Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport (SCEL)
Santiago, Chile · Latin America
By Renzo, CPL
ICAO
SCEL
IATA
SCL
City
Santiago
Country
Chile
Region
Latin America
Elevation
1,555 ft
Runways
2 runways
Coordinates
-33.3930, -70.7858
Overview
Chilean capital airport between the Andes and the coast. Mountain wave turbulence and LATAM hub.
Current Weather at SCEL
Pilots flying into or out of Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport should always check the latest METAR (Meteorological Aerodrome Report) before departure. A METAR is a standardized weather observation issued every hour (or more frequently as a SPECI when conditions change rapidly). It includes wind direction and speed, visibility, cloud layers, temperature, dewpoint, and altimeter setting -- everything you need for a safe go/no-go decision.
Live conditions
Current METAR
METAR SCEL 011400Z 35003KT 270V060 8000 BKN170 13/10 Q1021 NOSIGWind 350° at 3 kt — likely active runway near heading 35
Current TAF
TAF SCEL 011000Z 0112/0212 26002KT CAVOK TX22/0119Z TN06/0210Z TEMPO 0112/0113 5000 HZ NSC BECMG 0116/0118 22012KT BECMG 0201/0203 VRB02KTRead any SCEL METAR without second-guessing
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Check Weather Before Your Flight
A thorough weather briefing is essential for safe flight operations at Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport. Here are the key weather products every pilot should review:
- METARHourly surface observation for SCEL. Includes wind, visibility, ceiling, temp/dewpoint, and altimeter.
- TAFTerminal Aerodrome Forecast covering the next 24-30 hours. Look for expected wind shifts, visibility changes, and precipitation.
- NOTAMNotices to Air Missions for SCEL. Check for runway closures, taxiway restrictions, and navaid outages.
- PIREPPilot Reports from aircraft near Santiago. Real-world turbulence, icing, and cloud top reports.
- SIG/AIRMETArea forecasts for significant weather, turbulence, and icing that may affect operations around Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport.
Learn to read sectional charts to plan your route visually, and use our crosswind calculator to check runway compatibility with current winds.
Pilot Resources at Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport
Radio Frequencies
Always verify current frequencies in the Chart Supplement (formerly A/FD) before flight. Common frequencies for airports like SCEL include ATIS/AWOS, Ground, Tower (if towered), Approach/Departure, and Clearance Delivery. Frequencies change -- never rely on outdated sources.
Flight Schools Nearby
Browse flight schools near Santiago and compare training programs.
Private Pilot Guide
Everything you need to earn your PPL, from requirements to checkride prep.
METAR Decoder
Decode any METAR report into plain English. Free tool for student and experienced pilots.
Sectional Chart Guide
Learn to read VFR sectional charts for navigation around Santiago.
Training Availability
Flight Training Available
Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport has flight schools and training programs operating on the field or nearby. Browse flight schools
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