El Calafate - Commander Armando Tola International Airport (IATA: FTE, ICAO: SAWC) serves El Calafate, AR. It has 13 scheduled routes to 7 destinations in 2 countries, operated by 4 airlines.
- Modern and Pleasant Airport: FTE is noted for its modern design and pleasant atmosphere, especially with large windows offering views of Lake Argentino and aircraft movements.
- Efficient Security (Off-Peak): During the austral autumn and winter (April-September), security wait times rarely exceed 10-15 minutes due to the single-terminal layout and manageable passenger volume.
- Comfortable Seating: The domestic terminal in Buenos Aires (AEP), a common connection, is well-designed and practical, with ample seating.
- International Status: Despite its size, FTE is an official international airport with customs and immigration facilities, which are generally scaled to moderate traffic, making queues manageable.
- Decreasing Satisfaction: The average traveler rating for FTE has been decreasing over the last 12 months.
- Security/Immigration Efficiency: Security and immigration efficiency are rated as "very unpopular" compared to other airports. One traveler reported slow security with only one lane open and discriminatory behavior from staff.
- Lack of Public Transportation: There is no public transportation connecting the airport to the city of El Calafate. Taxis (Remis) or shuttle buses are recommended.
- Limited Services Airside: There are very few services available airside after security.
- Baggage Claim and Sanitary Inspections: These processes can be somewhat time-consuming, including formal sanitary inspections with sniffer dogs and scanners.
- No Currency Exchange: One traveler noted the absence of a currency exchange (Casa de Cambio) at the airport.
- Sources researched: flight-report.com, in.trip.com, airportcarhub.com*
Bottom line: While El Calafate Airport offers a modern and scenic gateway to Patagonia, travelers should be prepared for potential inefficiencies in security and baggage claim, and plan for private transportation to and from the city due to the lack of public options.
Routes from FTE
7 nonstop destinations · 4 airlines.
Airlines at FTE
4 carriers operate scheduled departures.
Route Network Map
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Airport routes
El Calafate - Commander Armando Tola International Airport (FTE) offers 13 flight routes operated by 4 airlines. Major carriers include Aerolineas Argentinas, Flybondi, JetSMART and others. Popular destinations from El Calafate include Jorge Newbery, Ministro Pistarini Int'l, Ushuaia-Malvinas Argentinas Int'l, San Carlos de Bariloche Int'l, Ingeniero Ambrosio L.V. Taravella Int'l.
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Common questions about FTE
Quick answers, straight from the schedule data.
How many destinations have nonstop flights from FTE?
El Calafate - Commander Armando Tola International Airport has 13 scheduled routes to 7 destinations in 2 countries, operated by 4 airlines.
Which airlines fly from El Calafate - Commander Armando Tola International Airport?
4 carriers operate scheduled departures, including Aerolineas Argentinas, Flybondi, JetSMART.
Where is El Calafate - Commander Armando Tola International Airport located?
El Calafate - Commander Armando Tola International Airport is located in El Calafate, AR, at an elevation of 669 ft. Its IATA code is FTE and ICAO code is SAWC.