Sacyr wins €260m contract for Antofagasta and Atacama Airport upgrades in Chile
Chile’s northern air hubs are set for a major transformation as the country’s Ministry of Public Works awards a significant Public-Private Partnership (P3) contract to the Spanish infrastructure giant, Sacyr.
The consortium, which also includes Cointer, will invest €260 million to significantly expand and modernise the airports in Antofagasta and Atacama, enhancing their capacity and infrastructure.
This project marks a milestone in Chile’s aviation industry and further cements Sacyr’s position as a key player in the country’s airport operations.
An Investment That Will Reshape Chile’s Northern Airports
The awarded contract, managed by the Chilean Ministry of Public Work’s General Directorate of Concessions, is designed to meet the increasing demand for air travel in the northern regions of Chile. These upgrades are particularly critical as the airports serve around three million passengers annually, numbers which are expected to rise steadily in the coming years, particularly due to the growing demand from the national mining sector.
Sacyr, in partnership with Cointer, has a clear mandate: upgrade, expand, and maintain the infrastructure of these two critical airports for up to 26 years. Fernando Ruiz de la Torre, General Manager of Sacyr Concesiones Chile, highlighted the project’s importance, stating: “We are fully aware of the importance of these airports for northern Chile, acting as key connections for Antofagasta and Atacama and for the transport of the national mining force. We will put all our know-how into this project, as Sacyr Concesiones has extensive previous experience as airport operators.”
With this project, Sacyr now manages five airports in Chile, demonstrating its growing presence and expertise in the country’s aviation sector.
The Antofagasta Terminal Expansion
Antofagasta’s Andrés Sabella Airport is set to undergo a dramatic expansion. The project will triple the terminal’s size, growing from its current 10,192 square metres to an impressive 31,422 square metres.
This expansion will address increasing passenger numbers and enhance the airport’s operational efficiency.
Some key features of the expansion include:
- Jet Bridges: Five new jet bridges will be added, significantly improving passenger boarding and disembarking processes.
- Automatic Check-in Terminals: The new terminal will feature 10 automated check-in kiosks, along with 26 traditional counters.
- Parking: Parking capacity will increase from 572 to 853 spaces, ensuring more convenient access for travellers.
- Aircraft Parking Stands: Commercial aircraft parking stands will increase from eight to ten, allowing the airport to handle more flights simultaneously.
The need for this expansion is clear. Antofagasta’s airport is Chile’s second busiest, handling over 2.3 million passengers in 2023. With its proximity to the country’s major mining operations, it serves as a vital link for both business and leisure travellers.
By modernising its facilities, Sacyr aims to ensure that the airport can keep pace with rising demand while providing a first-class passenger experience.
Expanding Atacama Airport Fivefold
While Antofagasta’s expansion is impressive, the transformation of Atacama’s Desierto de Atacama Airport is perhaps even more striking. The passenger terminal will grow fivefold, from its current modest size to a sprawling 18,274 square metres.
This leap in capacity is designed to accommodate a growing number of travellers, as well as to elevate the airport’s functionality and passenger experience.
Highlights of the Atacama Airport project include:
- Boarding Bridges: Four boarding bridges will be added, allowing for more efficient boarding and deplaning. Currently, the airport does not operate with any boarding bridges, so this represents a significant improvement.
- Parking: The number of parking spaces for vehicles will rise from 161 to 343, easing congestion and making it easier for passengers to access the terminal.
- Aircraft Parking Stands: Aircraft parking will increase from three to five stands, enabling the airport to handle more flights and aircraft simultaneously.
Atacama Airport processed 723,000 passengers in 2023, a figure that is likely to rise as the region develops further. The improvements, scheduled to begin in 2027 with completion slated for 2030, are designed to future-proof the airport for the next few decades.
Sacyr’s Proven Expertise in Airport Operations
This latest contract underscores Sacyr’s extensive experience in managing large-scale airport projects. The company already operates three other airports in Chile—Chacalluta in Arica, El Loa in Calama, and El Tepual in Puerto Montt—providing a strong foundation of local knowledge and operational expertise that will undoubtedly contribute to the success of the Antofagasta and Atacama upgrades.
Sacyr’s track record in delivering infrastructure projects on time and within budget makes it a trusted partner for the Chilean government, which has long relied on the company to deliver high-quality results. The company’s focus on innovation and sustainability will likely play a key role in the modernisation of these airports, ensuring they meet international standards in terms of efficiency, safety, and passenger experience.
The Role of P3 in Chile’s Infrastructure Development
The Public-Private Partnership (P3) model has been instrumental in Chile’s ability to develop world-class infrastructure while sharing the financial burden between the public and private sectors. In this case, Sacyr and Cointer will take on the bulk of the investment, with the Chilean government providing oversight and regulation.
This model has proven to be highly effective, particularly in sectors like transport, where large capital investments are required to build and maintain infrastructure that can keep up with growing demand. By leveraging the expertise of private companies, the Chilean government ensures that critical projects like these airport expansions are completed efficiently, with a long-term view towards operational sustainability.
Enhancing Connectivity in Northern Chile
The expansions at Antofagasta and Atacama airports are more than just infrastructure projects; they are vital improvements that will boost connectivity, economic growth, and quality of life for the people of northern Chile. As these airports grow to accommodate more passengers and aircraft, the region will become even more accessible, providing better connections not only for Chileans but for international travellers as well.
Moreover, these upgrades will support the region’s booming mining industry by ensuring that key personnel and equipment can be transported more efficiently. This, in turn, will contribute to the broader economic development of northern Chile, helping to secure its future as a hub for both industry and tourism.
A Transformative Step for Chile’s Aviation Sector
With the award of this P3 contract, Sacyr is poised to make a lasting impact on Chile’s aviation infrastructure. The expansions of Antofagasta and Atacama airports will not only improve the day-to-day experiences of passengers but will also play a crucial role in supporting the region’s economic growth.
As these projects move forward, they will serve as a testament to the power of public-private partnerships in delivering world-class infrastructure that benefits everyone.
