Airport type Public/Military Serves Punta del Este Website www.puntadeleste.aero Elevation 29 m | Operator CAISA Elevation AMSL 29 m / 95 ft Code PDP Phone +598 4255 9777 | |
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Location Piriápolis, Maldonado, Uruguay Address Ruta 93 Km. 113, 20100 Maldonado, Departamento de Maldonado, Uruguay Similar Club Hotel Casapue, Europcar Aeropuerto Internacio, Arboretum Lussich, Solanas Vacation Club Crys, Club del Lago Golf | ||
Aeropuerto Internacional C/C Carlos A. Curbelo de Laguna del Sauce (IATA: PDP, ICAO: SULS), formerly (and still popularly) called Laguna del Sauce International Airport, is the airport serving Punta del Este, Uruguay, located in the adjoining municipality of Maldonado. It is operated by Consorcio Aeropuertos Internacionales S.A. (CAISA).
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Some of its facilities are shared with the Naval Aviation Base of the National Navy of Uruguay.
History
The airport mainly serves passengers traveling to neighbouring Punta del Este, although it generally serves cities surrounding the Maldonado area. Although it is commonly known as "Laguna del Sauce International Airport," because of its closeness to the Punta del Este beach resort, it is sometimes also referred to as "Punta del Este International Airport" or "Punta del Este Airport" by passengers using it.
The airport typically sees a growth in passenger numbers during the southern hemisphere summer months. Most of the passengers that fly to the airport come from Buenos Aires. International services are available from Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay as well. In 2004, the airport's runway RW10 was repaired.
Capitan de Corbeta Carlos A. Curbelo International Airport can handle many different types of jets including wide-bodies, although usually, mid-size jets like the Boeing 737 and Airbus 320, and turbo-props like the ATR-42 are used in this airport, which complements a "department" airport also located around Punta del Este.
The main runway is 7000 ft (2133 m) long and is designed for aircraft up to the size and weight of a Boeing 747-400. There is also a shorter secondary runway. The airport is both civil and military. The Uruguayan Navy has its main (and only) base here for the naval aviation arm on the navy (Armada).
The modern building, designed by architect Carlos Ott, was inaugurated in 1997.
The airport is currently the second busiest airport in Uruguay, both in passenger service and scheduled flights.
Gabriel Gurméndez Armand-Ugon, former Uruguayan Minister of Transport and Public Works, has served as General Manager of the airport.
Access
The airport is located 15 km (9 mi) from downtown Punta del Este.