Historical review
The Balmaceda Aerodrome, It is located in the town of Balmaceda, commune of Coyhaique, this town is the oldest of the XI, Aysén region, because the 01 January of the year 1907, its founder was the Chilean Antolín Silva Ormeño, who resided in Argentina. In the aforementioned year, he settled with a merchandise business from the aforementioned nation.
The name of the town was in homage to the president of the republic of the time, the first settlers emigrated from Argentina, placing themselves in lots that they themselves chose, and which, they preferentially raised sheep, its products such as wool and leather, they marketed it in Comodoro Rivadavia, for which they moved in cars or flat, taking about three months roundtrip.
Related to their customs, the official currency was the Argentine national and the trans-Andean environment and customs predominated, his hobby was horse racing, the taba and the trick, no other police officer was known than Argentina which made sporadic excursions.
In the year 1925, the first private school was created, in the same year the wagon path between Aysén and Balmaceda was opened, thereby increasing trade.
At the request of the population and in order to end the excursions of the Argentine police, the 24 May 1928, the Police Station.
The public school began its activities on year 1930, based on the measures taken by the state, which was giving true category of town, the street layout was carried out, the limits were made aware, the customs of the neighboring country gradually disappeared and the festivities of the Chilean Nation began to be celebrated, and above all, activities were developed that represented the authentic chileanidad.
In the year 1940, the international road of Aysén and Comodoro Rivadavia has been completed, and with this a time of prosperity began, time that was perhaps the best in Balmaceda.
The 14 April 1949 the Air Flock of the Chilean Air Force was established, date on which the construction of the Leonor Aerodrome was completed, which had started in the year 1946, this fact originated the beginning of the aerial activity in the region, the aforementioned runway allowed C-46 aircraft operations.
Subsequently, the flock was renamed Squadron No. 5, depending on Wing No. 5 from Puerto Montt, at the Aerodrome in question, the National Airline, operated with DC-3 material, on the Puerto Montt route, Balmaceda, Punta Arenas.
The Commanders of Squadron No. 5, they were responsible for the administration of the aeronautical activity of Balmaceda.
In the year 1963, the first studies were started on the basis of meteorological data.
The new location of the runway and the earthworks, for your habilitation, started in November of the year 1966, after the years 67, 68, Y 69, flooring, and in the year 1979 the construction of berms and drains. The dimensions of the track were 1.776 x 45 meters, which was renamed Balmaceda Aerodrome.
The official inauguration of the Balmaceda track, Was in the year 1969 by the President of the Republic of the time, Mr. Eduardo Frei Montalva.
Later between the years 71, 72 Y 73, the passenger terminal building was enabled and on the other hand in March of the year 1972, construction of the control tower began, transmitter room and receiver room, all works were completed in the year 1974, this same year the track extension works were carried out 09-27, in 322 meters remaining the year 1975, with an available track surface of 2.098 meters per 45 meters wide.
The years 1981 Y 1982 the electrical substation was built.
Finally, the 20 March 1997 during the presidency of Mr. Eduardo Frei Ruiz Tagle the current passenger terminal was inaugurated.
How to get to the airport
Balmaceda airport – Coyhaique, Aysén.
Evacuation Plans Terminal Building
