If you’re planning your trip to the Chilean Patagonia for the 2027 summer season, keep in mind that the Teniente Julio Gallardo Airfield in Puerto Natales—the main air gateway to Torres del Paine—will operate with scheduled closures between January 1 and March 31, 2027.
This measure is due to conservation and infrastructure improvement work at the terminal, as reported by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC).
Runway operating schedule
During the first quarter of 2027, the runway at the Puerto Natales airfield will handle commercial flights mainly on weekends—either from Friday to Sunday or from Saturday to Sunday. The only exception is January 1–10, when it will operate normally.
1. Operating days (Airfield Open)
- January:
- Friday 1 to Sunday 10
- Friday 15 to Sunday 17
- Friday 22 to Sunday 24
- Friday 29 to Sunday 31
- February:
- Friday 5 to Sunday 7
- Friday 12 to Sunday 14
- Saturday 20 and Sunday 21
- Saturday 27 and Sunday 28
- March:
- Saturday 6 and Sunday 7
- Saturday 13 and Sunday 14
- Saturday 20 and Sunday 21
- Friday 26 to Sunday 28
2. Non-operating days (Airfield Closed)
- January:
- Monday 11 to Thursday 14
- Monday 18 to Thursday 21
- Monday 25 to Thursday 28
- February:
- Monday 1 to Thursday 4
- Monday 8 to Thursday 11
- Monday 15 to Friday 19
- Monday 22 to Friday 26
- March:
- Monday 1 to Friday 5
- Monday 8 to Friday 12
- Monday 15 to Friday 19
- Monday 22 to Thursday 25
- Monday 29 to Wednesday 31
Torres del Paine and the alternative of arriving via Punta Arenas
Puerto Natales is just 80 km from the entrance to Torres del Paine National Park, making its airfield a direct and convenient option for travelers. However, given this summer’s scheduled restrictions, there is a widely used alternative with year-round connectivity:
- Fly to Punta Arenas (PUQ): Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo Airport operates normally year-round and receives daily flights from Santiago and other cities.
- Overland transfer: From Punta Arenas, you can reach Puerto Natales by intercity bus or rental car, on a paved journey of around 3 hours.
Recommendations
- Check with your airline: If you already have tickets booked to or from Puerto Natales for those dates, confirm with the airline about rescheduling or itinerary options via Punta Arenas.
- Book ground transport in advance: If your alternative route involves flying to Punta Arenas, secure your bus tickets or vehicle reservation early, as demand in the Magallanes region is high during summer.
