MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

International airport next to Torres del Paine Park

A blue print to turn Puerto Natales airfield in the extreme south of Chile into an international airport was announced this week by the regional government.

The purpose is to further promote Puerto Natales as a tourism location given the surrounding pristine scenery and wildlife in the area, most notably the renowned Torres del Paine national park. Governor Eugenia Mancilla said the initiative will help the airport to be operational every day of the year contrary to what happens now when it is only open on certain days and at full sun light. "With this objective the (Chilean) Civilian Aeronautics Agency has committed equipment and human resources for its functioning", said Ms Mancilla. The final result of the feasibility study financed by the regional government will be made public in five months time. "The blue print will contemplate safety conditions, aircraft parking, a longer and wider landing strip plus all the services, equipment and trained personnel needed for such an undertaking", she added. The blue print Puerto Natales clause will be incorporated in the bidding conditions for the concession of Punta Arenas airport sometime in the near future. "The idea is that with the blue print whoever takes over the Punta Arenas concession will also be able to expand operations to include Puerto Natales and thus further promoting regional tourism".