Introduction
Alcides Fernández Airport, commonly known as SPCY, is an international airport located in the city of La Paz, Bolivia. It is the main airport for commercial, private, and military aviation in the country. The airport is owned and operated by the Bolivian Air Force and is one of the busiest airports in Latin America. Serving as the main air hub of Bolivia, SPCY is the gateway to the country’s attractions, including the Bolivian Amazon, Lake Titicaca, the Yungas mountain range, and the Salar de Uyuni salt flats. The airport provides flights to many cities within Bolivia as well as international destinations such as Santiago, Madrid, Lima, Miami, and Buenos Aires. Travelers can find more information on SPCY at the official airport website.
Airport History
Alcides Fernández Airport was established in 1939 as the primary airport for the city of La Paz and surrounding areas. The airport was named after the Bolivian air force officer, Alcides Fernández Jaimes, who died in an airplane accident in 1938. The first runway was constructed in 1941 and has since been expanded multiple times. In 1972, the airport was modernized with a new control tower and passenger terminal. The airport underwent major renovations in 1998, including the addition of a new runway and the expansion of the existing facilities.
Location
Alcides Fernández Airport is located in the city of La Paz, Bolivia. The airport is situated on a high plateau at an elevation of 11,975 feet above sea level. The airport is just 5 miles from downtown La Paz and is easily accessible by car or taxi.
Facilities
The airport consists of two terminals, one for domestic flights and one for international flights. There are also a variety of amenities available at the airport, including luggage storage, ATM machines, restaurants, car rental services, and shops. The airport also has a VIP lounge for travelers seeking extra comfort and convenience.
Airlines Operating From SPCY
SPCY serves as a hub for a number of major airlines, including Boliviana de Aviación, TAM Airlines, Amaszonas, and Avianca. The airport also provides flights to many cities within Bolivia as well as international destinations such as Santiago, Madrid, Lima, Miami, and Buenos Aires.
Traveling Through SPCY
The airport is well equipped to handle a variety of travelers. Passengers can easily check-in, clear security, and find their gate using the wayfinding signs. The airport also offers a variety of services to make the experience more convenient, such as luggage storage, ATM machines, restaurants, car rental services, and shops. In addition, the airport has a VIP lounge for travelers seeking extra comfort.
Current Developments
Currently, the airport is undergoing a major expansion and modernization project. The project includes the construction of a new terminal and runway as well as the expansion of existing facilities. The project is scheduled to be completed by 2021 and will increase the airport’s capacity to 1.5 million passengers per year.
Conclusion
Alcides Fernández Airport, also known as SPCY, is an international airport located in the city of La Paz, Bolivia. The airport serves as the main hub for a variety of airlines and provides flights to many cities within Bolivia as well as international destinations. The airport is currently undergoing a major expansion and modernization project which is scheduled to be completed by 2021. With its convenient location, comfortable facilities, and efficient services, SPCY is the perfect gateway to Bolivia’s attractions.