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Managua Sandino Airport MGA

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Managua Sandino Airport (MGA) Guide

Welcome to Managua Sandino Airport, the gateway to Nicaragua and the only airport in the country with a volcanic ash runway. This concise guide offers essential information to streamline your journey, including flight updates, parking, and amenities. For a deeper dive into airport insights, visit our Comprehensive Airport Guide on iFly.

Managua Airport has one terminal building with two levels. The ground level is used for arrivals and the upper level is used for departures. The terminal has a total of 10 gates, with gates 1-5 located on the left side of the terminal and gates 6-10 located on the right side.

The terminal is divided into two concourses, North and South. The North concourse has gates 1-3 and is used by major airlines such as American Airlines and Delta. The South concourse has gates 4-10 and is used by airlines such as Copa Airlines and United Airlines.

When navigating the terminal, passengers can find check-in counters on the upper level, near the entrance to the terminal. After passing through security, passengers can find a variety of food and beverage options, as well as duty-free shops, on both the North and South concourses. Restrooms and airline lounges are also located throughout the terminal.

Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.

Connecting Between Terminals

MGA has only one terminal building, so passengers do not need to worry about getting between terminals. All flights, domestic and international, arrive and depart from the same terminal. The terminal building is small and easy to navigate, with all necessary facilities located within easy walking distance of each other. Passengers can expect to spend minimal time in the terminal building before proceeding to their gate or exiting the airport.

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

At Managua Airport, passengers can be picked up and dropped off at the curbside of the terminal building. However, there are restrictions on curbside parking, and vehicles cannot be left unattended. Drivers should remain with their vehicles at all times while waiting for passengers.

For those who need to wait for arriving passengers, there are cell-phone waiting areas available. These areas are located near the airport, and drivers can wait in their vehicles until they receive a call from their passengers indicating that they are ready to be picked up. This helps to alleviate congestion at the terminal curbside and ensures a smooth flow of traffic.

Parking Facilities & Options

MGA offers several parking options for travelers. There are both covered and uncovered parking lots available, as well as a parking garage for those who prefer a more secure option. The parking facilities are located within walking distance of the terminal, making it easy to get to your gate without having to worry about a long walk.

For those who prefer to wait in their car for their arriving party, there is a cell phone waiting area located near the airport. This area allows you to park your car and wait for your party to call you before heading to the terminal to pick them up.

Handicapped parking is available in all parking areas, with designated spots located close to the terminal for easy access.

If you're looking for a more economical parking option, off-airport parking is available near MGA Airport. These lots offer shuttle service to and from the airport, making it easy to get to your gate without having to worry about parking or transportation.

Get details about the airport parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.

Transportation Options

Managua Sandino Airport offers a variety of ground transportation options for travelers arriving and departing from the airport.

For those looking to rent a car, there are several car rental facilities available at the airport, including major providers such as Avis, Budget, and Hertz. Visitors can easily rent a car upon arrival and explore the city at their own pace.

Taxi services are also available at the airport, with designated drop-off areas located outside the terminal. Fares vary depending on the destination, so it's best to confirm the price with the driver before beginning the journey.

Shared ride services, such as Uber and Lyft, are also available at Managua Airport. Passengers can arrange for pickup at designated areas outside the terminal, but it's important to note that some restrictions may apply depending on the service provider.

Airport shuttles are a convenient option for those traveling to nearby hotels or other destinations. Shuttles typically operate on a fixed schedule and offer pickup and drop-off services at designated areas outside the terminal. Fares vary depending on the destination and the shuttle provider.

For those looking for a more affordable option, public transportation is also available at MGA. Buses and taxis operate from the airport to various parts of the city, with fares starting at just a few dollars.

Airport Hotels

Whether you're on a layover, an overnight stay, or a longer stopover, you'll find plenty of hotel options to accommodate your needs. From the convenience of the Best Western Las Mercedes Airport just a short stroll away, to the comfort of the Casa Robles - Room close to Airport #1, there's a hotel to fit every budget and preference. Some hotels even offer added benefits like complimentary WiFi, free parking, and proximity to local attractions like the Catedral de Santiago. For travelers who value comfort and convenience, options such as the Hotel Globales Camino Real Managua and the Airport X Managua offer a range of amenities including outdoor pools, bars, and even a casino in the case of the former. For those who prefer a more homely environment, the Runway Apt 108 and Casa 114 offer apartment-style accommodations with kitchens and terraces. With a variety of options to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect hotel to suit your needs and make your stay as comfortable and convenient as possible. View all Managua Airport Hotels now.

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

MGA Airport offers a variety of dining and shopping options for travelers. For a quick bite, head to Burger King located in the main terminal. If you prefer a sit-down meal, try out La Cocina de Dona Haydee, a local Nicaraguan restaurant that serves traditional dishes such as gallo pinto and carne asada. For those in the mood for something sweet, there is a Cinnabon located near the departure gates.

