Bolivia's Main Aviation Hub: Everything You Need To Know

Bolivia is a country in South America with around 12 million inhabitants. It has three international airports, with many more regional ones. Viru Viru International Airport is Bolivia's biggest and busiest airport, with around 2-3 million passengers per year. It is located in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, the largest city in Bolivia. It is a hub for Bolivia's biggest airline, Boliviana de Aviación, and offers flights to the rest of South America and Spain. La Paz Airport, or El Alto International Airport, is the world's highest international airport at 4,000 metres above sea level. It handles a similar number of passengers to Viru Viru (2-3 million) and serves as a hub for Boliviana de Aviación and Línea Aérea Amaszonas. The third-busiest airport in Bolivia is Jorge Wilstermann International Airport, serving Cochabamba.

Viru Viru International Airport, Santa Cruz

Viru Viru International Airport (IATA: VVI, ICAO: SLVR) in Santa Cruz de la Sierra is the largest international airport in Bolivia. It is located 17 kilometres (10.3 miles) from the city centre of Santa Cruz de la Sierra. The airport handles domestic, regional, and international flights from Bolivia, North America, South America, and Europe. It is considered the main airport for passenger traffic in Bolivia, handling most of the country's international and national flights.

Viru Viru International Airport was conceived in 1965 by former Bolivian president, General René Barrientos, with the intention of creating an intercontinental airport. Construction began shortly after, and the airport was completed and inaugurated in 1983, replacing the obsolete El Trompillo Airport. Upon its inauguration, Viru Viru became a main gateway for international flights.

The airport's name originates from the indigenous Guarani language spoken in the area. While the exact meaning is ambiguous, it is believed to refer to a nearby hill with a circular shape, a river that has now disappeared, or the geographical area where the airport was built.

Viru Viru International Airport is a focus city for Bolivia's biggest airline, Boliviana de Aviación. It is capable of handling large aircraft, including the Boeing 747-400, Airbus A340-600, and Boeing 777-300ER. The airport features two terminals and is managed by the state-owned agency Navegación Aérea y Aeropuertos Bolivianos (NAABOL).

The main destinations operated from Viru Viru International Airport include Argentina, Brazil, Panama, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, Miami, and Madrid, among others. The airport offers a range of services and facilities for passengers, including express bus and taxi services, car rental offices, ATM and money exchange services, VIP lounges, conference rooms, and various dining and shopping options.

El Alto International Airport, La Paz

El Alto International Airport (IATA: LPB, ICAO: SLLP) is one of the three international airports in Bolivia, serving the cities of La Paz, El Alto, and Santa Cruz de la Sierra. Located in the city of El Alto, it sits at a lofty elevation of 4,061.5 metres (13,325 ft) above sea level, making it the highest international airport in the world and the seventh-highest commercial airport. With such thin air at this altitude, wide-body aircraft like the Boeing 747 cannot operate at full load, so much of the international traffic to and from Bolivia is routed through Viru Viru International Airport in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, which is at a lower elevation.

The airport has been operational since the first half of the 20th century but underwent modernisation in the 1960s, with a new passenger terminal and an extended runway. The new airport was inaugurated in 1965. The airport was reconstructed again in 1974, with a new terminal, enlarged facilities, and modernisation. The airport's official name was changed from John F. Kennedy (JFK) to El Alto International Airport in 1999. In 2006, the Bolivian state airport authority, SABSA, invested $2.3 million in reconstructing the main terminal, adding various shops, bookstores, duty-free stores, restaurants, and cafes.

El Alto International Airport has two runways. The main runway, "10R/28L", is 4,000 metres long and has a concrete surface, while the second runway, "10L/28R", runs parallel to the main runway and has a grass surface. The airport is well-equipped with VOR/DME, DVOR/DME navigation systems, and ILS CAT I approach systems.

The airport is a focus city for Boliviana de Aviación, Bolivia's flag carrier and state-owned airline. It is also mainly used by carriers Boliviana de Aviación and Ecojet. The most popular domestic flight route for tourists is from La Paz to Uyuni.

Jorge Wilstermann International Airport, Cochabamba

Bolivia has three international airports, located in the cities of La Paz, Cochabamba, and Santa Cruz. The Jorge Wilstermann International Airport in Cochabamba is the third most important airport in Bolivia and one of the more modern ones. It is located 3 kilometres west of Cochabamba city centre, just a 15-minute drive away. The airport is named after Jorge Wilstermann, the country's first commercial pilot.

