Diego Aracena Airport (IQQ)

Iquique, CL 🇨🇱 Medium Airport Scheduled Service

ICAO

SCDA

IATA

IQQ

Elevation

155 ft

Region

CL-TA

Local Time

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Airport Information

GPS Code: SCDA

Local Code: Not available

Location: -20.5352° N, -70.181297° E

Continent: SA

Type: Medium Airport

Arrivals
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Departures
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External Links

Official Website Wikipedia Live Flights
Nearby Points of Interest

What Travelers Say

AI-Generated Summary Based on web research

Traveler sentiment at Diego Aracena Airport (IQQ) appears mixed, with some aspects receiving positive feedback while others, particularly food, retail, and Wi-Fi, lag. While some older reviews highlight improvements after a remodeling, more recent (2-year-old) comments point to persistent issues with facilities and services.

What Travelers Love
  • Efficient Check-in and Security: Travelers generally report good experiences with check-in (87% satisfaction) and security checks (80% satisfaction).
  • Smooth Immigration/Customs: Immigration and customs processes also receive positive ratings (81% satisfaction).
  • Variety of Transportation: The airport offers diverse transportation options, including official taxis, Uber, car rentals, and private transfers, providing flexibility for travelers to reach Iquique, located about 39km south.
  • Free Wi-Fi Available: The airport provides free Wi-Fi service throughout the terminal building.
Common Complaints
  • Subpar Food and Retail: Food and retail services receive the lowest satisfaction rating (57%), with older reviews (2 years ago) specifically mentioning poorly located and expensive options.
  • Inconsistent Wi-Fi Performance: Wi-Fi satisfaction is relatively low (59%), suggesting potential issues with connectivity or speed.
  • Dated Terminal Facilities: While the airport has undergone remodeling, some older reviews (2 years ago) mentioned issues such as unavailable bathrooms and non-functional gate speakers. The terminal is also described as "not the most modern one".
  • Inconvenient Public Transportation: Public buses are an economical option but are criticized for longer travel times (60-90 minutes), inconvenient schedules, and crowded conditions, with no direct bus lines connecting the airport to the city center.
  • Taxi Pricing and Availability Concerns: Taxis at the airport can be expensive, with fares ranging from $30-$50 USD to the city center, and there are concerns about unregulated pricing and limited availability during peak times.

Overall, Diego Aracena Airport offers a functional experience with generally efficient security and customs processes. However, improvements in terminal facilities, food and retail options, and more reliable Wi-Fi would significantly enhance traveler satisfaction. For transportation, while many options exist, travelers should be aware of the potential drawbacks of public buses and consider pre-booking private transfers or car rentals to ensure a smoother journey.

Generated False weeks ago

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This summary is automatically generated by AI based on web research of traveler reviews and experiences. AI-generated content may not always be 100% accurate.

Current Weather Conditions

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Airport Routes

Top Routes (by observations)
Newly Discovered
Popular Flight Routes
0 destinations displayed
Destination IATA City Aircraft Type Airline Details Route Map
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Top Airlines

Operating at Diego Aracena Airport
Airlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network
Airline Routes Flights Destinations Last Activity
LATAM
LAN / LA
1 9 1 Aug 15, 2025
Sky Airline
SKU / H2
2 7 2 Aug 15, 2025
JetSMART
JAT / JA
3 5 3 Aug 15, 2025
Showing top 3 airlines by flight activity. Data includes observed departures and route networks from this airport.
For Pilots

Designation Length Width Surface Status
01/19 10991 ft 148 ft ASP Active Lighted

Type Description Frequency
APP IQUIQUE APP 122.7 MHz
GND GND 121.7 MHz
RDO IQUIQUE RDO 127.3 MHz
TWR IQUIQUE TWR 118.9 MHz

Ident Name Type Frequency
IQQ Iquique VOR-DME 113300 kHz
R Diego Aracena NDB 298 kHz
UCU Iquique NDB 368 kHz

Ground Transportation

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025
Taxis

Official taxis and shared shuttle vans ('transfer') are readily available outside the arrivals hall. The journey to the city of Iquique typically takes 40-45 minutes. Ride-sharing services such as Uber and Cabify also operate from the airport.

Rental Cars

Multiple car rental companies have service desks located within the arrivals terminal. Major providers include Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Econorent, and Mitta. Booking in advance is highly recommended, particularly during peak tourist seasons.

Public Transportation

There are no traditional public city bus routes that directly serve Diego Aracena Airport. The main public transit option consists of shared shuttle vans (known as 'transfer' or 'minibus'). These services offer a cost-effective way to travel to Iquique, providing drop-offs directly at hotels or specific addresses.

Nearby Airports

Canchones West Airport
SC1A
Canchones, CL
Small Airport
~58 km away
Oficina Victoria Airport
CL-SC49
Oficina Victoria, CL
Small Airport
~62 km away
Cuartel Gral. VI División de Ejercito Heliport
SHIQ
Iquique, CL
Heliport
~34 km away
Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.