Ushuaia – Malvinas Argentinas International Airport
Located on the rugged island of Tierra del Fuego, the Ushuaia – Malvinas Argentinas International Airport (IATA: USH, ICAO: SAWH) serves as a critical aviation hub for the southernmost reaches of Argentina. Situated just 4 km (2.5 mi) south of the city of Ushuaia, this facility is renowned as the world's southernmost international airport, acting as a primary gateway for travelers embarking on cruise expeditions to the Antarctic.
The airport is uniquely positioned on a peninsula that extends into the Beagle Channel, meaning that all aircraft takeoffs and landings occur over the water.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Global Status: The southernmost international airport in the world.
- Strategic Role: Primary transit point for Antarctic cruise-ship passengers.
- Infrastructure: Features a 2,804-meter concrete runway capable of handling Boeing 747 aircraft.
- Location: Tierra del Fuego Province, Argentina, at an elevation of 102 ft (31 m) AMSL (Above Mean Sea Level).
- Passenger Volume: Handled 512,000 total passengers in 2021.
History and Aviation Milestones
The current airport opened in 1995, replacing an older facility that is now utilized by the Ushuaia Aeroclub (ICAO: SAWO). Its name reflects Argentina's claims of sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, a British Overseas Territory.
Throughout its history, the airport has hosted some of the world's most iconic aircraft. Due to its capacity to accommodate large planes, Aerolíneas Argentinas operated Boeing 747-400s during peak passenger periods—such as when entire cruise ship payloads arrived—until the model was retired in February 2012. Tower Air also operated 747s at the site.
The airport has also seen rare visits from the Air France Concorde. One aircraft (F-BTSD) visited in early 1999 traveling from Buenos Aires to Santiago, Chile, while another arrived from Easter Island before the cessation of most Concorde charter flights in July 2000.
International Charter History
In addition to scheduled flights, the airport has hosted various international charters over the years, including services from Germany (Condor, LTU, Air Berlin, and Lufthansa), Austria (Austrian Airlines), and the United Kingdom (XL Airways UK and First Choice Airways). It has even facilitated charter flights as far as Maputo, Mozambique.
Flight Operations and Destinations
The airport is managed by the Civil Aviation Administration and provides essential connectivity between the remote Tierra del Fuego region and major urban centers.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| IATA / ICAO Codes | USH / SAWH |
| Runway (07/25) | 2,804 m (9,199 ft) - Concrete |
| Elevation | 102 ft (31 m) |
| 2021 Passengers | 512,000 |
| Coordinates | 54°50′36″S 68°17′40″W |
Current Airlines and Routes
- Aerolíneas Argentinas: Connects to Buenos Aires (Aeroparque and Ezeiza), Córdoba, El Calafate, and Trelew.
- Flybondi: Connects to Buenos Aires (Aeroparque and Ezeiza) and El Calafate.
- JetSmart Argentina: Connects to Buenos Aires (Aeroparque and Ezeiza).
- LADE: Provides regional links to Comodoro Rivadavia, El Calafate, Río Gallegos, and Río Grande.
- Gol Linhas Aéreas & LATAM Brasil: Offer seasonal services to São Paulo–Guarulhos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ushuaia the southernmost international airport?
Yes, the Ushuaia – Malvinas Argentinas International Airport is recognized as the world's southernmost international airport.
Can large aircraft land at USH?
Yes, the airport's concrete runway is capable of accommodating aircraft as large as the Boeing 747.
Why is the airport important for Antarctic travel?
Because of its extreme southern location, it serves as a primary gateway for passengers traveling to board cruise ships heading to Antarctica.
What is the runway surface and length?
The airport has one concrete runway (07/25) measuring 2,804 meters (9,199 feet) in length.
Which airlines provide seasonal flights to Brazil?
Gol Linhas Aéreas and LATAM Brasil both operate seasonal flights between Ushuaia and São Paulo–Guarulhos.