Landing at Cusco (SPZO) – Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport

Overview of SPZO – Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport

Operators planning flights to Teniente Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (SPZO) in Cusco, southeastern Peru, must be fully aware of the operational hazards associated with the airport’s location and operating environment before arrival.

Cusco Airport is Peru’s second busiest airport and handles over a million passengers every year. It is the most commonly used entry airport for passengers visiting Machu Picchu, located near the Urubamba Valley of the Andes mountain range.

Teniente Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport is identified by the following details:

IATA code: CUZ

ICAO code: SPZO

Coordinates: 13°32′08″S 71°56′37″W

Elevation: 10,860 feet / 3,310 meters

Magnetic variation: 5° West

The airport’s elevation exceeds 10,000 feet above sea level. Due to this elevation, Cusco Airport operates under specific visibility restrictions and is limited to daylight operations only, as a visual approach is required for landing.

Runway Configuration & Directional Procedures

Cusco Airport operates with a single runway, designated Runway 10/28. All aircraft follow a strict one-direction operational flow when arriving and departing SPZO.

Landings are conducted exclusively on Runway 28, while all departures take place from Runway 10. This directional restriction applies to all aircraft operating into and out of the airport and must be adhered to at all times.

The surrounding terrain dictates this operational flow, and no alternative runway usage is permitted. As a result, pilots and operators must plan arrivals and departures in accordance with this fixed runway direction.

Visual-Only Approach Restrictions

Landing at Cusco Airport is restricted to daylight hours only. Nighttime landings are not permitted under any circumstance.

Due to the airport’s elevation and surrounding terrain, a visual approach is mandatory in order to land. There are visibility restrictions associated with this requirement, and operations depend entirely on suitable visual conditions.

Pilots must be aware that landing permission is contingent on the ability to conduct a visual approach. These restrictions are a fundamental part of operations at SPZO and must be factored into all flight planning.

Operational Hazards & Performance Concerns

The high elevation of Cusco Airport presents specific operational considerations for aircraft performance. At over 10,000 feet above sea level, reduced air density affects aircraft operations during landing and departure.

Operators must ensure that flight crews are fully aware of the potential issues associated with operating at this elevation. These conditions require careful preparation and understanding of the airport’s operational environment.

Prior to landing permission being granted, the Pilot-in-Command is required to sign an affidavit confirming that a specific procedural video outlining the landing requirements has been reviewed and understood.

Pilot Perspectives & Community Insights

Cusco Airport is widely regarded within the aviation community as a challenging airport to operate into and out of due to its elevation, visual-only approach requirements, and terrain.

Pilot feedback highlights the demanding nature of operations at SPZO, particularly during approach and departure phases. These perspectives reinforce the importance of preparation, procedural compliance, and situational awareness when operating at Cusco.

Operators are strongly advised to ensure that all crew members are fully briefed and familiar with the operational constraints before conducting flights into SPZO.

Airport Traffic, Operations & Capacity

Cusco Airport continues to handle a significant volume of air traffic and remains Peru’s second busiest airport. Its role as the primary entry point for travelers to the Cusco region makes it a critical component of the country’s aviation network.

Despite this traffic volume, operations remain constrained by the airport’s location, elevation, and procedural limitations. All movements must comply with the established operational framework governing SPZO.

Transition & Future Capacity Planning

At present, Teniente Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport continues to serve as Cusco’s primary airport. Operators must plan all flights in accordance with the existing operational procedures and restrictions in place at SPZO.

For official airport information, operators may refer to the Corporación Peruana de Aeropuertos y Aviación Comercial website at http://www.corpac.gob.pe/.

For flight support to Cusco or anywhere in South America, contact UAS.