Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport

SCEL / SCL

Santiago, CL

Last Updated
Jul 4, 05:00Z

Current Weather

Display Units
Recent 53 min ago
05:00Z

🌙 Night
MVFR
Flight Rules
2°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: -1°C
2 kt
Variable
8 km
Visibility
Ceiling
Unlimited
1017 hPa
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR SCEL 040500Z VRB02KT 8000 NSC 02/M01 Q1017 NOSIG

Weather Briefing

MVFR

Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport is currently reporting marginal VFR (MVFR) conditions with clear skies and 8 km visibility.

Wind Analysis

Winds are calm, presenting no crosswind concerns for any runway.

Visibility & Ceiling

Visibility is 8 km, below VFR minimums in some airspace classifications. Check local requirements before departing VFR. Skies are clear with unlimited ceiling.

Temperature & Moisture

Temperature is 2°C (36°F) with a dewpoint of -1°C. The narrow temperature-dewpoint spread suggests high humidity and potential for visibility restrictions, especially during cooling periods.

Forecast Outlook

The TAF forecast covers the next 24 hours. The forecast shows a transition between VFR and IFR conditions. Pilots should monitor the forecast closely and have an alternate airport plan. Expected weather includes: Haze. Temporary IFR conditions are forecast with Haze between 09:00Z and 13:00Z.

Pilot Recommendations

VFR pilots should exercise caution. Consider filing IFR if instrument rated, or postponing the flight if conditions are expected to deteriorate further. The narrow temperature-dewpoint spread creates risk of fog formation, particularly during evening and early morning hours. The forecast indicates conditions may deteriorate. Ensure you have fuel reserves and a viable alternate airport.

This briefing is generated from real-time METAR and TAF data. Always verify with official sources before flight.

QNH
1017 hPa
Sea Level Pressure
For altitude above MSL
QFE
965 hPa
Field Pressure
Height above aerodrome (1,555 ft)
Pressure Alt
1,443 ft
QNE Reference
Standard: 1013 hPa
Density Altitude: 256 ft
ISA Deviation: -9.9°C

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF SCEL 032200Z 0400/0424 19010KT CAVOK TX10/0419Z TN00/0410Z BECMG 0401/0403 VRB02KT TEMPO 0409/0413 4000 HZ BECMG 0415/0417 20012KT BECMG 0419/0421 FEW020 BKN100
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
05:53Z BASE
+0h
VFR 190° 10 kt
Visibility: >10km
09:00Z TEMPO
+4h
IFR
Visibility: 4 km
Haze
15:00Z BECMG
+10h
VFR 200° 12 kt

24-Hour Weather Evolution

Loading weather data...
Data Sources
  • • Current conditions from METAR observations
  • • Historical data from past 24 hours
  • • No forecast or predicted data included
  • • Data updated with each new METAR report
Chart Features
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Note: Future values beyond current TAF validity are estimates based on climatological data and trends. Always verify with current forecasts before flight operations.

Airport Runway Layout

N
CEL
17L
35R
17R
35L

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
17L/35R 12,303 ft 180 ft ASP 178° No wind data
17R/35L 12,303 ft 148 ft ASP 177° No wind data
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - SCEL

6,777 observations | Sep 2025 - Jul 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
74.1%
MVFR
19.8%
IFR
3.4%
LIFR
2.7%

Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport typically experiences VFR conditions 74.1% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 6.1% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the S averaging 7.7 knots, with gusts recorded up to 130 knots. Temperature extremes range from -3°C to 35°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. The best months for VFR flying are February, March, December.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: S (180°)
Average Speed: 7.7 kt
Maximum Recorded: 130 kt
Calm Winds: 6.5%
Direction Distribution:
E
1.4%
N
6.2%
S
39.5%
W
3.7%
NE
3%
NW
2.6%
SE
20.7%
SW
16.5%

Temperature Range

Average: 17.2°C
Range: -3°C to 35°C
-3°C 35°C

Visibility

Average: 10 SM
Below 3 SM: 0%
Fog Frequency: 4.6%

Best Months for VFR

February March December

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 17L/35R
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 3.2 kt
Runway 17R/35L
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 3.2 kt

Statistics computed from 6,777 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Jul 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.

Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: SCEL
IATA Code: SCL
Type: large airport
Status: active
Elevation: 1,555 ft MSL

Location

City: Santiago
Country: CL
Latitude: -33.393002°
Longitude: -70.785797°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT+5

Runway Information

Runway 17L/35R
Length: 12,303 ft
Width: 180 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No
Runway 17R/35L
Length: 12,303 ft
Width: 148 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No

About Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport

Overview

Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport serves as the primary international airport for Santiago, Chile's capital city. Located at coordinates -33.393002, -70.785797, this large airport sits at an elevation of 1555 feet above mean sea level. It supports comprehensive commercial and international flight operations with its substantial infrastructure.

Flying Conditions

Santiago's airport experiences varied meteorological conditions typical of central Chile's intermediate climate zone. The airport's high elevation at 1555 ft MSL and proximity to the Andes mountains can create complex atmospheric interactions affecting local wind patterns and visibility. Pilots should anticipate potential wind shear and turbulence, particularly during seasonal transition periods.

Notable Features

The airport features two parallel runways (17L/35R and 17R/35L), each measuring 12,303 feet in length and constructed with asphalt surfaces. These parallel runways provide significant operational flexibility, allowing simultaneous approach and departure procedures. The geographic positioning near the Andes creates unique terrain-influenced aeronautical considerations for arriving and departing aircraft.

Approach Considerations

Runway orientation (17/35) suggests prevailing wind patterns typically favor north-south approaches. The substantial runway lengths of 12,303 feet provide ample space for diverse aircraft types, from regional jets to wide-body international carriers. Pilots should prepare for potential mountainous terrain influences during approach and departure phases, maintaining heightened situational awareness.

Data Sources & Accuracy: Airport information sourced from OurAirports.com, a collaborative database of worldwide airport data. Weather data from official aviation weather services including NOAA Aviation Weather Center and international METAR/TAF providers. Information is updated regularly but pilots should always verify current conditions and NOTAMs through official channels before flight operations.

Official Data Sources

Weather NOAA Aviation Weather Center • International METAR/TAF Network
Airports OurAirports.com • Public domain airport database
NOTAMs FAA NOTAM System • ICAO NOTAM Distribution
Last updated: Jan 1, 1970 12:00 AM UTC

Disclaimer: Data is provided for informational purposes only. Pilots must verify all information through official sources before flight operations. Weather conditions change rapidly; always obtain a current briefing from approved weather services.