Mendoza int'l airport to close for new runway, terminal works

Argentina's ministry of transport announced that Mendoza's international airport will be closed from September 7-December 7 due to construction works including a new runway and renovation of a terminal.

Improvement works for the Governor Francisco Gabrielli international airport will total 1.2bn pesos (US$80mn).

During the works, all flights will be re-routed to the airports of San Juan, San Luis, and San Rafael, and from there passengers will have access to bus transport connecting the alternative airports to the central bus terminal in Mendoza.

The project is part of an integral plan for the improvement of infrastructure at 17 airports to boost air transport as means of connecting people within Argentina.

The nationwide plan will demand investments of 13.5bn pesos.

President Mauricio Macri recently participated in the opening ceremony of Córdoba province's renovated Ingeniero Ambrosio Taravella international airport, following 700mn pesos in investment.

Additionally, in July, transport minister Guillermo Dietrich, along with Neuquén governor Omar Gutiérrez announced improvement works at the Chapelco and Neuquén airports, where new technology will be deployed to help improve safety and reduce cancelations.

Chapelco will also receive about 200mn pesos to improve its runway.