Chile's Ministry of Public Works (MOP) has awarded the Second Concession for Atacama Airport to the Sacyr-Cointer consortium, operating under Sociedad Concesionaria Aeropuertos del Norte S.A. 

The Atacama Airport, part of the Northern Airport Network alongside Andrés Sabella Airport in Antofagasta, is undergoing expansion and modernization under its second concession. The contract, with a maximum term of 26 years, includes significant upgrades to both airports, enhancing infrastructure and passenger capacity. Awarded to the Sacyr-Cointer consortium on November 13, 2024, the Northern Airport Network has a budget of USD 316 million. The Atacama Airport concessionaire has begun operations and final engineering work, with construction expected to start in 2027 and be completed by 2030. In Antofagasta, the new concessionaire is also working on final engineering and will take over the facilities in March 2026. 

The Atacama Airport expansion will increase the passenger terminal’s area by 15,322 m², reaching a total of 18,274 m²—a 519% growth. The project will add two new commercial aircraft parking spaces, bringing the total to five, with four featuring boarding bridges for the first time. Additionally, vehicle parking capacity will nearly double from 182 to 343 spaces. To enhance passenger services, the Atacama Airport will expand its facilities to include 10 self-check-in kiosks (up from 2), 16 traditional check-in counters (previously 10), three airport security (AVSEC) posts, and dedicated control points for international departures and arrivals. Baggage handling will improve with multiple claim carousels, including one for oversized baggage. Additionally, the airport will integrate a renewable energy source with a new photovoltaic system.