Date: October 15, 2014
While the countries that make up the Caribbean, Central & South America may well be amongst the most stunning in the world, their airports hardly do them justice. Trips to the region too often begin and end with headaches in the various national airports. Some travellers find it is the long immigration lines that test their patience – while others are horrified by the overcrowded facilities and the lack of comfortable seating (or chairs at all)! Unsurprisingly, the food and shopping facilities hardly save the airport experience. While perhaps a short trip through one of these airports is less-than-pleasant but manageable, things really begin to deteriorate when smacked with a weather-related delay or cancellation. Small terminals filled with frustrated passengers can really begin to test even the most laid-back of travellers.
If travelling to this year’s worst airports in this region, be sure to pack a few extra airport survival amenities – including earplugs, a pillow, some Spanish or Portuguese vocab and plenty of patience.
Here are the Top 10 Worst Airports in the Caribbean, Central & South America based on overall airport experience as determined by voters in our 2014 Airport Survey:
- Caracas Simón Bolívar International Airport, Venezuela (CCS)
- Cusco Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, Peru (CUZ)
- São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport, Brazil (GRU)
- Havana José Martí International Airport, Cuba (HAV)
- Port au Prince Toussaint Louverture International Airport, Haiti (PAP)
- Varadero Juan Gualberto Gómez International Airport, Cuba (VRA)
- La Paz El Alto International Airport, Bolivia (LPB)
- Iquitos Coronel FAP Fancisco Secada Vignetta International Airport, Peru (IQT)
- Tegucigalpa Toncontín International Airport, Honduras (TGU)
- Rio de Janeiro-Galeão International Airport, Brazil (GIG)
Never fear though – air travel in this region isn’t all bad. Continue on to read about the Best Airports in the Caribbean, Central & South America!