Silvio Pettirossi International Airport
Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (IATA: ASU, ICAO: SGAS) serves as the primary aviation gateway for Paraguay. Located in Luque, the airport provides essential air connectivity for the capital city, Asunción, and also serves the nearby city of Clorinda in Argentina. Named in honor of the Paraguayan aviator Silvio Pettirossi (1887–1916), the facility operates as a dual-purpose public and military site, sharing infrastructure with the Ñu-Guazú Air Force Base.
As the central hub for LATAM Paraguay and Paranair, the airport is critical to the nation's economy and international relations, linking the heart of South America to global destinations.
Key Facts
- Location: Luque, Paraguay (10 km from downtown Asunción).
- Opened: June 11, 1938.
- Primary Hub For: LATAM Paraguay and Paranair.
- Runway: A single asphalt runway (02/20) measuring 3,353 meters (11,001 ft).
- 2025 Traffic: Approximately 1.3 million passengers and 48,362 aircraft operations.
- Elevation: 89 meters (292 ft) above mean sea level.
Historical Evolution
The airport was officially inaugurated in 1938. Its primary runway was constructed during the 1960s and underwent significant resurfacing in 1985. Between 1980 and 1989, the facility was known as President Stroessner International Airport, named after former head of state Alfredo Stroessner.
Historically, the airport maintained strong ties with Europe. Iberia operated direct flights from Madrid from 1968 until the mid-1990s, and Lufthansa provided weekly service from Frankfurt between 1971 and 1980. In the early 1990s, Lineas Aereas Paraguayas also operated nonstop DC-10 flights to Frankfurt.
Modernization and Infrastructure
The 2000s and 2010s marked a period of critical upgrades. Following reports in 2008 that aeronautic systems were in a critical state, a new Instrument Landing System (ILS)—a precision radio navigation system that helps aircraft land in low visibility—was implemented in November 2009 at a cost of €967,400. This brought the airport into compliance with OACI (International Civil Aviation Organization) security requirements.
Terminal improvements continued into 2013, and by December 2015, Air Europa restored the first direct connection between Paraguay and Europe in over two decades. To keep pace with a 15% rise in travelers between 2013 and 2017, the airport saw daily flight operations triple from 20 to approximately 60 by 2018.
Terminal Facilities and Operations
The current passenger terminal began service on March 20, 1980, while the original terminal is now utilized by the Grupo Aerotáctico (GAT) of the Paraguayan Air Force. The modern terminal is divided into two international concourses:
- South Concourse: Houses gates 1 through 4.
- North Concourse: Houses gates 5 and 6.
In May 2023, the north concourse underwent renovations that significantly expanded the arrivals hall to better accommodate increasing passenger volumes.
Airlines and Destinations
The airport supports a diverse range of passenger and cargo operations, connecting Paraguay to major cities across South America, North America, and Europe.
| Category | Airlines | Key Destinations |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger | Air Europa, LATAM Paraguay, Paranair, Copa Airlines, Avianca | Madrid, Lima, Santiago, Panama City, Bogotá, Buenos Aires |
| Passenger | Gol Linhas Aéreas, Aerolíneas Argentinas, Flybondi, JetSmart | São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Córdoba |
| Cargo | Avianca Cargo, LATAM Cargo Brasil | Miami, Montevideo, Medellín |
Traffic Statistics
According to the Dirección Nacional de Aeronáutica Civil (DINAC), the airport has shown resilience and growth following the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw a seven-month cessation of commercial flights in 2020.
| Year | Passengers | Aircraft Operations | Cargo (Metric Tonnes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1,327,342 | 48,362 | 23,158 |
| 2023 | 1,027,766 | 48,460 | 12,901 |
| 2020 | 311,813 | 35,405 | 11,704 |
| 2019 | 1,239,403 | 53,353 | 12,811 |
Safety and Incidents
The airport's history includes several notable aviation accidents. In 1955, a Panair do Brasil Lockheed L-149 crashed during approach, resulting in 16 fatalities. In 1959, an Aerolíneas Argentinas Comet 4 was forced to land due to bad weather, causing two deaths. A significant incident occurred on February 4, 1996, when a LAC Colombia DC-8 cargo plane crashed on a playing field 2 km past the runway, resulting in the deaths of four crew members and 20 people on the ground.
Access and Transportation
Located in the municipality of Luque, the airport is approximately 10 km from downtown Asunción. Travelers can access the terminal via the Aviadores del Chaco Avenue, which runs alongside Ñu Guasú Park. For public transit, bus line 30-A provides a direct link between the city center and the airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the airport named after?
The airport is named after Silvio Pettirossi, a pioneering Paraguayan aviator who lived from 1887 to 1916.
Which airlines use Silvio Pettirossi as a hub?
The airport serves as the main international hub for LATAM Paraguay and Paranair.
How do I get from downtown Asunción to the airport?
The airport is 10 km away and can be reached via Aviadores del Chaco Avenue or by taking bus line 30-A.
Does the airport have direct flights to Europe?
Yes, Air Europa provides a direct connection between Silvio Pettirossi International Airport and Madrid, Spain.
What is the current status of the airport terminals?
The current terminal, in use since 1980, consists of north and south concourses. Plans for a second terminal were unveiled in February 2021.