El Calafate airport (FTE)
Content written by
German Giudici
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Creator of the Aeropuertos del Mundo website network since 2007.
Location details, contact information, airlines, departure and arrival flight status, transportation, facilities and services, parking, special passenger amenities, nearby hotels and answers to passengers' frequently asked questions.
Passenger Guide
Comandante Armando Tola International Airport (FTE), opened on November 17, 2000, is the main air gateway to the city of El Calafate and Los Glaciares National Park. Operated by London Supply Group, it primarily handles domestic operations connecting with Buenos Aires, San Carlos de Bariloche, Ushuaia, Córdoba, and Trelew.
Official Website: aeropuertoelcalafate.com
Phone: +54 2902 491220 / 491229 / 491230
Terminals
The airport features a single passenger terminal building divided into two levels: the ground floor houses arrival facilities, check-in desks, and retail stores, while the upper floor accommodates security screening and boarding areas. The airport does not operate around the clock; air traffic control services operate daily from 07:00 to 22:00, and the terminal closes overnight following the departure or arrival of the last scheduled flight, reopening early in the morning.
Annual Passenger Traffic (2025): 891,000 passengers.
Information Points
Airport operator London Supply Group maintains a customer service and information desk in the public concourse (inquiries via email at [email protected]). Lost and found services in public areas are handled by the administrative office on the ground floor.
Location
The airport is located along Provincial Route 11, approximately 21 km (13 miles) east of the city of El Calafate (about 20 to 25 minutes by road).
See MapAccommodation near El Calafate airport (FTE)
There are no hotels, sleeping cabins, or sleeping pods located within the airport grounds.
Hotel Shuttles
Local hotels do not offer direct complimentary airport shuttle services. Transportation must be arranged privately, by licensed remis/taxi, or via shared transfer operators such as VESPATAGONIA located in the arrivals sector.
Hotels in El Calafate
Accommodation options are located in the town of El Calafate, approximately 14 to 22 km from the terminal:
- Alto Calafate Hotel: 13.8 km (8.6 miles).
- Tierra de Glaciares Aparts Cabañas: 13.8 km (8.6 miles).
- Todos Los Glaciares: 14.4 km (8.9 miles).
- Terraza Coirones Hotel: 14.4 km (8.9 miles).
- Design Suites Calafate: 14.6 km (9.1 miles).
Booking accommodation
Parking services at El Calafate airport (FTE)
Airport parking is managed by Auster through the FTE-Parking system, featuring an open-air lot situated directly in front of the terminal building.
Parking Sectors
- Main Outdoor Lot: Open-air parking spaces located steps from terminal arrivals and departures entrances. Spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis (no advance reservations).
- Monthly Passes: Available for airport staff and regular travelers.
Important Considerations
Grace Period: A 15-minute courtesy grace period is granted for passenger pick-up and drop-off without charge.
Rates and Payment Methods: The first hour is billed in full; after the first hour, charges are billed in 30-minute increments. Daily extended stay rates (24 hours) are also available. Payments can be made in cash (Argentine pesos and US dollars) or by credit and debit cards.
Disability Exemption: Parking is complimentary for vehicles displaying an authorized International Symbol of Access (SIA).
Facilities for passengers with special needs
Comandante Armando Tola International Airport provides accessible facilities designed for travelers with reduced mobility and special passenger needs.
Special Assistance Requests
Passengers requiring wheelchair service, dedicated escort through security screening, or assistance during boarding and deplaning must notify their airline at least 48 hours in advance of departure.
Infrastructure and Accessibility
The terminal features entrance access ramps, step-free pathways, elevators, and fully accessible restrooms.
Accessible Navigation: The terminal incorporates the GoodMaps platform, an artificial intelligence-based indoor navigation system providing audio guidance and barrier-free routes for visually impaired travelers.
Inclusive Spaces and Nursing Room
The terminal features a dedicated nursing room for traveling families and a sensory room offering a calm environment for individuals with sensory sensitivities or autism spectrum conditions.
Parking Privileges
Vehicles carrying individuals with disabilities and displaying the official International Symbol of Access (SIA) are granted free parking.
Latest updates: October 8, 2026
Airports in Argentina