Esquel airport (EQS)

Brigadier General Antonio Parodi International Airport (IATA Code: EQS), opened on April 17, 1945, serves the city of Esquel and the Andean area of northwestern Chubut province. It handles domestic flights linking the region with Buenos Aires.

Official Website: aeropuertosargentina.com/en/EQS

Telephone: +54 11 5480 6111 / 0800-666-7979

Social Media:

Terminals

It features a single passenger terminal housing departures and arrivals in one facility. The airport does not operate 24 hours a day: it is open during daytime hours depending on scheduled commercial flights and closes overnight after the last flight.

Annual traffic (2025): 96,200 passengers.

Information Desks

The main hall houses the Aeropuertos Argentina customer service desk as well as Airport Security Police (PSA) personnel to guide travelers.

 Location

The airport is located 21 km (13 miles) east of downtown Esquel, along National Route 40.

What services does Esquel airport (EQS) offer?

The terminal provides essential amenities for travelers during operating hours:

Financial Services and Connectivity

• Wi-Fi: free wireless internet service provided by the airport operator.
• ATMs and Currency Exchange: the terminal has no automated teller machines (ATMs) or permanent currency exchange offices, so bringing cash beforehand is recommended.

Food and Drinks

A café/confectionery operates inside the terminal, offering hot and cold beverages, sandwiches, and snacks for passengers and visitors.

Baggage Services

• Luggage Storage: no left-luggage lockers or storage services are available.
• Lost and Found: for inquiries regarding lost items, contact the Airport Security Police (PSA) office or email [email protected].

Health

There are no pharmacies within the terminal building.

Accommodation near Esquel airport (EQS)

On-Site Accommodations

There are no hotels, transit pods, or sleeping accommodations inside the airport grounds.

Hotel Shuttles

Area hotels do not operate scheduled complimentary shuttles; transfers should be arranged by taxi, remise, or private tour transfer.

Nearby Hotels

The main accommodation choices are situated in Esquel (about 18 to 21 km away) and surrounding areas:

• Complejo Turístico Nahuel Pan (12.1 km / 7.5 miles)
• Cabañas El Chaltén (13.2 km / 8.2 miles)
• Esquel Apart Loft (13.3 km / 8.3 miles)
• Cabañas Temistocles (13.4 km / 8.3 miles)
• Hostería El Coirón (13.8 km / 8.6 miles)
• Dormís Acá (18 km / 11 miles)
• Hotel Manquehue (19 km / 12 miles)
• Hotel Tehuelche (20 km / 12.4 miles)

Public and private transportation

The airport is approximately a 20-25 minute drive from downtown Esquel.

Taxis and Remises

This is the primary ground transportation option. In the main hall on the ground floor, you can book remises (private hire cabs) with Remises Nevada or other local operators. The trip to central Esquel takes about 20 minutes, and direct rides to Trevelin (about 44 km away) are also available.

Private Transfers and Shuttles

Several local travel agencies and receptive tour operators organize private transfers coordinated with scheduled flight arrivals.

Public Buses

There are no regular local public bus routes serving the terminal building.

Car rental agencies

Rental cars can be arranged at the terminal to explore the Chubut Andean region. Vehicles are picked up and returned in the parking area facing the building:

• Hertz: counter inside the terminal (standard hours 10:00 to 18:00).
• Avis: delivery available with prior reservation.
• Autos del Pueblo: regional car rental provider with terminal delivery upon request.

Parking services at Esquel airport (EQS)

Parking Facilities

An open-air outdoor parking lot is located directly in front of the terminal building, offering limited capacity for private vehicles.

Important Considerations

• Rates: parking fees are regulated by the National Airport System Regulatory Body (ORSNA), offering hourly and daily parking rates.
• Passengers with Disabilities: clearly marked reserved parking spaces are located close to the terminal entrance.

Facilities for passengers with special needs

Requesting Special Assistance

Passengers requiring wheelchair support or assistance for travelers with disabilities or reduced mobility must contact their airline at least 48 hours prior to departure, or request it through the Aeropuertos Argentina website.

Infrastructure and Accessibility

The terminal features entrance ramps, accessible restrooms, and dedicated reserved parking stalls close to the terminal entrance. Since there are no jet bridges, boarding and deplaning are carried out on foot across the apron or with ground crew assistance.