There are three practical ways to reach the Falkland Islands: the weekly LATAM flight through Chile, the UK Ministry of Defence Airbridge from RAF Brize Norton, or a cruise itinerary that calls at the islands. For most independent land-based travelers, the Chile route is the main commercial option.
The important planning detail is that Falklands access is limited enough to shape your whole itinerary. Check the international route first, then build accommodation, transfers, and any outer-island travel around the dates you can actually secure.
Last verified: September 2026. The official Falkland Islands Tourist Board currently lists LATAM’s Saturday service through Chile and the twice-weekly UK Airbridge. The former midweek São Paulo service has not yet been reinstated.
Option 1: LATAM through Chile
LATAM operates the main scheduled international airline service to Mount Pleasant Airport (MPN). The flight runs every Saturday from Santiago, Chile, with a stop at Punta Arenas before continuing to the Falklands.
Once a month, the route also calls at Rio Gallegos in Argentina. The exact northbound and southbound pattern should be checked when you book.
This is the route most travelers from the Americas and many other long-haul markets use. If you are flying from the United States, our US-to-Falklands route guide covers the connection in more detail.
Is the São Paulo flight operating?
Not according to the current official visitor information. The Falkland Islands Tourist Board says the previously planned Wednesday LATAM service from São Paulo remains suspended following Covid-19 and has not yet been reinstated.
Because older guides still mention São Paulo and Córdoba as active stops, this is an easy detail to get wrong. Do not book a Brazil connection around that route unless LATAM and the official Falklands schedule show it has returned.
Option 2: the UK Airbridge from Brize Norton
The UK Ministry of Defence operates a fare-paying service from RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire to Mount Pleasant. Current official visitor information describes it as twice weekly, with outbound departures from the UK on Sundays and Wednesdays and a refuelling stop at Ascension Island.
Civilian seats are limited and the booking process is different from a normal commercial airline. If this route suits your trip, contact the Falkland Islands Government Office in London for current booking information.
The Airbridge can be especially useful for UK-based visitors or travelers already spending time in Britain.
Option 3: visit by cruise ship
Cruise ships visit the Falklands during the main visitor season, with itineraries ranging from large South America cruises to smaller expedition voyages that combine the Falklands with South Georgia and Antarctica.
A cruise is a good fit if you want the Falklands as one part of a wider voyage. A land-based trip is better if you want several days in Stanley, specific wildlife photography, private tours, or overnight stays on outer islands.
If cruise travel is your focus, see reasons to cruise the Falkland Islands and our guide to private shore excursions.
Where do international flights arrive?
International flights arrive at Mount Pleasant Airport (MPN) on East Falkland, not at Stanley Airport. MPN is roughly an hour by road from Stanley.
Airport transfers should be arranged before arrival. Read our Mount Pleasant Airport guide for transfer, arrival, and airport details.
How do you travel between islands after arriving?
FIGAS, the Falkland Islands Government Air Service, handles much of the domestic flying between Stanley and remote settlements or outer islands. It works as an air-taxi service, not a standard fixed-timetable airline.
- Confirm accommodation before booking FIGAS.
- The daily flight schedule is normally published the afternoon before travel.
- Visitor baggage allowance is 20 kg.
- Weather can change timings, so do not build a zero-buffer itinerary.
The first-time Falklands trip planner explains how to combine Stanley, FIGAS, accommodation, and outer-island travel.
Entry requirements before you travel
Current Falkland Islands Government guidance says your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. Land-based travelers should also have onward travel arrangements, pre-booked accommodation, sufficient funds, and adequate medical insurance.
Customs & Immigration specifies medical insurance that covers aeromedical evacuation to a minimum value of US$2,000,000 equivalent. Visa rules depend on nationality.
Check the complete Falkland Islands entry requirements before booking non-refundable travel.
How far ahead should you book?
Peak wildlife travel is not a good last-minute market. Small lodges can have very few rooms, and your international flight dates need to line up with them. For a December-to-February trip or a route involving outer islands, several months of lead time is sensible.
Use our Falkland Islands booking timeline for practical ranges by season and trip style.
Which route is best for you?
- Traveling through the Americas: the Saturday LATAM route through Chile is usually the most practical.
- Starting in the UK: compare LATAM via South America with the Brize Norton Airbridge.
- Taking a polar or South America cruise: a ship can include the Falklands without a separate international flight into MPN.
- Planning an outer-island wildlife trip: choose the international route that best matches the scarce accommodation and FIGAS pattern.
Official sources to verify before booking
- Falkland Islands Tourist Board: Getting Here
- Falkland Islands Tourist Board: Independent Travel
- Falkland Islands Customs & Immigration: Visitor Permit
- LATAM or the Falkland Islands Government Office for live ticket availability.
FAQs
Are there direct flights from the United States to the Falkland Islands?
No. Most US travelers connect through Santiago, Chile, then take LATAM’s Saturday service via Punta Arenas to Mount Pleasant Airport.
How often does LATAM fly to the Falkland Islands?
Current official visitor information lists a weekly Saturday service from Santiago via Punta Arenas, with a monthly Rio Gallegos pattern.
Is the São Paulo flight currently operating?
The Falkland Islands Tourist Board currently says the midweek São Paulo route has not yet been reinstated after its pandemic suspension.
How do you fly to the Falklands from the UK?
The UK Ministry of Defence operates a fare-paying Airbridge from RAF Brize Norton, normally twice weekly with a refuelling stop at Ascension Island.
Which airport do international flights use?
International services use Mount Pleasant Airport (MPN) on East Falkland. Stanley Airport is used for domestic FIGAS flying.
Can you reach the Falkland Islands by cruise ship?
Yes. Many South Atlantic, South America, and polar itineraries call at the Falklands during the main visitor season.