The airport has two runways and one terminal. The check-in desks and arrivals hall are on the ground floor, while the departures hall and security check are on the first floor. Outside the airport, there is a taxi stand and a bus stop. The bus is a public transportation line that does not have special spaces for suitcases. It operates from 09:00 until the evening. Due to the limited number of taxis, it is advisable to hire a transfer service in advance.

ATMs and money exchange services are located in the airport's main hall. Public phones and internet services are available in the arrivals terminal. To the west of the main hall are the VIP lounges, and to the east are restaurants, coffee shops, fast-food outlets, and ice cream shops. The main hall also has handicraft stores, souvenir shops, perfume stores, liquor shops, and tobacco shops. The airport provides a luggage storage service for a fee.

The airport offers 24-hour medical assistance and has ramps, special phone services, adequate bathroom facilities, and boarding assistance. Wheelchairs are available upon request. There is an open parking area in front of the airport for short stays, and a covered parking area with 24-hour security for long stays. There are no hotels inside the airport area.

Jorge Wilstermann International Airport handles both domestic and international flights. Popular destinations include Madrid, Miami, São Paulo, Lima, Santiago de Chile, La Paz, Sucre, and Tarija.

Capitán Oriel Lea Plaza Airport, Tarija

Bolivia has three international airports located in the cities of La Paz, Cochabamba, and Santa Cruz. El Alto International Airport in La Paz, Jorge Wilsterman International Airport in Cochabamba, and Viru Viru International Airport in Santa Cruz are the main international gateways to the country. These airports are served by major international airlines, including American Airlines, Iberia, Air Europa, Avianca, and LATAM, offering connections to destinations in Europe and South America.

Viru Viru International Airport is the busiest airport in Bolivia, with approximately 186 domestic and 60 international flights weekly. However, Capitán Oriel Lea Plaza Airport and other domestic airports like it play a crucial role in connecting smaller cities within Bolivia. These domestic airports facilitate travel within the country, enabling passengers to explore various regions, such as the famous silver mines in Potosi or the folkloric culture in Oruro.

Tarija, served by Capitán Oriel Lea Plaza Airport, is a charming city with much to offer. It is known for its wine production and is surrounded by picturesque vineyards. The city also boasts a vibrant cultural scene, with lively festivals and traditional folklore. The airport's proximity to Tarija makes it a convenient gateway for both business and leisure travellers visiting this vibrant region of Bolivia.

In summary, Capitán Oriel Lea Plaza Airport, Tarija, is a significant domestic airport in Bolivia, connecting travellers to the southern city of Tarija. While international flights are primarily handled by the three largest airports in La Paz, Cochabamba, and Santa Cruz, Capitán Oriel Lea Plaza Airport plays a vital role in facilitating travel within Bolivia, contributing to the country's growing aviation industry.

Capitán Aníbal Arab Airport, Cobija

Bolivia has 22 airports, three of which are international airports located in the cities of La Paz, Cochabamba, and Santa Cruz. The Capitán Aníbal Arab Airport, located in Cobija, is one of the largest airports in Bolivia. Other major airports in the country include Viru Viru International Airport, El Alto International Airport, Jorge Wilsterman International Airport, and Capitán Oriel Lea Plaza Airport.

Capitán Aníbal Arab Airport, also known as Cap. Anibal Arab Airport, is situated in Cobija, the capital of the Bolivian department of Pando. The airport serves Cobija and the surrounding area, providing access to the Amazon rainforest and the nearby countries of Brazil and Peru.

The airport is named after Capitán Aníbal Arab, a Bolivian military captain and aviation pioneer. Arab was born in Cobija and played a significant role in the early development of aviation in Bolivia. He is remembered for his contributions to the country's aviation industry and his efforts to promote air travel in the region.

The airport features a single runway and a small terminal building. It handles a modest number of domestic flights, with regular services to and from La Paz, Santa Cruz, and other major cities in Bolivia. In addition, the airport accommodates international flights, with occasional charter flights to and from neighbouring countries.

Capitán Aníbal Arab Airport is an important gateway to the Pando department, facilitating tourism and trade in the region. The area is known for its lush rainforests, diverse wildlife, and cultural attractions. The airport provides essential connectivity for locals and visitors alike, offering convenient access to the remote and beautiful landscapes of northern Bolivia.

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