Tegucigalpa - Toncontín Intl

Back to Country
ICAO Code MHTG/TGU
Last Validated
City Tegucigalpa
Position 14°03'39"N 087°13'02"W
Runway(s) 01/19
Elevation 3294 ft

General

One of two main international airports in Honduras, Toncontín serves its capital Tegucigalpa, locally referred to as Tegus. Well known for its horrendous approach and take-off between the mountains, as well as its short runway, the situation has improved somewhat by the extension of runway 02 and the removal of a hill. Besides the international carriers, the main attraction at Toncontín are its Dakotas. The Honduran air museum is also located here.

Layout

Toncontín has a single 02/20 runway, which is only 1800 meters long and surrounded by mountains, making a flight quite an adventure. Passenger facilities are located to the west side of the runway, the military shares the east side with the Museo del Aire.

Getting There

The airport is located about 6kms south of the city centre. Besides arriving by plane, Toncontín can be reached by Loarque buses Nos.1 and 11 which stop frequently outside the terminal. From the city centre, these buses depart from Avenida Jerez. Taxis and shared taxis (collectivos) are also available, but at a higher price.

Around the Airport

1Military ramps & Museo del Aire

A great place to start your tour around Toncontín is the fabulous Museo del Aire, located to the south east side of the runway. The museum has an interesting collection of aircraft, most of which were formerly operated by the Honduran air force. From the museum's premises the military ramps with Dakotas can easily be viewed with optimal sunlight during most of the day. Photography of aircraft parked on the operational ramp is possible as well.

2East side approach 02 & civil apron

Toncontín's infamous 02 approach, which is mostly used, can be viewed from the road leading around the 02 threshold. The east side is most suitable for viewing, the civil apron can be seen from here as well. Aircraft come in very low to land and if departing from runway 02, they can be graphed from this spot as well.

3High view approach 02

Definitely one of the most spectacular spots to view activities is spot 3. Aircraft on finals for runway 02 have to evade a mountain range so will pass your lens rather erratically here.

4Terminal side

Between the terminal and threshold 20, a small unpaved platform can be found right beside the road. Usually a few Dakotas are seen here, which can be witnessed from the green zone, beside the road. From here, nice views of aircraft departing runway 02 can be obtained as well. More peeks can be obtained from both sides of the terminal.

5Threshold 20

Although runway 02 is mostly in use, spot 5 is a good option when it is not used. Aircraft departing runway 20 taxi right in front of you, but the approach is a bit harder to see.

6Approach 20

For good views of approach 20, follow the road to the city center. Between the large intersection and the threshold a suitable spot can be found to witness activities.

Spot 3 is the best spot to view the horrendous approach 02 (Enrique Morales).

Another shot from spot 3, with an overview of the short runway (Enrique Morales).

Frequencies

121.900Ground
118.700Tower
112.300ATIS
126.700Tegucigalpa Radio
119.100Approach

Based Operators

Fuerza Aérea Hondureña
Hernán Acosta MejiaBell 412
C-130A
Ce180
CeA185F
Ce310R
UH-1H
Hughes 500D
IAI201
IAI1124
PA-31
PA-34
PA-42
RC695
U-17A
Civil operators
Policía NacionalBell 206B
SETCODC-3
RC500

More Info

Museo del AireOfficial website of the Honduran Air Museum

Send Updates

Do you have updates? Or is something not listed correctly? Please let us know!
You can help us and other spotters with your information.

Subscribe to Scramble

As a member you get access to all our
premium content and benefits learn more

 

Follow us and keep in touch