Officials from Argentina and Chile attended the press conference announcing the new direct flight between Santiago and Neuquén.
The province of Neuquén presented its tourism offerings to the media and highlighted the launch of the new direct flight that will connect the Chilean capital with the city of Neuquén starting March 29, operated by LATAM Airlines.
The event brought together officials from both countries, airline representatives, and key figures from the tourism sector in a strategic initiative aimed at boosting the destination’s visibility in the Chilean market and positioning Neuquén as one of the main gateways to northern Argentine Patagonia.
The conference was attended by Jorge Marcelo Faurie, Ambassador of the Argentine Republic to the Republic of Chile; Gustavo Fernández Capiet, President of NeuquenTur; Francisco Aguayo, Assistant Sales Manager at LATAM; and María Paz Lagos, Undersecretary of Tourism for Chile.
A Strategic Connection for Tourism Development
During the conference, the importance of the return of this international air route was highlighted, as it will significantly reduce travel times and boost tourism and commercial exchange between both destinations.
NeuquenTur President Gustavo Fernández Capiet noted the importance of this new flight in terms of internationalization: “It allows us to connect Santiago, Chile, with Neuquén in less than two hours, with a frequency we haven’t had until now. We want to thank LATAM for its commitment and emphasize that this is a joint effort: from the government, the private sector, and together with all of you as key players in tourism. We not only have the opportunity to generate new business but also the responsibility to ensure this connectivity remains sustainable over time.”
For her part, Chile’s Undersecretary of Tourism, María Paz Lagos, highlighted the strategic value of connectivity between the two countries: “Argentina is our main source market for tourists: last year we received 6 million visitors, and 50% were Argentine. That is why this new route is excellent news. Connectivity is key to making tourism work and to continuing to strengthen public-private coordination between both countries. When a tourist arrives at the end of the world, we want them to be able to explore both Argentina and Chile, boosting the region as a whole.”
He added that tourism is the economy: it generates jobs, local development, and opportunities. “In Chile today, it accounts for more than 700,000 jobs, and we want to keep growing. That’s why we’ll continue working to strengthen both air and land connections with Argentina.”
Neuquén, a year-round destination
During the conference, the province’s tourism offerings were presented, highlighting its main attractions: snow tourism, wine tourism, active tourism, sport fishing, gastronomy, and paleontology, as well as the growth of the city of Neuquén as an urban center and gateway to the region.
Likewise, the potential of the new air connectivity to attract international visitors and consolidate Neuquén’s presence in strategic markets such as Chile was highlighted.
The profile of Chilean visitors to Neuquén is characterized mainly by short getaways, winter snow tourism, and year-round nature activities, as well as culinary and wine tourism experiences. Many travelers combine a visit to the city of Neuquén with nearby tourist destinations such as San Martín de los Andes, Villa La Angostura, and the Seven Lakes Route.
“With the launch of LATAM Airlines’ direct flight between Santiago and Neuquén, starting March 29, we are taking a key step toward the region’s tourism and commercial integration. This is not just a new air route: it is a concrete opportunity to boost tourism, generate business, and project Neuquén and the Upper Valley toward new international markets.
This is a coordinated effort between the public and private sectors—involving the Tourism Promotion Agency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, LATAM, travel agencies, tour operators, hoteliers, and restaurateurs—where we are all called upon to play a leading role. Today more than ever, the invitation is to join us and take advantage of this connection that opens up new routes, experiences, and opportunities.”— Javier Barrueto, President of the Association of Travel and Tourism Agencies of Neuquén and the Upper Valley of Río Negro
Historically, most Chilean visitors have entered the province by land via the Cardenal Samoré International Pass, one of the main tourist corridors between the two countries that connects the Los Lagos Region with the mountainous area of Neuquén. In this context, the new air connection between Santiago and Neuquén is projected as a fast and direct alternative that will complement the traditional flow of travelers.
More connectivity, more opportunities
The direct Santiago–Neuquén flight will begin operating on March 29, 2026, with four weekly flights, establishing a key connection for the development of tourism and the regional economy.
NeuquenTur highlighted that this initiative is part of a comprehensive international promotion strategy aimed at generating greater visitor traffic, strengthening the destination’s positioning, and boosting the entire tourism value chain in the province.
