Government issues travel planning recommendations as departures from Santiago airport hit a record high this week
The number of passengers on domestic flights will be up 18% over the coming weeks, while international travel increases 4%.
According to Chilean Transportation and Telecommunications Minister, Gloria Hutt, air travel is up significantly this winter break – which began Friday, July 12 and ends Sunday, July 28.
According to projections by the Ministry’s Civil Aeronautics Board, 647,000 passengers are expected to depart from Santiago en route to destinations in Chile and abroad during this two-week period. Domestic travel is expected to increase by 18%, while international travel will be up 4% compared to the same period in 2018.
“Most travel will be domestic, in other words, to destinations within Chile. This week we will observe the highest number of travelers leaving the country. This weekend alone we expect to see the last wave of mass departures, with almost 200,000 people leaving Santiago. Of those, 110,000 will be leaving on domestic trips and 87,000 on international flights,” said Minister Hutt.
The Transportation and Telecommunications Minister noted that these figures – which include departures and arrivals at the Arturo Merino Benítez Airport in Santiago – are similar to those recorded in the summer and are equivalent to about 76,000 passengers flying every day.
The peak dates for winter vacation flyers are Wednesday, July 17 (24,000 passengers on domestic flights) with another expected on Monday, July 22, when there will be more than 24,000 passengers on domestic flights and a smaller number (16,000) on international flights.
In light of the increased passenger traffic at the International Airport, Minister Hutt recommends that travelers arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours early for international flights. It is important to always have a valid ID card or passport, depending on travel requirements. Given that the greatest increases will be for domestic flights, I want to remind you that the Pudahuel Airport has a secondary domestic check-in area on the second floor that is quite expeditious.”
Increased Number of Traffic Fatalities
In the wake of an alarming 37 road traffic fatalities between Friday, July 12 and Tuesday, July 16, Transportation and Telecommunications Minister has issued a call to all those traveling by land over winter break to drive carefully.
“This is a very regrettable figure and it obliges us to repeat warnings to obey traffic rules, be attentive to traffic signs, wear safety belts and not to drive after drinking alcohol. We need to be aware of the destructive potential of irresponsible driving. It’s not just ourselves that we put in danger, but also our loved ones and everyone else, in general,” said the Minister.