Top 10 Best Airports in South America in 2025, No. 8 Will Surprise You

dailyblitz.de 2 hours ago

The best airports in South America have undergone significant changes over the past few years, moving well beyond their old reputation for being crowded and outdated. More recently, many of the region’s hubs have become modern, efficient, and are designed with passenger experience in mind.

The Skytrax 2025 airports by global region highlight the top 10 best airports in South America, not just for efficiency, but also for the warmth of service, comfort of facilities, and ease of connections. Here is a look at who has made the list this year.

10 Best Airports in South America

1. El Dorado International Airport, Bogota – BOG/SKBO

Bogota’s El Dorado Airport remains South America’s leading airport, praised for its balance of scale and passenger comfort. The terminal is sleek, bright, and filled with a robust mix of international and Colombian dining options.

The shopping ranges from global brands to local crafts, giving travellers a sense of place before departure. The processing times are generally smooth, and the airport’s modern layout makes connections straightforward as immigration and security are efficient for such a busy hub.

Getting downtown is easy, with taxis, ride shares, and airport buses available, and the trip takes around 30-45 minutes depending on traffic.

2. Mariscal Sucre International Airport, Quito – UIO/SEQM

Quito Airport sits high in the Andes and is consistently praised for its modern design and calm atmosphere. The airport feels spacious and efficient, with clean facilities and a well-curated selection of shops and eateries, including local coffee spots and bakeries.

The staff are known for being attentive and helpful, which adds to its appeal. Flights are handled smoothly despite the challenges of high-altitude operations. While Quito remains a spectacle for aviators due to its geography, the operational excellence is top-notch, too.

Transport into the city is straightforward via taxis and airport shuttles, making the 40-minute drive comfortable, while buses provide a more affordable option.

3. Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport, Santiago – SCL/SCEL

Santiago’s airport has undergone major upgrades, giving it a more polished, international feel. Terminals are modern, airy, and well-equipped with plenty of dining and shopping outlets, from international bites to well-served Chilean restaurants.

Travellers credit the clear signage and smoother flows through immigration and security, which have improved in recent years. As LATAM’s main hub, connectivity across South America and beyond is strong, with the airline’s lounge providing a secluded space for premium flyers too.

Getting into Santiago is easy, with buses, shuttles, and taxis connecting the airport to the city centre in about 30 minutes. Ride shares are also widely available.

4. Jorge Chavez International Airport, Lima – LIM/SPJC

Lima Airport has long been a crucial hub for South America, and recent expansions have made the passenger experience far smoother. The terminal, though busy, offers a decent mix of shopping, dining, and lounges, many reflecting Peru’s strong cultural reputation.

The security and immigration lines can get long at peak times, but operations are improving with better layouts and processing technology. For passengers, the airport is a key connection point between South America, North America, and Europe.

Transport into central Lima usually takes around 40 to 60 minutes by taxi or ride share, though traffic can be heavy. Airport buses also run fixed routes into the city.

5. Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport, Guayaquil – GYE/SEGU

Smaller than Quito’s airport but equally important for Ecuador, Guayaquil has built a reputation for efficiency. The terminal is compact yet modern, offering a neat selection of food, cafés, and retail outlets.

The cleanliness is consistently noted by passengers, and the airport is easy to navigate with short walking distances. Staff are courteous, and immigration lines are generally swift compared to larger hubs.

Accessing Guayaquil is easy, as the airport is conveniently located near the city. Taxis and ride shares usually take about 15 minutes. Buses also serve the route, but take longer to reach.

6. Guarulhos International Airport, Sao Paulo – GRU/SBGR

As Brazil’s busiest international gateway, Sao Paulo is vast and bustling, but it has modernised steadily to improve the passenger experience. Terminals are bright and well-signed, with an enormous range of shopping and dining options, including both international and local chains.

The lounges are plentiful, and facilities are designed to cope with heavy traffic. While security lines can be lengthy, processing is generally reliable. The airport connects travellers across South America and serves as Brazil’s main link to Europe and North America.

Transport into São Paulo is improving, and presently, taxis, ride shares, and buses are common, while the airport train line now links directly to the city’s metro system.

7. Galeao International Airport, Rio de Janeiro – GIG/SBGL

Rio’s Airport may not match Sao Paulo’s sheer scale, but it has its own charm and steady improvements.

Terminals are relatively modern with a fair mix of shops, food outlets, and services. For tourists, the airport sets the first impression of Rio.

While traffic volumes aren’t as heavy as Sao Paulo, the airport still handles plenty of long-haul flights, especially during holiday seasons. Transport to central Rio takes 30–50 minutes by taxi or ride share, depending on traffic. Buses also serve the route, though less conveniently.

8. Jose Maria Cordova International Airport, Medellin – MDE/SKRG

Medellin’s Airport has grown in reputation, becoming one of Colombia’s most pleasant travel gateways. Located in a scenic valley outside the city, the airport feels modern, calm, and manageable. Facilities include clean terminals, efficient processes, and a mix of cafes and shops.

Travellers often note the friendly staff and the airport’s relatively relaxed pace compared to Bogota.

Getting into Medellín involves a 45 to 60 minute drive, with taxis, ride shares, and buses all available. The route itself is striking, with winding mountain roads and sweeping views of the valley.

9. Ministro Pistarini International Airport, Buenos Aires – EZE/SAEZ

Buenos Aires is Argentina’s main international gateway and continues to modernize its ageing facilities.

Renovations have introduced brighter terminals, better passenger flows, and improved dining options. Lounges and duty free shopping are popular, and efficiency is improving.

It manages heavy traffic between Europe, North America, and South America. Transport into central Buenos Aires takes 40 to 60 minutes by taxi or ride share, with shuttle buses also available.

10. Aeroparque Jorge Newberry, Buenos Aires – AEP/SABE

Aeroparque, located much closer to downtown Buenos Aires, is a favourite for domestic and regional flights.

The airport’s prime location means a taxi or ride share into the city takes only 15 to 20 minutes, making it highly convenient for travellers.

Facilities are modern and compact, with updated terminals that include a fair mix of cafes, shops, and comfortable waiting areas. Security and check-in are generally efficient, and the atmosphere is calmer than at Ezeiza.

Bottom line

South America’s airports are rapidly stepping up to meet international standards, with Colombia, Ecuador, Chile, Brazil, and Argentina all represented in Skytrax’s 2025 top ten. Together, they show how the region is embracing modernization while still keeping its character.

For travellers, this means smoother journeys, easier city connections, and a richer sense of place every time they fly through South America.