Silvio Pettirossi International Airport in Asunción recorded an extraordinary burst of activity between 19 and 24 November 2025, driven by the Copa Sudamericana final. According to a report from the National Directorate of Civil Aeronautics (DINAC), Asunción’s Airport handled 851 air operations over the six-day period – a 19% increase on the usual daily average.
Operational surge tempered by restrictions
Despite the sharp rise, DINAC noted that the total could have been even higher, were it not for deliberate operational curbs introduced for the event. Military training flights, cargo movements, local flights, and flight-school activities were restricted throughout the week to prioritise passenger services. Even with these limitations, the influx of supporters transformed Pettirossi into one of Paraguay’s principal gateways during the tournament.
Private flights dominate the skies
Of the 851 movements, private aviation accounted for the largest share. Some 623 operations – 73% of the total – involved private aircraft. Scheduled commercial flights contributed 160 movements (19%), while charter services made up the remaining 68 flights (8%).
Among the private jets, eight different types were logged, with Cessna models the most common (31%) followed closely by Beechcraft (27%). Many of these smaller aircraft arrived from neighbouring countries.
Asunción’s Airport: Charter services step up
Charter operations totalled 95 movements (arrivals and departures combined). Several South American carriers boosted capacity by operating extra sections under charter arrangements, while airlines that do not normally serve Paraguay secured special permits to ferry fans and official delegations. The busiest charter operators included GOL, Andes Líneas Aéreas, Aerolíneas Argentinas, Azul, Flybondi, and JetSmart.
Scheduled commercial flights numbered 160 during the period. Although frequencies remained largely unchanged, load factors rose sharply, particularly on routes from Argentina and Brazil. LATAM and local carrier Paranair led the field, followed by Copa Airlines and Aerolíneas Argentinas.
Diverse origins reflect regional interest
Aircraft registered in five countries were recorded, underlining the continental appeal of the final. Argentina supplied the largest contingent, followed by Brazil, Colombia, Bolivia, and Uruguay. Passenger traffic mirrored the intense airside activity. A total of 32,145 travellers passed through the terminal between 19 and 24 November.
Scheduled flights transported 22,494 passengers (70% of the total), charter services carried 9,435 (29%), and private aircraft brought 216 individuals. The peak day for charter traffic was 23 November, when 4,818 passengers arrived – coinciding with the height of final-related travel. On the scheduled side, 20 November saw the highest throughput, exceeding 4,100 passengers, while daily totals remained above 3,500 for the remainder of the week.
A successful test for Paraguay’s main gateway
DINAC’s report concludes that the 2025 Copa Sudamericana final not only mobilised thousands of supporters but also provided a rigorous real-world examination of Silvio Pettirossi’s operational resilience. Despite the marked increase in demand, the airport maintained stable performance throughout.
The event has underscored Pettirossi’s growing importance as a strategic regional hub capable of managing major sporting occasions efficiently.
