Santiago International Airport set to open new terminal

Chile’s Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport in Santiago is set to open its new international Terminal 2 (T2) facility in February 2022. The new terminal will double the airport’s capacity from 15 to 30 million passengers per year.

With a US$990 million investment from the Chilean Ministry of Public Works (MOP), the airport converted the original airport into a renovated domestic terminal with a new 17,300 sqm pier for additional capacity, and created a new 214,000 sqm T2 building dedicated to international and regional flights.

Both terminals are equipped with state-of-the-art technology to minimise waiting times for the processing of passengers and baggage.

The new T2 features a major central processor which serves as a focal point for people approaching the airport, and hosts four new piers, connected to the central processor for Arrivals through interstitial corridors. A large retail, food, and beverage concession programme, VIP lounges, and an innovative advertising programme elevate the passenger experience to one of the best in the region. The project also increased the number of gates from 18 to 67 while adding two 4-level parking buildings and two surface parking lots.

Designed by US engineering and architectural firm Stantec, and created in partnership with local architects Amunategui Barreau Arquitectos, the new terminal complex can be further expanded to cater for 38 million passengers annually as demand increases.

Cecilia Einarson, Sector Leader for Airport Terminals at Stantec, said: “As Santiago expands this busy airport hub, we are honored to help transform the experience of travelers as they come through or stay in Chile. Together with our partners at Amunategui Barreau Arquitectos, we created a place that embraces the beauty and splendour of Chile while welcoming visitors and residents to the country.”