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Data source: OurAirports (2026-09-01 Snapshot) · Methodology & Verification →

Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport

Cusco, Cuzco Region (Peru)

IATA: CUZ ICAO: SPZO

Longest Active Runway

11,146 ft

3,397 meters

Field Elevation

10,860 ft

3,310 m MSL

Runway Inventory

1 active

Lighted / Paved

Coordinates & Class

-13.5357°, -71.9388°

LARGE AIRPORT

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Multi-Universe Rankings & Statistical Standing

Ranking Universes Guide →

RunwayFacts Published Dataset

#346 of 650

In curated primary commercial index

Global Commercial Universe

#557 of 7558

Top 7.4% percentile worldwide

National Standing (Peru)

#3 in PE

#4 of 37 in full national registry

vs Large Airport Median

+11.5%

Compared to 10,000 ft baseline

💡 Statistical Statement: Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport's longest active runway measures 11,146 ft (3,397 m). Within RunwayFacts' published index of 650 aerodromes, it ranks #346. Across the broader global dataset of 7558 commercial facilities, it ranks #557 worldwide (Top 7.4%) and #3 nationally in Peru.

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Editorial Aerodrome Deep Dive: Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ)

Curated Aerodrome Profile

Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco is one of the world's most operationally demanding commercial aerodromes. Perched at 10,860 ft in an Andean bowl, air density is roughly 30% lower than at sea level, requiring exceptionally high ground rotation speeds and specialized pilot certification. Jetliners must navigate tight valley approaches with visual terrain separation, with departures strictly limited to Runway 28 downhill into the valley.

Runway Layout & Magnetic Alignments

Single paved Runway 10/28 (11,145 ft / 3,397 m).

Expansion Milestones & Predecessor Facilities

Opened in 1964 named after Peruvian aviation pioneer Alejandro Velasco Astete. Constrained by dense mountain valley urbanization, driving the ongoing construction of Chinchero International Airport.

Regional Differentiation & Cluster Role

Primary tourism gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, located 164 NM southeast of Lima Jorge Chávez (LIM).

Data Nuances & Operational Quirks

Extreme high altitude aerodrome at 10,860 ft (3,310 m MSL); commercial jet operations are strictly restricted to morning hours due to severe afternoon thermal mountain wind shear and required visual valley maneuvering.

📚 Official Aerodrome Sourcing: Peru National Civil Aviation Authority · State Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) & ICAO Annex 14 Standards

Verification Methodology →

🔬 Operational & Aerodrome Engineering Comparative Analysis

Comparative aviation metrics evaluated against regional and global physical operational criteria.

ICAO Code 4E / 4F Super-Heavy

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Elevation & Atmospheric Density

High-Altitude Aerodrome (Hot & High)

Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport operates at a surveyed field elevation of 10,860 ft (3,310 m MSL) in Cusco. Operating in high density-altitude conditions, aircraft true airspeed on takeoff and landing runs noticeably higher than indicated airspeed, requiring extended runway lengths.

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Regional Density & Alternates (100 NM)

0 Qualifying Aerodromes in Vicinity

Primary tourism gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, located 164 NM southeast of Lima Jorge Chávez (LIM). The facility operates as an isolated regional aviation anchor with no other major paved commercial aerodromes within 100 NM.

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Fleet Compatibility & Ground Roll

Primary Runway: 11,146 ft (3,397 m)

Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport's active flight strips comprise 10/28 (11,146 ft). With a longest active threshold of 11,146 ft (3,397 m), the aerodrome satisfies unrestricted long-haul takeoff and landing distance requirements for heavy twin-aisle and four-engine widebodies (ICAO Code 4E/4F).

🛫 Physical Runway Inventory & Surface Engineering

Runway Designator	Length (ft / m)	Width (ft / m)	Surface Material	Lighting	Status
10/28	11,146 ft (3397m)	148 ft (45m)	`Asphalt (ASP)`	✅ Lighted	✅ Active

🛡️ Data Provenance & Verification Metadata

Source Dataset: OurAirports Open Aviation Database

Snapshot Version: 2026-09-01

Dataset Integrity: Cryptographic SHA-256 Checksum Verified & Fail-Closed Schema Inspected

Source Verification: Source-reported registry data

Read Complete Methodology & Verification Protocol → GET /api/airport/cuz.json ↗