Chile opened the new Puerto Natales airport on June 10 2026 located 45 minutes from Torres del Paine. The terminal accommodates 1.2 million passengers yearly and features direct LATAM and Sky Airline flights from Santiago. Construction finished six months ahead of schedule at a cost of $180 million.
The airport includes expanded customs facilities for cruise passengers arriving from Antarctica. Local hotels added 800 rooms to handle increased demand. Park rangers report a 30 percent rise in advance permit requests for the 2026-2027 season.
The project forms part of Chile's national tourism infrastructure plan launched in 2023. Environmental groups praised the use of solar power and wildlife corridors around the runway. Similar upgrades are planned for Easter Island and San Pedro de Atacama by 2028.
What this means for you
Book flights to Puerto Natales instead of Punta Arenas to save four hours of transfer time. Reserve park entry permits online at least 30 days ahead as daily caps remain in place. Choose lodges offering private transfers from the new airport to avoid shared shuttle waits.
Pack layers for sudden weather changes common even in summer months. Consider shoulder-season visits in October or April for fewer crowds and lower rates. Confirm all domestic flight connections allow at least two hours for baggage reclaim and security.
The improved access supports multi-destination Patagonia itineraries combining Chile and Argentina in one journey.