New Montevideo terminal set to open as Duty Free Uruguay finalises ambitious retail offer

The stunning new terminal will redefine the travel experience at Montevideo Carrasco International Airport

“We’d been on target with our suppliers to meet the previous start date of 15 November so we will be one of the first businesses ready for the new date“

Diego Arrosa
CEO
Duty Free Uruguay

URUGUAY. Duty Free Uruguay is “entering the final countdown” before operations get under way in the new US$134 million terminal at Montevideo Carrasco International Airport, the main gateway to the South American nation.

Duty Free Uruguay CEO Diego Arrosa confirmed that the airport authority had set 9 December as the target date for putting the terminal into operation. The official inauguration of the facility took place on 5 October.

“We’d been on target with our suppliers to meet the previous start date of 15 November, so we will be one of the first businesses ready for the new date,” Arrosa told The Moodie Report.

“The additional time has been needed to ensure all areas of the airport are operational, and for us it gives breathing space to finalise every detail in what has been a major logistical exercise.”

The sleek Arrivals and Departures stores will each provide 1,250sq m of walkthrough space.

Timing of the opening is critical, since Uruguay’s peak holiday season begins from 15 December. “We’re actively bringing on and training new personnel and preparing for the summer period,” Arrosa said.

In the run-up to the opening Duty Free Uruguay reports a significant increase in year-on-year revenues in October and November, after experiencing flat sales until the end of September.

“The growth is marked in the liquor, electronics and confectionery categories especially,” said Arrosa.

The Real has appreciated by more than +30% against the US Dollar compared with the same period last year, boosting spending by Brazilians at both Montevideo and Punta del Este airports.

Argentinean travellers are also regaining confidence amidst growing signs of economic recovery.