El Loa Airport — Calama, Chile

Copper defines the economy surrounding CJC nearly as much as tourism does, since Calama sits within reach of Chuquicamata, one of the largest open-pit copper mines anywhere on the planet, drawing a steady stream of mining industry personnel through the terminal. Perched at high elevation on Chile's arid northern plateau, El Loa Airport also functions as the main gateway for travelers heading toward San Pedro de Atacama, the desert town whose otherworldly salt flats, geysers, and stargazing conditions have made it one of Chile's premier tourist destinations. Frequent flights connect Calama to Santiago, reflecting demand from both industries. Extremely dry conditions and thin air at altitude are constant features of operations here, with the surrounding Atacama Desert ranking among the driest places on Earth.