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Private aviation in Argentina: airports and rules

Argentina is a long country with few fast roads, and families who own estates, ski homes or vineyards often fly privately. Here is how the main airports work, what changed in the rules, and how far the common routes are.

Updated 7 min readSourced from official announcements

Key facts

  • San Fernando handles about 60% of Argentina's general aviation operations, according to Aeropuertos Argentina.
  • General aviation operations in Argentina grew by more than 11% in 2025.
  • Ezeiza's VIPCLUB executive terminal handled more than 5,000 operations in 2025.
  • Since early 2026, private domestic flights no longer need a flight plan, except for tracking rules north of 29° South.
  • Punta del Este's airport set a record of 220 general aviation movements on 26 December 2025.

Argentina covers 2.78 million km². Bariloche is about 1,330 km from Buenos Aires in a straight line, and Mendoza about 960 km. For a family with a vineyard in Mendoza, a ski house in Patagonia and a summer house in Punta del Este, private aviation is often the practical choice rather than a luxury.

This guide explains the main airports, the regulatory basics in 2026 and the common routes. It names no operators and quotes no charter prices. Prices depend on aircraft, season and positioning, so ask several operators for written quotes.

The Buenos Aires airports

San Fernando: the general aviation hub

San Fernando International Airport (SADF), in the northern suburbs near Tigre, is the centre of private flying in Argentina. Its operator, Aeropuertos Argentina, says it handles about 60% of the country’s general aviation operations.

In March 2026 the operator described a programme of works:

  • A tender to expand the apron from 4 parking positions to between 10 and 12, depending on aircraft size.
  • A new control tower, new lighting and renewed runway markings.
  • Larger immigration areas and expanded international and domestic boarding.
  • A “Club de Hangares” project for hangar space.

San Fernando is close to the northern suburbs where many families live, such as San Isidro and Nordelta. See our guide to Buenos Aires neighbourhoods.

Ezeiza and Aeroparque

Ezeiza (EZE), the main international airport, has an executive terminal, VIPCLUB, which closed 2025 with a record of more than 5,000 operations, up more than 17% on 2024. It is a natural arrival point for long-range jets from North America or Europe.

Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP), on the river front in the city, carried about 17.8 million passengers in 2025 and is being expanded in a US$85 million programme. Its operator cites demand from executive flights as one reason for the works. Check slot and parking availability with your handler before you plan around it.

Airports across the country

General aviation grew by more than 11% across Argentina in 2025, and it accounts for about 30% of all operations at the 35 airports run by Aeropuertos Argentina. The operator reports steady growth at Salta, Catamarca, Mendoza, Córdoba and Mar del Plata, linked to oil, mining, agriculture, medical flights and training.

For private passengers, the operator has introduced VIP transfers and full apron handling at Bariloche, Mendoza and Córdoba. Bariloche also offers advance parking management in the ski season, private lounges and ramp services. Smaller resort airports, such as Chapelco near San Martín de los Andes and Malargüe near Las Leñas, have more limited facilities. See our guide to skiing in Argentina.

Distances on common routes

The table shows straight-line distances from San Fernando, calculated from airport coordinates. Actual routes are longer. Scheduled airline times are shown for comparison; a private jet’s time depends on the aircraft and winds.

Destination Airport Distance from San Fernando Scheduled airline time (for reference)
Punta del Este, Uruguay Laguna del Sauce (PDP) about 320 km — (a short hop)
Córdoba COR about 630 km —
Mendoza MDZ about 960 km About 1 h 50 min
Bariloche BRC about 1,330 km About 2 h 15 min
Salta SLA about 1,260 km —
Ushuaia USH about 2,390 km —
Miami, United States MIA about 7,080 km About 9 hours nonstop from Ezeiza

Punta del Este is the classic summer route. Laguna del Sauce airport recorded 220 general aviation movements on 26 December 2025, more than 30% above the previous daily record. Its general aviation manager said December 2025 traffic was 31% above December 2024. The airport has a dedicated general aviation terminal. Crossing to Uruguay is an international flight, with migration and customs at both ends.

Miami is at the edge of the range of many business jets. A long-range aircraft can fly it nonstop; smaller jets need a fuel stop. Remember that Argentine passport holders still need a US visa, as Argentina is not in the Visa Waiver Program; see our Argentine passport guide.

Regulatory basics

The national civil aviation authority is ANAC (Administración Nacional de Aviación Civil). Several reforms since 2024 matter for private flyers:

  • Foreign aircraft and crews. Decree 844/2024 transferred to ANAC the power to authorise foreign-registered aircraft and foreign personnel. ANAC’s Resolution 601/2024, published on 3 January 2025, sets the requirements. The Aeronautical Code still says aircraft used for commercial and general aviation services must be Argentine-registered unless authorised.
  • Flight plans. In December 2025 ANAC announced that private and non-scheduled flights within Argentina would no longer need to file a flight plan, from the following month.
  • Night flying. The same measure enabled visual flight at night across the country for these aircraft.
  • The north. North of latitude 29° South, a high-surveillance zone because of drug trafficking, aircraft must carry a real-time tracking system.

International flights still clear migration and customs at an international airport such as San Fernando or Ezeiza. If you bring a foreign-registered aircraft into Argentina for an extended stay, ask a handler and a customs broker about temporary import rules before you arrive.

Helicopters

Helicopters suit short hops, for example from the city to an estancia or to the Paraná delta. Every landing site must be suitable for the aircraft. ANAC authorises public and private heliports through its aerodromes directorate, with technical plans and safety areas. Ask the operator where it can lawfully land, and check local rules if you want a helipad at your own property. For the delta, see our guide to Tigre and sailing.

Practical advice

  • Check the operator’s air operator certificate and insurance, and who actually flies the aircraft.
  • Ask for an all-in written quote, including positioning, crew costs and airport fees.
  • For international trips, confirm passports and visas for every passenger and crew member in advance.
  • In peak periods, such as late December for Punta del Este, book parking and handling early.

Private aviation and citizenship

An Argentine passport can simplify regional travel, but it does not change aircraft rules. Families considering the Argentina citizenship by investment programme should note that its legal basis, DNU 366/2025, was ruled against by the Cámara Nacional Electoral in June 2026 and is under appeal to the Supreme Court; see our legal status update. For a confidential discussion, request a private briefing.

Sources

Frequently asked questions

Which airport do private jets use in Buenos Aires?

San Fernando, in the northern suburbs, is the main general aviation airport and handles about 60% of the segment's operations, according to its operator. Ezeiza has a dedicated executive terminal, and Aeroparque also handles executive flights.

Do private flights in Argentina need a flight plan?

In December 2025 ANAC announced that private and non-scheduled flights within Argentina would no longer need to file a flight plan, and enabled visual flight at night. North of latitude 29° South, aircraft must carry real-time tracking. International flights still go through migration and customs.

Can a foreign-registered aircraft fly in Argentina?

Foreign-registered aircraft can visit, but operating them for commercial or general aviation services in Argentina needs authorisation. Since Decree 844/2024, ANAC handles these authorisations under Resolution 601/2024. Ask an experienced handler or aviation lawyer about your specific case.

How far is Punta del Este from Buenos Aires by air?

About 320 km in a straight line from San Fernando to Punta del Este's Laguna del Sauce airport, a short hop by jet or turboprop. Laguna del Sauce recorded 220 general aviation movements on 26 December 2025, a record.

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