Santiago’s Arturo Merino Benítez Airport Welcomes Over 5 Million Passengers in Early 2025
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The Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) in Santiago, Chile, received more than five million passengers during January and February 2025, marking a 4.4% increase compared to the same period in 2024. The peak summer months saw a rise in international travel to destinations like Florianópolis, Buenos Aires, São Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro.
Domestic Travel Sees a Slight Decline
While international flights increased, domestic travel saw a slight drop in passenger numbers, with a 3% decrease in January and a 1.9% decline in February compared to last year. The most popular domestic destinations included Calama, Antofagasta, Puerto Montt, Iquique, and Concepción.
Officials Highlight Tourism and Economic Recovery
Minister of Public Works Jessica López expressed optimism about the growing number of travelers:
"It’s great to see the passenger flow at Arturo Merino Benítez Airport, the country’s main gateway. These numbers reflect the recovery of our economy and tourism activity. During the peak season, from January to February, we reached five million passengers—both domestic and international—which is a record for the summer season."
Brazil Stands Out as a Top Destination
Nicolás Claude, CEO of Nuevo Pudahuel, noted a significant rise in international travel:
"This summer, international flights increased by 18% in January and 5% in February compared to 2024. Most travelers chose destinations in Peru and Argentina."
He also highlighted the popularity of Brazil:
"Brazil was the season’s standout, with ten direct routes from Santiago to cities like São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, Salvador de Bahía, Porto Alegre, Recife, Belo Horizonte, Foz de Iguazú, Fortaleza, and Florianópolis, which has become a favorite for student trips."
Passenger Forecast for March and Travel Recommendations
Looking ahead, Nuevo Pudahuel expects over 2.3 million passengers in March, based on airline ticket sales. This would represent an 8.2% increase compared to March 2024, driven by discounts, special offers, and returning travelers to Santiago.
Authorities recommend planning trips in advance, checking in online or at one of the airport’s 146 self-service kiosks, and using the self-bag drop stations to speed up the check-in process.
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