Turismo Chile Issues Update #3 on Earthquake Damage

Santiago International Airport

Santiago's International Airport is now operating 80% of scheduled flights. National carrier LAN Airlines reports that they are currently operating 65% of regularly scheduled flights in and out of Santiago including domestic and international flights. North American carriers Air Canada, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines have all resumed flights to Santiago. All domestic flight arrivals and departures are operating out of a makeshift terminal set up in tents located to the east of the airport's old terminal. International flight departures have temporarily moved to the domestic flights sector of the current terminal. International arriving passengers clear Chilean customs and immigration formalities in a makeshift facility set up in tents to the west of the current terminal. All passengers should contact their airline for updated information on flight schedules and changes.

Hotel Infrastructure

The Radisson Hotel Santiago North located in one of Santiago's prominent business and industrial areas has reported structural damage and has been closed. Guests have been transferred to the Radisson Plaza at the World Trade Center in Santiago. Regal Pacific Hotel has reported that its property has not suffered any structural damage and is accepting guests. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide reported that all of their properties including Sheraton Santiago Hotel & Convention Center, San Cristóbal Tower, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Four Points by Sheraton Santiago, W Santiago, Sheraton Miramar Hotel & Convention Center and Four Points by Sheraton Los Angeles have not suffered any damages. All properties are operating normally with the exception of the Four Points by Sheraton in the southern city of Los Angeles which will begin to accept reservations starting March 20th. The Ritz Carlton Santiago, Marriott Santiago, and Crowne Plaza Santiago have reported that their properties haven't suffered any structural damage and are fully operational.

Roads

The road between Santiago and Valparaiso is open but the trip takes a little longer than usual due to some damaged bridges along the way. Valparaiso's Port Market is reporting structural damage and has been closed by the city. Long distance bus service to the south of Chile is operating on a restricted schedule as some of the roads around the city of Concepción, close to the earthquake's epicenter, have been highly damaged.

Wine Regions

With respect to infrastructure in the Colchagua Valley, the wineries have suffered damage to their cellars, although none that will affect the current crush season or production of bottled wine. As the supply of electricity returns to full capacity, vineyard operations such as irrigation will return to normal. The transportation systems are now functioning. In sum, although this earthquake has altered the normal operations of the industry, winery operations is expected to will be completely reestablished and tourism will flourish once again in a very short time.

Chile's annual Wine Harvest Festival in March has been suspended. The yearly event coinciding with the Southern Hemisphere wine harvest season will not take place this year.
US and Canadian tour operators and media requiring additional information or assistance can contact Turismo Chile at ofitur@embassyofchile.org