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Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport
Mendoza, Argentina
Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport
Gateway to the Andes and Argentina's premier wine region.
- ›Named after Francisco Gabrielli, a Mendoza governor and influential figure in the local wine industry.
- ›Situated at an elevation of approximately 2,310 feet (704 meters) above sea level due to its Andean foothill location.
- ›Serves as a key entry point for mountaineers attempting to climb Aconcagua, the Americas' highest peak.
- ›The airport's ICAO code SAME reflects its location in the Mendoza province of Argentina.
- ›Mendoza is one of Argentina's busiest airports outside the Buenos Aires metropolitan area.
Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport, commonly known as El Plumerillo Airport, has served the Mendoza region since the mid-twentieth century and stands as the principal air hub for Argentina's Cuyo region. Situated approximately 8 kilometres north of downtown Mendoza, it connects the city to Buenos Aires, Santiago de Chile, and a growing number of international destinations. The airport plays a vital role for wine tourism, ski travellers heading to Las Leñas and Valle de Uco, and Andean adventure seekers year-round.
- Main Terminal — A single integrated passenger terminal handling all domestic and international arrivals and departures with check-in, retail, and dining facilities.
- City bus lines connecting the airport to central Mendoza (Metrotranvía area)
- Remis (licensed radio taxis) available at the official taxi rank outside arrivals
- Ride-hailing apps including Cabify operating in Mendoza
- Car rental desks from major agencies including Hertz, Avis, and Budget inside the terminal
- Hotel shuttle services offered by select downtown and resort properties
- Diplomatic Hotel Mendoza
- Hyatt Regency Mendoza
- NH Mendoza
- Howard Johnson Mendoza
- Mod Mendoza Hotel
Inside the terminal, passengers will find a modest selection of cafés, a parrilla-style grill serving Argentine staples, and snack kiosks offering empanadas and regional pastries. Options expand significantly within a short drive into Mendoza city, where the Aristides Villanueva dining strip and Chacras de Coria village offer world-class restaurants pairing local Malbec with Cuyo cuisine. Travellers with time before a flight are encouraged to eat in the city, as terminal dining is functional but limited.
- Arrive at least 90 minutes before domestic flights and 2 hours before international departures, as security queues can build during peak wine-harvest season (March–April).
- The altitude in Mendoza sits at around 760 metres; if you are continuing to high Andean destinations, allow a day to acclimatise before strenuous activity.
- Currency exchange inside the terminal offers limited rates — use ATMs in the city centre or exchange at your hotel for better options.
- Summers (December–February) bring intense heat; carry water and sunscreen, especially if waiting outdoors for ground transport.
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Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport, better known as El Plumerillo International Airport, is located 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) northeast of the centre of Mendoza, capital of the Mendoza Province of Argentina. It is operated by Aeropuertos Argentina 2000.
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