Chilean Airports Extend Hours to Boost
Two Chilean airports extended operating hours, a move airlines say could add over one million extra seats annually if replicated at six other airports.
The La Araucanía Airport and La Florida Airport in La Serena have extended their operating hours. This change is designed to provide more flexible flight scheduling and better use Chile's aviation infrastructure.
Eduardo Hardessen, general manager of the Chilean Association of Airlines (ACHILAL), called the extensions a concrete step forward. He said greater operational flexibility gives airlines more chances to optimize their timetables.
"A greater operational flexibility gives airlines more opportunities to optimize their itineraries, improve the available offer and respond more efficiently to the needs of passengers," Hardessen added.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) also praised the coordinated effort. Helen Kouyoumdjian, IATA's Country Manager for Chile, said optimizing existing infrastructure opens new opportunities.
Push for More Airport Extensions
ACHILA and IATA are now pushing to replicate the extended hours at six other regional airports. They have identified specific locations for the next phase of the initiative.
The airports targeted for future operational extensions are:
A joint statement from the groups outlined this plan. The private sector project aims to create the conditions needed to incorporate the additional capacity.
Potential Impact on Air Travel Capacity
The core goal of extending airport hours is to significantly increase available flight seats. Airlines project a substantial boost in annual capacity if the plan is fully implemented.
According to the industry groups, the project could add more than one million extra seats per year. This increase would come from better utilization of existing airport infrastructure across the country.
The initiative focuses on strengthening Chile's domestic network. It aims to provide more commercial alternatives for travel within the country's interior regions.
Coordination with Authorities
The recent changes resulted from work between industry groups and Chilean authorities. IATA highlighted the coordinated effort with several government bodies.
These included the Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. Local authorities were also involved in implementing the new service schedules.
Kouyoumdjian stated that this optimization benefits both passengers and regional economies. The effort seeks to build the development of air services that support broader economic growth.
The extended hours at La Araucanía and La Serena airports are now in effect. The industry's focus has shifted to expanding the model to the six other regional terminals.
