Airport
El Loa Airport (CJC)
El Loa Airport serves Calama and is the main gateway to the Atacama Desert, including nearby San Pedro de Atacama and the Chuquicamata mining area. Compare transfer options to the city centre, San Pedro de Atacama and surrounding destinations, and plan your onward journey with ease.
Passengers
Luggage
About El Loa Airport
El Loa Airport is the main airport serving Calama and the surrounding Antofagasta Region of northern Chile. It functions as the principal gateway for travellers heading to the Atacama Desert, the town of San Pedro de Atacama and the nearby Chuquicamata mining area.
The airport opened in December 1952 and has grown into an important hub for domestic air travel. It operates through a single passenger terminal and a 3,040-metre runway, accommodating narrow-body aircraft such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 on frequent routes between Calama and Santiago.
Located about 6 km southeast of central Calama, the airport is reached by road, with taxis, private transfers, rental cars and shuttle services available for the short journey into the city. Travellers continuing to San Pedro de Atacama can also arrange onward transport from the terminal.
Passengers can use check-in counters, security screening, baggage claim, restaurants, cafés, shops, a lounge, Wi-Fi and parking within the compact terminal, making El Loa Airport a practical entry point for exploring northern Chile.
Terminal Overview
Terminals
El Loa Airport operates passenger services through a single terminal, commonly listed as Terminal 1. The terminal handles the airport's mainly domestic flight operations, with connections focused on Santiago and other Chilean destinations.
Ground Transportation Services to and from El Loa Airport
Transfers
Book private transfers from El Loa Airport to Calama hotels, San Pedro de Atacama and other destinations across the Antofagasta region.
Hourly Chauffeur
Arrange a professional chauffeur by the hour for flexible travel from the airport, business trips, site visits or journeys around Calama.
Car Rental
Rent a car from El Loa Airport for independent travel around Calama, the Atacama Desert and onward journeys to San Pedro de Atacama.
Bus & Group Transfers
Organise minibuses or charter buses for groups travelling between El Loa Airport, hotels, tour departures and event venues.
Frequently Asked Questions
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