La Serena and San Juan seek direct air connection

Authorities in La Serena and San Juan are exploring the establishment of a direct air connection between Chile and Argentina to mitigate potential delays in the opening of the Agua Negra Pass. Led by La Serena Mayor Daniela Norambuena, the initiative involves working with the airline SKY and various stakeholders from both nations to evaluate the feasibility of a seasonal pilot program.

The proposed route would consist of two to three weekly flights during the summer season. The project is currently undergoing technical, commercial, and operational validations. The primary goal is to protect local tourism, small and medium-sized enterprises, and jobs by ensuring a steady flow of visitors if the land border crossing is not opened in time for the summer season.

Data from the 2025-2026 period shows more than 73,000 people crossed the corridor, with over 38,000 entering Chile. Approximately 80.1% of vehicular traffic occurs between December and February. Officials emphasized that the air route is intended to complement, rather than replace, the Agua Negra Pass.