After an important modernization process carried out by Aeropuertos Uruguay, in December 2022 the Carmelo International Airport began a renewed stage that included a new air terminal and first-class aeronautical infrastructure, thus becoming a strategic point for the region.
One year after its launch, the new airport registered record operations that met expectations. In the period between January 2023 and the beginning of the same month in 2024, there were more than 1,900 aircraft movements and almost 3,000 passengers were received.
“The balance made in this first year of operations is really positive and fills us with pride for all the effort and investment we made with the objective of giving Carmelo an airport with international standards of security and services. Without a doubt, this has a strong impact on more passengers choosing to visit this Colonia town and develop tourism in Uruguay,” highlighted Federico Cabrera, Operations and Experience manager of Aeropuertos Uruguay.
In this first year, April was the month in which the largest operations were recorded, a moment that coincided with Tourism Week and the First Aeronautical Meeting organized by the company, called “AeroCarmelo 2023”. This event was an opportunity to promote this reference point for the aeronautical community of Uruguay and the region, as well as to attract new audiences to the area.
Meanwhile, the largest number of movements occurred with passengers coming from or destined for the San Fernando Airport in Argentina, although aircraft from other airports in the region and domestic flights were also received.
Detail of the works carried out
Carmelo Airport is the first air terminal modernized by Aeropuertos Uruguay within the framework of the development of the National System of International Airports (SINAI).
The works included the construction of a new 770 square meter air terminal, equipped with all the comforts and technology to receive national and international flights, as well as a Duty Free Shop and a Narbonne gastronomic space.
On the other hand, the airport infrastructure was renewed, which included the paving and extension of the main runway 17-35 of 1,190 meters, the construction of taxiways, a 6,000 square meter apron, and detachments for the National Air Police and National Fire Department.
In addition, a runway lighting system with state-of-the-art LED technology was installed for integral marking, a baggage scanner, state-of-the-art communication equipment and a new automatic weather station.
With the purpose of promoting the proposal and attracting a regional public to the area, a parking lot, a new access road to the air terminal and hangar infrastructure for general aviation were built.
Seeking to be closer to the community, shortly after being inaugurated, the authorities organized a special day for anyone who was interested to visit and learn first-hand about these new facilities, as well as the aeronautical infrastructure and services offered by the airport.