Cañal Bajo airport in Osorno closed on Monday, November 2, 2026 and will have no commercial flights until Sunday, November 22, because of major runway maintenance. LATAM and SKY are suspending their flights to and from Osorno during that period, and travelers heading to the city must use El Tepual airport in Puerto Montt or Pichoy airport in Valdivia, Paislobo Prensa and Mirada Sur reported, citing the Los Lagos regional office of the Ministry of Public Works (MOP).
From November 23, regular ticket sales for daytime flights resume, but until December 6 the runway will have preventive partial closures from 17:00 to 07:00 the next day. The schedule was confirmed on October 20 by the Los Lagos Public Works office, headed by Jairo Quinteros Mayne.
Dates of the Cañal Bajo airport closure in Osorno
| Period | What happens at Cañal Bajo | Commercial flights |
|---|---|---|
| November 2-22, 2026 | Runway fully closed for works | Suspended (LATAM and SKY) |
| November 23 - December 6 | Runway open by day; preventive closure 17:00-07:00 | Daytime flights only |
| From December 7 | Normal operation expected | Regular schedule |
Sources: Paislobo Prensa and Mirada Sur, November 2, 2026, with data from the Los Lagos Public Works office and the official Los Lagos transport account (@TTILosLagos), which posted the notice on October 30. Normal operation from December 7 is inferred from the announced schedule: confirm with your airline.
What work is being done on Osorno's runway
The work includes milling, structural replacement of the asphalt layer, protective seals and horizontal markings along the 1,950-meter runway. The contract was awarded for 1.1 billion Chilean pesos; the public tender opened in July with a reference budget of 1.4 billion pesos. The MOP Airports Directorate supervises the pavement and Chile's civil aviation authority (DGAC) oversees operational safety. The goal is to have the runway ready before the summer season.
| Cañal Bajo works | Detail |
|---|---|
| Runway length resurfaced | 1,950 meters |
| Work | Milling, new asphalt layer, seals and markings |
| Awarded investment | CLP 1,100,000,000 |
| Tender reference budget | CLP 1,400,000,000 |
| Contracting body | MOP, Los Lagos regional office |
| Technical supervision | Airports Directorate (MOP) |
| Operational oversight | DGAC |
The airport has a history of problems: in September 2025 it closed temporarily due to runway damage, and its modernization project was on hold because of MOP indecision, according to Infraestructura Pública. In July 2026, the Los Lagos Regional Council asked the DGAC for information on how the terminal is run, BioBioChile reported.
How to reach Osorno without flights: El Tepual and Pichoy
The official advice is to fly to Puerto Montt or Valdivia and continue overland. Both cities have daily flights to Santiago and frequent buses to Osorno along Route 5. If you are heading to the lakes area, such as Puerto Octay, Frutillar or the Osorno volcano, El Tepual is often closer than Osorno itself.
| Alternative airport | City | Approx. distance to Osorno | Ground connection |
|---|---|---|---|
| El Tepual | Puerto Montt (Los Lagos) | About 100 km | Route 5 South; buses and transfers |
| Pichoy | Valdivia (Los Ríos) | About 100 km | Route 5 South; buses and transfers |
Approximate road distances calculated by Viajando Chile; the drive takes a little over an hour. If you are staying in the area, see our guides to things to do in Puerto Montt and things to do in Valdivia.
Do you run a hotel, transfer service or travel agency in Osorno or Puerto Montt? Reach travelers planning a trip to southern Chile.
See advertising optionsWhat to do if you have a ticket to Osorno in November
- Check your booking on the LATAM or SKY website or app. The sources consulted do not detail each airline's change or refund terms.
- Ask about rerouting to Puerto Montt or Valdivia, or a date change to November 23 or later.
- If you fly between November 23 and December 6, make sure your flight is in daytime: the runway will close from 17:00 to 07:00.
- Book ground transport in advance if you arrive at El Tepual or Pichoy at night.
- If your flight is canceled, Chilean consumer and aviation law entitle you to rebooking or a refund; you can file complaints with Sernac.
Frequently asked questions
How long is Osorno airport closed?
The full closure runs from November 2 to 22, 2026. Between November 23 and December 6 there will be preventive closures from 17:00 to 07:00.
Which airlines fly to Osorno?
LATAM and SKY, with flights to Santiago. Both suspend operations in Osorno during the closure.
Which airport should I fly into to reach Osorno?
El Tepual (Puerto Montt) or Pichoy (Valdivia), each about 100 km away via Route 5.
How much does the Cañal Bajo runway work cost?
The awarded investment is 1.1 billion Chilean pesos to repair 1,950 meters of runway.
