Buenos Aires, Argentina's vibrant capital, boasts two major international airports, each serving a distinct purpose and requiring a different airport code for booking flights and navigating travel plans. Understanding these codes is crucial for seamless travel arrangements. This guide clarifies which code you need depending on your destination and travel plans.
What are the Airport Codes for Buenos Aires?
Buenos Aires has two primary airports:
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Ezeiza International Airport (EZE): This is the largest and most commonly used airport for international flights. It's the main gateway for most international travelers arriving in Buenos Aires. You'll find the code EZE used across all booking platforms, flight schedules, and airport signage.
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Jorge Newbery Airpark (AEP): Smaller than Ezeiza, AEP primarily handles domestic flights within Argentina and some short-haul international flights to neighboring countries. This airport is located closer to the city center, making it convenient for domestic travel. Its code is AEP.
Choosing the correct airport code is paramount to ensure you book the right flight and avoid costly mistakes.
Which Buenos Aires Airport Code Should I Use?
The airport code you need depends entirely on your flight:
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International Flights: Almost invariably, you will use EZE (Ezeiza International Airport) for international arrivals and departures. Unless your flight is a very short international flight to a neighboring country, EZE is the airport you should be focusing on.
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Domestic Flights within Argentina: For domestic flights within Argentina, you'll need the code AEP (Jorge Newbery Airpark). However, some domestic flights might also operate out of EZE, especially to more distant locations. Always double-check your flight details.
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Flights to Neighboring Countries (Short-Haul): Some short-haul international flights to neighboring South American countries may operate from AEP. Again, always verify this with your airline or booking platform.
How to Avoid Confusion When Booking Flights?
To avoid any confusion:
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Double-check your booking: Carefully review your flight itinerary to ensure you have the correct airport code (EZE or AEP).
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Use the full airport name: When searching for flights online, use the full airport name (Ezeiza International Airport or Jorge Newbery Airpark) alongside the city, Buenos Aires, to minimize the risk of selecting the incorrect airport.
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Contact your airline: If you're unsure which airport your flight operates from, contacting your airline directly is the best way to clarify any doubts.
What if I Booked the Wrong Airport?
Booking the wrong airport can lead to significant delays and additional costs. If you've made a mistake, contact your airline immediately. They may be able to help you rebook your flight to the correct airport, although there might be associated fees.
Other Questions You May Have
What is the difference between EZE and AEP?
EZE (Ezeiza) is a large international airport equipped to handle long-haul flights and a high volume of passengers. AEP (Jorge Newbery) is smaller, primarily serving domestic flights and some short-haul international ones. The main difference lies in their size, location (EZE is further from the city center), and the types of flights they accommodate.
Which airport is closer to the city center?
AEP (Jorge Newbery Airpark) is significantly closer to downtown Buenos Aires than EZE (Ezeiza International Airport).
Which airport is better for international flights?
EZE (Ezeiza International Airport) is almost always the better choice for international flights due to its size, infrastructure, and connectivity.
By understanding the distinctions between EZE and AEP, you can navigate your travel to and from Buenos Aires smoothly and efficiently. Remember to always double-check your flight details to ensure a hassle-free journey.
