How pilots land aircraft at Marambio Base, Argentina’s most challenging Antarctic airstrip
Air Force pilots face one of the most demanding landings at Argentina’s Marambio Base in Antarctica, touching down on a natural runway made of permanently frozen ground and rock, while contending with extreme winds, snow and rapidly changing weather conditions. Leer más
Landing at Argentina's Marambio Base, the nation's most challenging Antarctic airstrip, is an intricate aviation operation. Situated on an elevated plateau, the research station serves as the country's primary gateway to Antarctica, remaining operational year-round. However, unlike typical airports, the runway at Marambio Base is unpaved and sits atop a permafrost surface, a solidified layer of ground composed of soil, rocks, and gravel.
Positioned nearly 200 meters above sea level, the 1,208-meter-long and 40-meter-wide runway demands exceptional precision during landing maneuvers.
The base primarily accommodates the Argentine Air Force's Lockheed C-130 Hercules, while other aircraft such as the Saab 340, Fokker F-28, and Twin Otter also make use of the facility for logistical purposes. The environment is rife with snow, ice, and strong winds, with wind gusts occasionally reaching nearly 150 kilometers per hour during the year.
These conditions are exacerbated by frequent reductions in visibility brought on by storms and local weather phenomena. One such phenomenon, known as the "capuchón" or "hood," involves a fog formation surrounding the plateau that can drastically reduce visibility, making landings and take-offs impossible until weather conditions improve.
Written by urgent.news from Buenos Aires Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
