Pedernales Airport

Pedernales Airport: The Golden Portal for Aces to the Wild Delta Amacuro

Introduction

Pedernales Airport (IATA: PDZ, ICAO: SVPE), located in the Delta Amacuro region of Venezuela or more specifically known as a state situated here, is a tiny airport that nevertheless represents an important reference point for those traveling to this faraway and intriguing part of off-the-beaten-track Venezuela. This airport provides essential access to the unique and largely undisturbed area in Venezuela, serving as the gateway to Pedernales.

Airlines and Destinations

While it is small, Pedernales Airport performs and serves a very important duty for its community. The airport at present is exclusively served by the national carrier Avior Airlines, which flies in and out of the capital city Caracas. The flights connect residents and travelers in the region to key services, as well as offering them a way to discover everything Delta Amacuro has to offer.

Passenger and Flight Data

Because Pedernales is remote and has a relatively low headcount of inhabitants, the airport services just 31,000 passengers. (Photo from FlightGlobal) The airport closed for passengers in 2023, serving about 15K (an average of three or four flights per day to/from Caracas). Although these are relatively low numbers, they provide essential local support.

How to Get Here

You can access the Pedernales Airport as it is a bit complicated, since you will get to this village by either boat or air. General José Antonio Anzoátegui International Airport (IATA: BLA) located approximately 200 km away in the city of Barcelona is the nearest major airport. The only way from there would be either a domestic flight to Pedernales or by land, where the trip can at times become wearisome.

Parking

Parking at Pedernales Airport is pretty simple, with a small lot situated right in front of the terminal building. The car park is provided free of charge to all visitors with no time restrictions or in relation to length of stay.

Transportation Prices

If you are traveling on a budget, keep in mind that Pedernales Airport is located fairly remotely and has very little infrastructure, so this can make getting to/from the airport relatively expensive. It is 20 minutes by one-way taxi ($100) from General José Antonio Anzoátegui International Airport to Pedernales Airport, and the journey takes between $50-$100 per person with a private boat transfer costing.

Terminal Layout

Let Pedernales Airport surprise you with all the essentials that a single-terminal facility brings. The terminal building has a check-in counter, just enough seating to accommodate all passengers, and little else besides some basic baggage claim facilities. The lounges are simple, albeit freshly maintained, and provide a comfortable environment for passengers.

Navigate the Airport

Pedernales Airport is not a commercial facility, which is why finding your way around the small building that comprises basic facilities (arrivals and departures areas) is very straightforward. Upon arriving, passengers will find the check-in counters and security screening zone just to their left, with the area where guests wait for their flight along the baggage claim located in the rollout area. Signage is straightforward and easy to navigate, thus allowing for an efficient and unflustered experience.

Getting Between Terminals

Pedernales is just one spot on the map, so you only have to walk from your plane back up. It is a compact building which consists of all the arrivals and departures, connected by walkways so that moving between piers can be done easily.

Services and Amenities

No matter what, Pedernales Airport is a small airport capable of providing essential services and requirements. Such facilities encompass a small café offering snacks and light meals, a simple duty-free store, as well as several seating areas where passengers can sit down and unwind. There are also primitive washrooms available at the airport, as well as a small information desk that can help with any inquiries or troubles.

Restaurants and Shops

There is a small café located in the terminal building, but there are few other dining and shopping options at Pedernales Airport. The café offers a variety of small snacks, hot and cold drinks, as well as several simple meal choices. To get away from it all, you can take a taxi about five minutes to explore the village of Pedernales for dining and shopping.

Security and Customs

Pedernales Airport offers a simple and quick security checkpoint check-in for a small domestic airport. Travelers should be prepared to pass through common safety tests, in addition to having their small baggage and limited personal items checked. The customs process is fast-tracked, with additional officers present for anyone needing any paperwork or declarations.

Accessibility

Pedernales Airport is dedicated to providing a convenient experience for all travelers, including people with disabilities. The terminal building is equipped with ramps and reserved parking spaces for the convenience of passengers with reduced mobility, in addition to receiving preparation by airport staff. In addition, the airport offers prams and there are facilities for travelers with visual or hearing impairments.

Travel Tips

• Don't book last minute to this area, as there are only one or a few daily flights, so it gets booked fast.
• Ground Handling at TOS - The airport is small, you may not always find facilities for your large-sized baggage.
• Get there with a little time to spare: it is at least somewhat remote, and reasonably rough around the edges, so unexpected delays are not unheard of.
• Come fully loaded for this, as one of those places to visit where the word "travel" takes on a different meaning, or any other you can come up with, since Pedernales and in general at Delta Amacuro give us unspoiled Venezuela.