Imagine planning a trip to southern Chile with Temuco as your destination. When booking flights, airlines will ask for the airport code. If you're flying into Maquehue Airport, what code should you use? This article reveals the answer and provides detailed information about this Chilean airport.
Maquehue Airport IATA Code: ZCO
According to International Air Transport Association (IATA) standards, Maquehue Airport bears the IATA code ZCO. These three-letter codes serve as unique identifiers for airports worldwide, used for flight bookings, baggage handling, and aviation communications.
Maquehue Airport Overview
Maquehue Airport (Spanish: Aeródromo Maquehue) serves Temuco, the capital of Chile's Araucanía Region. Once the primary airport for the area, its commercial flight operations significantly decreased after the 2014 opening of the new La Araucanía International Airport. Today, Maquehue primarily handles general aviation, flight training, and some charter services.
Key airport details:
- IATA code: ZCO
- ICAO code: SCTC
- Airport name: Maquehue Airport
- Country: Chile
- Elevation: 304 feet (93 meters)
- Coordinates: 38° 46' 0.48" S, 72° 38' 13.56" W
Location and Transportation
Positioned approximately 8 kilometers west of Temuco's city center, Maquehue Airport remains easily accessible by taxi or public transportation. While commercial flights have diminished, the surrounding area still offers hotels and restaurants for traveler convenience.
Facilities and Services
Despite its modest size, Maquehue Airport maintains basic amenities including:
- Waiting area: Seating with basic facilities
- Parking: Ample space for private vehicles
- Taxi services: Available for city transfers
- General aviation support: Fueling, maintenance, and apron services
The Impact of La Araucanía International Airport
The 2014 opening of La Araucanía International Airport (sharing the ZCO IATA code but with ICAO code SCTE) significantly altered Maquehue's role. The new facility's longer runways, modern infrastructure, and greater capacity accommodate larger aircraft and international routes, drawing most commercial traffic away from Maquehue.
Future Prospects
While commercial operations have declined, Maquehue Airport retains importance as a regional transportation hub. Future development may focus on expanding general aviation and flight training operations, along with potential charter services. The airport could also serve emergency medical and firefighting purposes.
For travelers planning visits to Chile's Araucanía Region, understanding airport codes and facility status remains essential when arranging transportation. Always verify the correct airport designation when booking flights to ensure smooth travel arrangements.