When it comes to shopping, there are several options available at the airport. For duty-free shopping, head to Dufry located in the international departure area. If you need to pick up some last-minute souvenirs, there is a gift shop located near the check-in counters. For those in need of reading material for their flight, there is a newsstand located near the departure gates.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at Managua Sandino Airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and newsstands, browse the full directory here.

Passenger Services

MGA Airport offers a range of passenger services to ensure a comfortable and stress-free travel experience.

For those needing to stay connected, free wifi access is available throughout the airport.

If you have lost an item during your travels, the airport's lost and found department is located in the terminal building and can assist you in retrieving your belongings.

Traveling with children? The airport has designated children's areas where kids can play and burn off energy before their flight.

The airport also provides special-needs services for passengers with disabilities or mobility issues. These services include wheelchair assistance and accessible restrooms.

If you need to access banking services, there are ATMs and currency exchange kiosks located throughout the terminal building.

In case of a medical emergency, the airport has a medical center staffed with trained professionals who can provide assistance.

Flight Status Info

As an air traveler, it's important to stay up-to-date on the status of your flight, especially if there are any delays, cancellations, or gate changes. Luckily, there are several ways to get flight status information at the airport.

One way to check your flight status is by using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS). These displays are located throughout the airport and provide real-time updates on flight departures, arrivals, and gate information. Simply find your flight on the display and check the status.

Another way to stay informed is by using airline mobile phone apps. Most airlines have their own apps that allow passengers to check their flight status, receive alerts about delays or cancellations, and even check in for their flight. Passengers can also sign up for text, email, and push notifications through these apps to receive updates on their flight status.

Lastly, passengers can check the status of their flight departure at Managua Sandino Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Helpful Tips

When to Arrive

It is recommended that passengers arrive at MGA at least two hours before their scheduled departure time. This will allow enough time for check-in, security screening, and any unexpected delays. The busiest times at the airport are typically during the early morning and late afternoon, so it is best to avoid these times if possible.

Getting to the Airport

The easiest way to get to MGA Airport is by taxi or private car. There are also several shuttle services available, which can be booked in advance. Public transportation is also an option, but it can be unreliable and may take longer to reach the airport. It is important to factor in traffic and potential delays when planning transportation to the airport.

Getting Oriented

The airport can be a bit confusing for first-time visitors. To help navigate the airport, it is recommended to use iFly.com's interactive airport maps. These maps provide detailed information about the airport layout, including the location of gates, restaurants, and other amenities. They can also help passengers find their way to baggage claim and ground transportation.

Avoiding Delays

To avoid delays at Managua Sandino Airport, it is important to arrive early and be prepared for security screening. Passengers should also check their flight status regularly, as delays and cancellations can occur due to weather or other factors. It is also recommended to pack light and avoid bringing prohibited items in carry-on luggage, as this can cause delays during the security screening process.

Airport Facts & Stats

Managua Airport, also known as Augusto C. Sandino International Airport, is the main airport serving Nicaragua's capital city, Managua. The airport has a single terminal building that handles both domestic and international flights.

The top airlines with the most daily flights at MGA are Copa Airlines, American Airlines, and Avianca. On average, the airport handles around 8,000 passengers daily and has approximately 100 daily flights.

MGA Airport serves over 20 destinations in North and Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. The top 5 destinations served by the airport are Panama City, Miami, San Salvador, Houston, and Guatemala City.

Several air carriers use the airport as a hub, including Copa Airlines and Avianca.

Airport History

The Managua Sandino Airport, located in Nicaragua's capital city of Managua, has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s. Here are some significant events in the airport's history:

  • 1929 - The airport was first established as a military airfield by the United States Marine Corps during the occupation of Nicaragua.
  • 1931 - The airport was officially opened for commercial use, with the first flight departing to Miami, Florida.
  • 1948 - The airport was renamed to its current name, in honor of Augusto C. Sandino, a Nicaraguan revolutionary leader.
  • 1960s - The airport underwent major renovations and expansions, including the construction of a new terminal building and runway.
  • 1972 - A devastating earthquake struck Nicaragua, causing significant damage to the airport and its facilities.
  • 1996 - The airport was closed for several months due to political unrest and violence in Nicaragua.
  • 2007 - A new international terminal building was opened, increasing the airport's capacity and modernizing its facilities.
  • 2018 - The airport was temporarily closed due to civil unrest and protests in Nicaragua.

Today, the Managua Sandino Airport serves as the main international gateway to Nicaragua, connecting the country to destinations across the Americas and beyond.

Airport Contact Information

For more information about Managua Sandino Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

  • IATA Code: MGA
  • Airport Website
  • Phone: +505 2276 9180
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Mailing Address: Augusto C. Sandino International Airport, Km 11 Carretera Norte, Managua, Nicaragua

Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).

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