From media reports: The Miami Herald reported LAN Airlines, Chile's largest airline, is gradually resuming flights at the Arturo Martinez International Airport in Santiago on Tuesday. The situation at the Santiago airport was described as a "skeleton schedule" at this time.
The runways were not damaged from last weekend's earthquake. However, the airport's terminal was and is preventing airport staff from thoroughly screening passengers. A makeshift terminal has been set up in tents outside the airport.
The situation is expected to slowly improve as the first departing flight, a LAN Airlines Miami-bound aircraft, leaves the battered airport after midnight on Tuesday.
The airline's computer server and customer call center both were disrupted following the temblor. Logistical challenges continue even after both have since been restored.
Many connecting flights across South America run through Santiago, as it is LAN Airlines top hub, leaving a large number of passengers stranded at several airports across the region.
A spokesperson for LAN said it only expects to restart about 15% of its normal Santiago operation. The airline's first priority will be to get stranded passengers to their destinations using the reduced schedule. About 12 direct international flights out of Santiago will resume through Wednesday.
The airline reportedly will not sell new tickets to or from Santiago at least through Sunday. It was still evaluating its schedule for flights after 5 March. Travelers seeking further information on LAN flights were advised to call 866 435 9526. Please be advised that since the earthquake, LAN's call center and telephone lines are clogged.
Aviation Week reported on Tuesday that other airlines' flight schedules at Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport will improve as "airport facilities allow." American Airlines reportedly is expecting service to return to normal quickly. A spokesperson said anyone ticketed to fly between now and 5 March, may delay departure as late as 8 March.
Some flights destined for Santiago were diverted to other airports in Antofagasta and La Serena.
As of Tuesday afternoon, Concepcion's airport remained closed to commercial traffic.
Also reported, the U.S. State Department has warned travelers to defer all nonessential travel to Chile. The most damage from the 8.8-magnitude earthquake was in Concepcion, Talcahuano, and Temuco, which are nearest the epicenter.
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