence at the airport?
Yes, the 4th Air Brigade, also known as the El Plumerillo Military Air Base, is located on the southern section of the airport grounds.
What is the length of the main runway?
The concrete runway (18/36) has a length of 2,789 metres, which is approximately 9,150 feet.
Which international destinations are served from MDZ?
The airport serves destinations including São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Campinas, Punta Cana, and seasonal flights to Aruba.