Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE), universally known as Ezeiza Airport, is Argentina's primary international gateway and the main long-haul airport serving Buenos Aires. Located approximately 35 kilometers southwest of central Buenos Aires in Ezeiza, Buenos Aires Province, EZE handles virtually all of Argentina's long-haul international traffic and serves as the hub for Aerolíneas Argentinas.
Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE) is located in the municipality of Ezeiza, Buenos Aires Province, approximately 35 kilometers southwest of Buenos Aires' city center. Named after the Argentine aviation pioneer Juan Pistarini, the airport has served as Argentina's primary international gateway since its opening in 1949.
EZE operates three terminal buildings, though most international operations are concentrated in Terminal A (for Aerolíneas Argentinas and LATAM Argentina) and Terminal B (for international carriers). The airport handles virtually all of Argentina's long-haul international traffic — to Europe, North America, Africa, and Asia — alongside a range of South American regional routes.
Aerolíneas Argentinas — Argentina's national carrier — operates its global hub at EZE, connecting Buenos Aires with an extensive Argentine domestic network and international routes across the Americas and to Europe. Buenos Aires is South America's most cosmopolitan city — with one of the largest European-origin populations on the continent — generating substantial aviation demand to European destinations, particularly Spain, Italy, and France.
Ezeiza Airport opened in 1949 and quickly became Argentina's primary long-haul aviation facility as domestic carriers like Aerolíneas Argentinas developed their networks. The airport has undergone modernization programs over the decades, with its terminal infrastructure reflecting successive eras of Argentine aviation development.
Aerolíneas Argentinas' history — including periods of privatization, financial difficulties, and renationalization — has been closely tied to EZE's operational character. The airline's renationalization in 2008 brought increased government investment in both the carrier and its hub airport.
EZE operates through three terminal buildings:
Terminals A and B are connected by a covered walkway. Confirm your departure terminal when checking in — particularly relevant for passengers connecting between Aerolíneas and international carriers.
Aerolíneas Argentinas operates its global hub at EZE, connecting Buenos Aires with an extensive Argentine domestic network alongside intercontinental routes to Spain, Italy, Germany, France, the USA, and other international destinations. LATAM Argentina operates South American regional routes.
Other international airlines at EZE include Air France, Lufthansa, British Airways, Iberia, Turkish Airlines, Gol, Copa Airlines, and a range of South American and international carriers. EZE connects Buenos Aires with major cities across Europe, the Americas, and select international destinations.
EZE offers reasonable passenger facilities across its terminals. Aerolíneas Argentinas' Cóndor Lounge serves premium passengers. Duty-free shopping features Argentine leather goods, wines, and artisanal products. Dining options include Argentine cuisine and international alternatives. Wi-Fi is available. Medical services and currency exchange are on site.
EZE is connected to central Buenos Aires by several transport options:
EZE offers parking adjacent to the terminals with short-stay and long-stay options. Pre-booking is recommended during high travel periods. Valet parking is available.
Argentine entry requirements — including visa policies — have varied considerably in recent years. Check current requirements for your nationality well in advance, as policies relating to reciprocal fees and visa requirements have changed repeatedly.
Currency exchange at EZE reflects Argentina's complex currency situation — the official exchange rate and parallel market rates have differed substantially at times. Understand current regulations before arriving and use official exchange facilities within the airport.
Buenos Aires traffic can be significant — allow generous time for the Ezeiza-to-city journey, particularly during morning and evening peaks.
Ministro Pistarini Airport is central to Argentina's trade, tourism, and business connectivity. Argentina is South America's second-largest economy and one of the region's major agricultural exporters. EZE facilitates the movement of business travelers, tourists (Argentina attracts substantial European-origin diaspora travel and adventure tourism), and export trade.
EZE is undergoing terminal improvement programs alongside broader Argentine aviation infrastructure investments. Argentina's aviation market has significant long-term potential as economic conditions stabilize, and continued investment in EZE and domestic Argentine airports is planned.
Ministro Pistarini International Airport is South America's most important gateway south of São Paulo, serving as the primary international airport for one of the continent's largest cities and Aerolíneas Argentinas' global hub. Its role is defined by Argentina's importance as a South American nation with strong European cultural and commercial ties — generating substantial traffic to and from Spain, Italy, Germany, and France.
EZE's position as the sole major long-haul airport serving Buenos Aires gives it particular importance — all long-haul international travel to and from Argentina's capital flows through this airport.
Within Buenos Aires' airport system, EZE handles all international long-haul and major regional operations while Aeroparque (AEP) handles domestic and some regional South American services in a more centrally located setting.
In practical terms, EZE can be understood as:
Airports within approximately 60 miles of Ministro Pistarini International Airport that may provide additional scheduled commercial, regional access.
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Manuel Tienda León buses provide the most reliable service to the city center in 40–60 minutes. Official airport taxis are also available. Journey times can vary significantly with traffic.
Aerolíneas Argentinas is the primary carrier and hub airline, with domestic Argentine and international long-haul routes. LATAM Argentina serves regional South American destinations.
EZE (Ezeiza) is Buenos Aires' international airport, handling all long-haul and most international flights. AEP (Aeroparque Jorge Newbery) is a separate airport in the city itself, used primarily for domestic Argentine and some regional South American routes.
Visa requirements for Argentina vary by nationality and have changed at times. Check current Argentine immigration requirements for your passport well in advance of travel.