Coposa Airport (ICAO: SCKP) is a public-use airfield located in the Antofagasta Region of northern Chile, near the Chile‑Bolivia border. The airport primarily serves the Coposa copper‑gold mining project operated by Codelco, providing air transport for personnel, equipment, and supplies associated with mining activities.
Location and Access
- Situated approximately 70 km southeast of the town of Camiña and about 135 km north‑west of the city of Antofagasta.
- Coordinates: 22°08′S 68°10′W (approximate).
- The airport is accessed via a regional road connecting the mining complex to the broader road network of the region.
Facilities
- Single runway designated 15/33, with an asphalt surface.
- Reported runway length: 2,400 m (7,874 ft).
- Elevation: 3,750 m (12,303 ft) above sea level, making it one of the higher‑altitude airfields in Chile.
- Minimal navigational aids; operations are typically conducted under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) or with limited instrument procedures.
- No scheduled commercial airline service; usage is limited to charter flights, corporate aviation, and occasional government or emergency operations.
Operational Use
- The airport functions as a logistical hub for the Coposa mining project, facilitating the rapid movement of technical staff, specialists, and time‑critical equipment.
- Occasionally used for medical evacuations and by government agencies for regional access.
Regulatory Status
- Governed by the Chilean Civil Aviation Authority (Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil, DGAC).
- Listed in the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) of Chile under the identifier SCKP.
Historical Context
- Constructed in the early 2000s concurrent with the development of the Coposa mine to support the remote location's transportation needs.
References
- Chilean Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) – SCKP.
- Corporate releases from Codelco regarding infrastructure at the Coposa mining site.
All information presented is based on publicly available aviation and corporate sources; no speculative content is included.
