Sauce Viejo seeks to take over Rosario flights during airport closure for renovations
The Government of Santa Fe has formally proposed using Sauce Viejo International Airport as an alternative terminal during runway renovation works at Rosario’s “Islas Malvinas” International Airport. The request was submitted to the National Secretariat of Tourism during the latest Federal Tourism Council meeting.
The proposal—signed by Minister of Productive Development Gustavo Puccini, Tourism Secretary Marcela Aeberhard, and Transport and Logistics Secretary Mónica Alvarado—aims to maintain air connectivity in central-northern Santa Fe, prevent the loss of flights within the province, and capitalize on the opportunity to promote regional economic and tourism development.
While the proximity of Rosario to Buenos Aires might tempt airlines—especially international carriers—to shift operations there where they already have a presence, the inconvenience for passengers could be significant. Traveling by land to Ezeiza or Aeroparque could take five to six hours depending on traffic, compared to just one to one and a half hours to Sauce Viejo Airport.
According to the provincial government, the Rosario runway works are expected to begin in September and last around three months. During that period, Sauce Viejo could absorb some of the traffic, maintaining service for a region home to over a million residents.
“Santa Fe is ready for this challenge. We have the infrastructure and human resources needed to support this operational transition,” said Puccini. He added that talks have already begun with agencies such as Customs, ANAC, and EANA to reinforce staff during the transition.
The provincial government notes several tourism sectors that could directly benefit, including business travel, student tourism, nature tourism, and particularly sport fishing, with nationally recognized locations. The proximity of the Santa Fe Islands National Park, just 90 kilometers away, could also boost ecotourism and support local economies.
“Sauce Viejo’s operational infrastructure is capable of handling more frequent and higher-volume flights,” Alvarado stated. “We are working in coordination with national and technical agencies to ensure a safe, efficient, and sustainable process.”
Which flights could be relocated to Sauce Viejo?
Rosario currently handles about 50 flights per week, while Santa Fe handles just 10, exclusively operated by Aerolíneas Argentinas from Buenos Aires/Aeroparque.
Rosario’s current air services include:
Aerolíneas Argentinas
- 16 weekly flights to Buenos Aires/Aeroparque
- 3 weekly flights to Buenos Aires/Ezeiza
- 2 weekly flights to Puerto Iguazú
- 2 weekly flights to Mendoza
- 2 weekly flights to Neuquén
- 2 weekly flights to Salta
Copa Airlines
- 10 weekly flights to Panama City
GOL
- 3 weekly flights to Rio de Janeiro
LATAM
- 3 weekly flights to Lima
Depending on the runway closure schedule, other flights may also be affected, including LATAM’s new service to São Paulo (starting December 30) and seasonal routes to Florianópolis or Punta Cana operated by Aerolíneas Argentinas and GOL.
Contando la aviación desde marzo del año 2000. Fundador y Managing Editor de Aviacionline. Base: ROS Origen: RES
Para comentar, debés estar registradoPor favor, iniciá sesión