 It also serves as a primary alternate airport for Arturo Merino Benitez Airport, usually receiving international traffic from Santiago when that airport closes due to weather.Although plans to build an airport near Concepción date back to 1954, construction began only in 1960, shortly after the 22 May earthquake, as it became imperative to build a modern airport to link Chile's south-central region with the rest of the country.The airport was opened to the public on 3 January 1968.