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La Aurora International Airport

Guatemala City, Guatemala

Airports
GUAlarge airport

La Aurora International Airport

Guatemala City, Guatemala
Explore Guatemala City city guide Navigate to this airport
37
Routes out
19
Destinations
MGGT
ICAO
4952 ft
Elevation
TravelerPulse profile

Guatemala City's primary international gateway since 1952.

Opened
1952
Location
Guatemala City, Guatemala
La Aurora International Airport (GUA/MGGT) is the main international airport serving Guatemala City, the capital of Guatemala. Located in the Zona 13 district just a few kilometers from the city center, it is the busiest airport in Central America by some measures and serves as the primary hub for international and domestic air travel in the country. The airport handles millions of passengers annually, with the majority of traffic consisting of international flights to destinations in North America, Central America, South America, and Europe. It is named after the La Aurora neighborhood in which it is situated and shares its grounds with the Guatemalan Air Force base. Due to its location within an urban area and the surrounding mountainous terrain, La Aurora faces operational constraints including limitations on runway expansion and challenging approaches. These factors have prompted long-running discussions about the possibility of constructing a new international airport to serve the region.
Terminals
The airport operates a single passenger terminal building handling both international and domestic flights.
Getting to & from
Ground transport options include taxis, private shuttles, and app-based ride services; no direct rail or metro link exists between the airport and the city center.
Airlines here
Major airlines serving La Aurora include American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Copa Airlines, Avianca, and Spirit Airlines.
Notable facts
  • ›Located in Zona 13, only about 7 km from Guatemala City's historic center.
  • ›Shares its grounds with the Guatemalan Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Guatemalteca) base.
  • ›Surrounded by urban development and mountains, limiting expansion possibilities.
  • ›Named after the La Aurora district of Guatemala City.
  • ›Elevation of approximately 4,952 feet (1,509 m) above sea level affects aircraft performance.
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
Gateway to ancient Maya lands and vibrant highland culture

La Aurora International Airport, located just minutes from Guatemala City's historic center, has served as Guatemala's primary international gateway since 1952. Nestled within the urban fabric of Zone 13, it occupies one of the most centrally positioned airport sites in Latin America. Despite its compact footprint, La Aurora handles the vast majority of Guatemala's international passenger traffic and connects the country to major hubs across the Americas.

Terminals
  • Terminal 1 (International) — The main terminal handling all international arrivals and departures, featuring duty-free shops, restaurants, and airline lounges.
  • Terminal 2 (Domestic) — A smaller facility adjacent to Terminal 1 serving domestic routes and charter operations within Guatemala.
Ground Transport
  • Authorized airport taxis available at designated ranks outside arrivals
  • Ride-hailing apps including Uber and InDriver operate from the airport
  • Private shuttle services connecting to Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and other tourist destinations
  • Car rental desks from Hertz, Avis, Budget, and local agencies in the arrivals hall
  • Public city buses accessible near the airport perimeter for budget travellers
Nearby Hotels
  • Westin Camino Real Guatemala
  • Marriott Guatemala City
  • Hotel Barceló Guatemala City
  • Hyatt Place Guatemala City
  • Holiday Inn Express Guatemala City
Dining

Inside the terminal, passengers can find a mix of local Guatemalan eateries serving traditional dishes such as pepián and black bean platters alongside international fast-food chains. Airside options near the departure gates include cafés and snack bars suitable for a quick meal before boarding. Just outside the airport in Zone 13 and Zone 10 (Zona Viva), a wide range of restaurants offering everything from street food to upscale dining is within a short taxi ride.

Traveller Tips
  • Use only officially authorized airport taxis or a verified ride-hailing app to avoid overcharging.
  • Exchange a small amount of Guatemalan Quetzals (GTQ) at the airport for immediate expenses; better rates are found in the city.
  • Antigua is just 45 minutes away by shuttle — book in advance at the airport's ground transport desk.
  • Arrive at least 2.5 hours before international flights as security and check-in queues can be lengthy during peak travel periods.
Official website

AI-assisted overview, verified against public sources.

Route map (19 destinations)

Leaflet © OpenStreetMap © CARTO

Routes

GUA → MEX4O · 320
GUA → FRS5U · SF3 EMB
GUA → SAP5U · SF3
GUA → TGU5U · SF3
GUA → DFWAA · 738
GUA → MIAAA · 738
GUA → ATLAF · 757
GUA → MEXAM · EMJ
GUA → TAPAM · ERJ
GUA → MIAAV · E90
GUA → SALAV · E90 319 320 321
GUA → SJOAV · 320
GUA → BOGAV · 318
GUA → LAXAV · 320
GUA → SAPAV · ATR
GUA → TGUAV · ATR
GUA → SALBA · 343
GUA → SAPCC · L4T
GUA → TGUCC · L4T
GUA → LAXCI · 757
GUA → MGACM · E90
GUA → PTYCM · E90 73G 738
GUA → SJOCM · 73G E90 738
GUA → ATLDL · 757
GUA → JFKDL · 752
GUA → LAXDL · 757
GUA → SALIB · 342
GUA → FLLNK · 319
GUA → TGUP4 · CRJ
GUA → SAPP4 · CRJ
GUA → IADUA · 738
GUA → MIAUA · E90
GUA → EWRUA · 738
GUA → IAHUA · 738
GUA → LAXUS · 320
GUA → MIAUS · 738 E90
GUA → DFWUS · 738
Hotels near GUA

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Passport, Visa & Immigration

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La Aurora International Airport
Encyclopaedia

La Aurora International Airport serves Guatemala City, the capital of Guatemala. It is located 6.4 kilometres south of Guatemala City's center and 25 km from Antigua Guatemala. It is administered by the General Directorate of Civil Aeronautics.

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