LATAM's Santiago-Neuquén flight stops operating on Sunday, October 25, 2026. The airline suspended the direct route between the Chilean capital and the Argentine Patagonian city because occupancy was "consistently lower" than projected, according to the statement reported by iProfesional. Ticket sales closed on July 25, and Noticias NQN confirmed on October 12 that the end date stands.
The route had returned on March 29, 2026 with four weekly frequencies on Airbus A320 aircraft and a target of more than 25,000 passengers a year, according to Promos Aéreas. It lasted about seven months.
The Santiago-Neuquén flights being suspended
| Flight | Route | Status |
|---|---|---|
| LA416 | Santiago - Neuquén | Not operating from 10-25-2026 |
| LA432 | Santiago - Neuquén | Not operating from 10-25-2026 |
| LA417 | Neuquén - Santiago | Not operating from 10-25-2026 |
| LA433 | Neuquén - Santiago | Not operating from 10-25-2026 |
Source: Noticias NQN, October 12, 2026. Flights scheduled up to that date continue to operate normally.
What happens if your ticket is after October 25
LATAM announced two options for passengers with flights dated after the suspension. Rebooking took place between July 27 and August 10, but anyone whose case is still open can check it under "My Trips" in the app, on latam.com or with the agency that issued the ticket.
| Option | How it works | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Rebooking via Buenos Aires | Connection at Ezeiza or Aeroparque: domestic leg with Aerolíneas Argentinas and international leg with LATAM | Subject to availability |
| Refund | 100% of the ticket refunded if the alternative does not work | According to LATAM's statement cited by iProfesional |
The Buenos Aires connection makes the trip longer: what was a direct flight over the Andes becomes a journey with a stopover on the other side of Argentina. Check the total travel time before accepting the rebooking.
Does your agency or transport company connect Chile with Argentine Patagonia? Reach travellers looking for alternatives.
See advertising optionsWhy the Santiago-Neuquén route is ending
LATAM did not publish occupancy figures. Promos Aéreas suggests that Neuquén's growth thanks to the Vaca Muerta oil and gas field did not translate into enough passengers and that the airline prefers to deploy its aircraft in markets with more demand. The company left open the possibility of reassessing connectivity in Patagonia if the market changes.
The context does not help either. Argentine trips to Chile fell 39.7% between January and July 2026, according to Sernatur's series, as detailed in our ranking of foreign tourists in Chile by country.
| Date | Route milestone | Source |
|---|---|---|
| November 2025 | LATAM announces its return to Neuquén | Promos Aéreas |
| March 29, 2026 | First flight, four weekly frequencies on A320 | Promos Aéreas |
| July 25, 2026 | Ticket sales close | iProfesional |
| July 27 to August 10 | Rebooking of passengers with later flights | iProfesional |
| October 25, 2026 | End of operations | Noticias NQN |
What tourism between Chile and Argentine Patagonia loses
The direct flight served two audiences. For Neuquén residents, Santiago was a way to connect to Lima, Miami, Madrid, New York or Mexico City without going through Buenos Aires. For inbound tourism, it was a gateway to Argentine Patagonia for visitors from North America, Europe and Oceania already arriving in Chile, according to Promos Aéreas' analysis.
| Indicator | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Argentine arrivals in Chile, January-July 2026 | 1,164,624 (-39.7%) | Sernatur / PDI |
| Argentine arrivals in July 2026 | 86,633 (-51.9%) | Sernatur / PDI |
| Route's annual target at relaunch | More than 25,000 passengers | Promos Aéreas |
| Route lifespan | About seven months | Promos Aéreas |
LATAM's exit leaves Neuquén without a direct flight to Chile just before summer, the season when most Argentines cross the Andes. The real effect on tourism will depend on how many travellers choose the bus or the Buenos Aires stopover.
Alternatives for travelling between Chile and Neuquén
- Flight via Buenos Aires: this is the alternative LATAM offers its passengers, with Aerolíneas Argentinas on the domestic leg.
- Overland from La Araucanía: the Pino Hachado pass links the Temuco and Lonquimay area with Neuquén province. Before setting off, check its status as we do with the Cristo Redentor pass, because snow can close mountain passes in spring.
- Combine with southern Chile: leisure travellers can plan a route through the southern lakes; our guide to the Seven Lakes route in La Araucanía is a good starting point.
- Other air routes: there are new connections between Chile and Argentina for the summer; we review them in new air routes to Chile.
LATAM's decision adds to other adjustments in air service between the two countries. JetSMART, for example, obtained permits to link Santiago with Brazil via Buenos Aires, as we reported in this story.
Frequently asked questions
When is LATAM's last flight between Santiago and Neuquén?
The route stops operating from October 25, 2026. Flights scheduled up to that date are maintained.
Can I get a refund for my Santiago-Neuquén ticket?
Yes. According to LATAM's statement, passengers who do not accept rebooking via Buenos Aires can cancel and receive 100% of the ticket price.
Are there direct flights between Chile and Neuquén after October 25?
With LATAM's exit, none of the sources consulted reports another direct flight between Santiago and Neuquén. Air connections will require a stopover in Buenos Aires.
