Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport
The Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport, widely recognized as El Plumerillo International Airport, serves as the primary aviation hub for the Mendoza Province of Argentina. Located 8 kilometers (5.0 mi) northeast of the city center of Mendoza, this facility is essential for connecting the region's famous wine country and Andean landscapes with national and international destinations.
The airport is managed by Aeropuertos Argentina 2000 and operates as a dual-purpose facility. While it handles significant civilian traffic, the southern section of the airport is home to the 4th Air Brigade, also known as the El Plumerillo Military Air Base.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบKey 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 meters (9,150 ft)
- Operator: Aeropuertos Argentina 2000
- Passenger Volume: 1,813,623 total passengers recorded in 2017
Airport Infrastructure and Operations
The airport's technical layout is designed to support a variety of aircraft. Its primary runway, designated 18/36, is constructed from concrete to ensure durability for commercial jets and military aircraft. Situated at an elevation of 2,310 feet, the airport provides a strategic entry point into the Cuyo region of Argentina.
Flight Destinations and Airlines
Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport connects Mendoza 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 Statistics
Between 2005 and 2010, the airport experienced steady growth in passenger numbers and cargo volume. The following table outlines the operational trends during this period.
| Year | 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 has a documented history of aviation incidents. On January 20, 1944, a LanChile Lodestar 18–50 (registration CC-CLC-0072) crashed during takeoff while preparing for a cargo service from Mendoza to San Juan. Tragically, 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.
Does the airport have military facilities?
Yes, the southern section of the airport houses the 4th Air Brigade, also known as the El Plumerillo Military Air Base.
What is the length of the main runway?
The concrete runway (18/36) is 2,789 meters (9,150 feet) long.
Which international destinations are served from MDZ?
The airport serves destinations including São Paulo, Punta Cana, Campinas, and Rio de Janeiro, with some seasonal flights to Aruba.