From media reports: eTurbo News reported on Wednesday that TAM Airlines has resumed flights at the Santiago airport. The first TAM flight to depart Santiago since the Chilean earthquake occurred left for Sao Paulo, Brazil, late Tuesday. An arriving flight from Sao Paulo landed Wednesday in Santiago.
Authorities opened Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport on Tuesday, allowing a limited number of commercial flights.
TAM Airlines is requesting permission to put on extra flights and fly larger aircraft to assist with the backlog of passengers wanting to fly to and from Santiago.
A spokesperson for TAM said passengers affected by the airport closure in Santiago with TAM Airline tickets on flights JJ, PZ, and JJ*, may exchange their tickets for alternative dates of travel up to 30 March 2010, without penalties for refunds or revalidation, "subject to availability in the cabin of the original reservation."
Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport's international and domestic terminals were damaged by Saturday's massive earthquake and are not operational. Authorities have set up giant tents to accommodate the thousands of stranded travelers anxious to catch a flight.
Chile's National Emergency Office, known as Onemi, said Wednesday the Santiago airport is operating international and national flights with restrictions. Onemi said 60% of national flights were operating on Wednesday.
LAN Airlines said Wednesday it was now operating 20% of its normal flights out of Santiago.
Delta Airlines said its daily service between Santiago and Atlanta will resume on Thursday.
The spokesperson for Onemi also said the Rancagua Airport, south of Santiago, is open for emergency flights only, while the airfield in the seaside resort of Constitucion is only operating during daylight hours with small aircraft.
The airport in Temuco, which is located about 100 kilometers south of Concepcion, is operational, while the Osorno and Puerto Montt airports are only operating special flights.
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