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Mount Pleasant Airport (MPN/EGYP), also known as RAF Mount Pleasant, is a joint civil-military airfield on East Falkland, about 30 miles (48 km) southwest of Stanley. Opened in 1985, it serves as the Falkland Islands' main international gateway, with a long runway capable of handling wide-body aircraft. The civilian terminal is separate from the RAF station, which remains a key British military base in the South Atlantic.
💡 Local Tip
Frequent visitors know the weather can delay or divert flights at short notice, so build buffer time into your itinerary, especially if connecting to FIGAS flights from Stanley. Also, the wind on the apron is often stronger than it looks; hold onto hats and loose items.
🚖 Getting There
A shuttle bus typically meets scheduled arrivals and runs to Stanley, taking about 45-60 minutes; confirm the schedule with your tour operator or hotel. Taxis and rental cars are available but limited, so pre-booking is recommended. There is no regular public bus service, and the airport is remote, so arrange your onward transport before you land.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What airlines fly to Mount Pleasant Airport?
A: LATAM Airlines Chile operates a weekly passenger service between Santiago (SCL) and Mount Pleasant, usually via Punta Arenas (PUQ). The RAF also runs periodic Voyager flights from RAF Brize Norton via Ascension Island, mainly for military personnel and authorized passengers.
Q: How far is Mount Pleasant Airport from Stanley?
A: The airport is about 30 miles (48 km) southwest of Stanley, the capital. The drive takes roughly 45-60 minutes depending on weather and road conditions.
Q: Can civilians use RAF Mount Pleasant?
A: Yes, the civilian terminal handles international passenger flights, and the airport is the main gateway for visitors to the Falkland Islands. However, the adjacent RAF station is a military area with restricted access.
Q: What facilities are at the airport?
A: The terminal is small and functional, with basic check-in, baggage handling, and a cafe/snack bar. There is no extensive shopping or lounge; services are limited, so plan accordingly.
AI-generated content · Generated Sep 28, 2026 · deepseek-v4.1-flash