MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Punta Arenas airport marks record passenger growth

Passenger traffic in Punta Arenas airport, extreme south of Chile, increased 14% during 2007 according to statistics supplied by the head of the air terminal, Juan Carlos Oneto.

The significant increase is attributed to the different promotions from air carriers and night flights which has enabled many Chileans to opt for air travel as a means of transport. "Between 2006 and 2007, the number of passengers going through the Punta Arenas airport increased 14.6% which compares favorably with the between 2005 and 2006", said Oneto. In numbers this means that in 2005, passengers totaled 405.141; 429.627 in 2006 and 492.557 last year. "Prospects for this year are even more encouraging" anticipated Oneto. However with the end of the summer season the number of flights into Punta Arenas has dropped. Sky Airline and Air Comet Chile have an only daily flight while Lan has four. This means six daily options to connect by air with the rest of Chile. Aerovias Dap remains flying to the two main region's destinations, Porvernir and Puerto Williams. The next peak of traffic is expected in July with the winter holidays when many students return home to spend time with their families.