There are two practical air routes for most visitors flying to the Falkland Islands in 2026: the weekly LATAM service through Chile and the UK Ministry of Defence Airbridge from RAF Brize Norton. Both arrive at Mount Pleasant Airport (MPN) on East Falkland.
The route choice matters because Falklands flights do not run with the frequency of a normal city destination. Build your accommodation, onward travel, and any outer-island plans around the international flight you can actually secure. Last verified: September 2026.
Falkland Islands flights at a glance
- LATAM: Saturday service from Santiago (SCL), stopping at Punta Arenas (PUQ) before Mount Pleasant (MPN).
- Monthly Argentina stop: the Saturday LATAM rotation calls at Rio Gallegos (RGL) once a month.
- UK Airbridge: twice-weekly fare-paying service from RAF Brize Norton, with a refuelling stop at Ascension Island.
- São Paulo route: the former Wednesday LATAM service has not yet restarted. Do not plan around it unless the official schedule changes.
For the broader air-and-sea picture, see our complete guide to getting to the Falkland Islands.
LATAM route through Chile
The Falkland Islands Tourist Board currently lists LATAM as the main scheduled international airline connection. The flight operates every Saturday from Santiago, Chile, stopping at Punta Arenas for Chilean formalities before continuing to Mount Pleasant.
Once a month, the same rotation also stops at Rio Gallegos in Argentina. The exact operating pattern can change, so check the official Getting Here page and LATAM before buying separate connecting tickets.
If you are coming from North America, this is usually the most straightforward pattern. Our US-to-Falklands route guide explains how to build the connection without putting a weekly flight at risk.
UK Airbridge from RAF Brize Norton
The UK Ministry of Defence operates a fare-paying Airbridge between RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire and Mount Pleasant, with a refuelling stop at Ascension Island. Current visitor information lists outbound UK departures on Sundays and Wednesdays, with return departures from the Falklands on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Civilian seats are available, but this is not a standard commercial-airline booking flow. Travelers should use the current Falkland Islands Government or Falkland Islands Government Office information for availability, baggage rules, and booking instructions.
Is the São Paulo flight operating?
Not currently. The official Falkland Islands Tourist Board says the midweek LATAM service from São Paulo remains suspended following Covid-19 and has not yet been reinstated. Older travel articles may still describe São Paulo and Córdoba as an active route, but that information should not be used for a 2026 booking.
What happens after you land at Mount Pleasant?
Mount Pleasant is outside Stanley, so your international arrival is only the first transport step. Most visitors continue by pre-arranged transfer or airport bus toward Stanley. If your itinerary includes Camp or the outer islands, your accommodation provider or operator can help line up the next leg.
Do not confuse Mount Pleasant with Stanley Airport. Mount Pleasant handles international arrivals; Stanley Airport is the hub for FIGAS domestic flights around the archipelago.
Using FIGAS for island hopping
FIGAS, the Falkland Islands Government Air Service, connects Stanley with settlements and outer islands. It works more like an air-taxi network than a fixed scheduled airline. Daily timings are built around demand, and the schedule is normally confirmed the afternoon before travel.
If you want to include places such as Carcass Island, plan the accommodation first and then fit FIGAS around the confirmed stay. Our independent trip planner explains the booking order in more detail.
Entry requirements that affect flight planning
A flight booking does not replace the normal visitor requirements. Current guidance says a passport must be valid for the duration of the stay. Visitors are normally granted permission to stay for up to one month on arrival, subject to the applicable nationality and permit rules.
Falkland Islands Customs & Immigration also requires visitors to be able to show onward travel, confirmed accommodation, sufficient funds, and adequate medical insurance. The visitor-permit guidance specifies aeromedical evacuation cover of at least US$2,000,000 equivalent. Check our Falkland Islands travel requirements guide before paying for non-refundable travel.
How early should you book?
There is no universal booking deadline, but limited international frequencies and small accommodation inventories make early planning sensible, especially for the December-to-February wildlife season. If you need a specific lodge or several island stays, start with the hardest-to-replace accommodation and then fit the international flight around it.
For practical lead times by trip type, see how far in advance to book a Falkland Islands trip.
Best time to fly for wildlife
For the broadest wildlife experience, most first-time visitors favor the southern spring and summer, with especially strong activity from November through February. The exact best month depends on whether you want courtship, nesting, chicks, fledging, seals, whales, or quieter travel.
Use the month-by-month wildlife calendar together with the best time to visit guide before choosing your flight week.
Official sources to check before booking
- Falkland Islands Tourist Board: Getting Here for current LATAM and Airbridge patterns.
- GOV.UK Falkland Islands entry requirements for passport and visitor guidance.
- Falkland Islands Customs & Immigration for visitor-permit and insurance requirements.
Final take
Flying to the Falkland Islands is straightforward once you plan around the limited schedule. Use LATAM through Chile or the UK Airbridge, treat the São Paulo route as unavailable unless official sources confirm its return, leave sensible connection buffers, and arrange your onward Falklands transport before arrival.
FAQs about flying to the Falkland Islands
How can I fly to the Falkland Islands?
Most visitors use LATAM’s weekly Saturday service from Santiago via Punta Arenas or the twice-weekly UK Airbridge from RAF Brize Norton to Mount Pleasant Airport.
Is the São Paulo to Falkland Islands flight operating in 2026?
The official Falkland Islands Tourist Board currently says the midweek São Paulo service has not yet been reinstated after its pandemic suspension.
How long must my passport be valid?
Current official guidance says your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. Transit countries and airlines can have separate document rules.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. Falkland Islands visitor guidance requires adequate medical insurance, including aeromedical evacuation cover of at least US$2,000,000 equivalent.
Does FIGAS fly internationally?
No. FIGAS is the domestic Falkland Islands Government Air Service used for travel between Stanley and settlements or outer islands.
