Author: Lisbeth Juliao

Curitiba-President Afonso Pena International Airport serves as the primary airport for the city of Curitiba, located in the municipality of São José dos Pinhais, in the state of Paraná, Brazil. The airport derives its name from Afonso Pena (1847–1909), the 6th President of Brazil. The operation of the airport is overseen by CCR.

Similar to other strategically located airports along Brazil’s coast, Afonso Pena Airport was initially constructed by the Brazilian Air Force Ministry in collaboration with the United States Army during World War II. However, by 1946, the airport had transitioned into predominantly civil operations.

The airport faces challenges primarily due to the region’s unpredictable weather conditions, including fog and smog during the morning hours of winter. Efforts are underway to upgrade runway 15/33 from an Instrument Landing System (ILS) CAT II runway to ILS CAT III, aiming to improve the airport’s capability to handle adverse weather conditions.

To address the cargo capacity limitations, the main runway underwent extension in 2008, enabling cargo flights to operate with heavier loads. Additionally, the cargo terminal was upgraded. In preparation for Curitiba’s role as one of the host cities for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Infraero, the airport authority, announced an investment plan on 31 August 2009 to enhance Afonso Pena International Airport. The plan included enlarging the apron area and implementing new taxiways to improve operational efficiency.

Presently, the airport terminal spans an area of 45,000 square meters, featuring 14 jetways and the capacity to handle 15 million passengers annually. The airport complex includes various amenities, such as a small museum, a playcenter, and a mall with 60 stores, all conveniently located within the main terminal. Furthermore, the airport offers 800 parking spaces for the convenience of travelers.

Belém International Airport, also known as Val-de-Cans/Júlio Cezar Ribeiro International Airport, is the primary airport serving the city of Belém, Brazil. The airport is situated in the neighborhood of Val de Cans (sometimes spelled Val de Cães), from which it derives its name. Notably, since April 13, 2010, the airport bears the additional name of Júlio Cezar Ribeiro de Souza (1837–1887), in honor of his contributions as a researcher of balloons.

The operation of Belém International Airport is managed by the Consortium Novo Norte, and certain facilities within the airport are shared with the Belém Air Force Base, which is under the purview of the Brazilian Air Force.

The history of Belém International Airport dates back to its humble beginnings as a simple land track along the east–west axis, spanning a length of 1,200 meters. During the onset of World War II, airports and airbases strategically located along the Brazilian coast played a pivotal role in supporting the transportation of aircraft, personnel, and equipment across the South Atlantic Ocean to West Africa. Initially, the airport consisted of a courtyard, a hangar, and a concrete parking structure intended for military aircraft, later referred to as the “Yellow Hangar.”

After a series of negotiations between Brazil and the United States, Belém International Airport airstrips were developed for the Air Transport Command, featuring two runways measuring 1,500 meters in length and 45 meters in width, constructed using a combination of concrete and asphalt. The airport’s modern facilities were designed to efficiently cater to the needs of both civil aviation and military operations.

Over the years, the original passenger terminal complex underwent significant renovation and expansion, in 1999, a brand-new passenger terminal was constructed adjacent to the old terminal. Following the opening of the new terminal, the old one was dismantled to make way for an extension to the new facility. This expansion substantially enhanced passenger comfort and provided a larger area, which included the addition of six jetways, facilitating smoother boarding and disembarking processes for travelers.

Florianópolis-Hercílio Luz International Airport, commonly known as Floripa Airport, is the primary airport serving the vibrant city of Florianópolis in Brazil. The airport is named in honor of Hercílio Pedro da Luz (1860–1924), a distinguished former governor of the state of Santa Catarina and senator. The operation of the airport is managed by Zurich Airport Brasil. Additionally, some facilities within the airport are shared with the Florianópolis Air Force Base, which is under the jurisdiction of the Brazilian Air Force.

The origins of Hercílio Luz International Airport trace back to the site of a former Air Naval Base, which operated until 1941 when it was transferred to the Brazilian Air Force. Substantial development took place between 1942 and 1945, during which time the infrastructure was expanded to include runway 03/21, the apron, control tower, and passenger terminal. Simultaneously, the necessary facilities for the Florianópolis Air Force Base were constructed and made operational.

In the period from 1952 to 1954, the passenger terminal underwent significant reconstruction and remained in use until 1976, when a new terminal building and apron were inaugurated. The original terminal now serves as the cargo terminal, catering to the transportation of goods. The new terminal experienced subsequent expansions in both 1988 and 2000, gradually growing in size until reaching its current area of 8,703 square meters.

On January 15, 2018, construction began on an additional terminal to accommodate the growing demand for air travel. Hercílio Luz International Airport’s new terminal, positioned on the opposite side of the main runway from the existing terminal, featured 14 additional gates, including three designated for international flights and 11 for domestic flights. Alongside the terminal expansion, the main runway was extended by 100 meters (330 feet), bringing its total length to 2,400 meters (7,900 feet). Operations at the new terminal commenced on October 1, 2019, providing enhanced capacity and improved services to passengers traveling through the airport.

Eurico de Aguiar Salles Airport, formerly known as Goiabeiras Airport, serves as the main airport for Vitória, Brazil. The airport is situated in the neighborhood of Goiabeiras, which inspired its previous name. Since May 9, 2006, it has been named after Eurico de Aguiar Salles (1910–1959), a notable local politician and law professor. The airport is operated by Zurich Airport Brasil, ensuring efficient and reliable air transportation services.

The construction of Eurico de Aguiar Salles Airport dates back to the 1930s. Over time, the airport underwent various upgrades and expansions to meet the growing demand for air travel. In 1943, a concrete runway and a passenger terminal were added, enhancing the airport’s infrastructure and capabilities.

Recognizing the need for further improvements, renovation works commenced at the airport in 2005. The ambitious projects included the construction of a new passenger terminal, which would be situated on a second runway, as well as the addition of a modern control tower. These enhancements aimed to enhance the overall passenger experience and ensure efficient operations at the airport. Additionally, the old terminal underwent a transformation into an international cargo terminal, catering to the growing cargo demands in the region.

The renovation project was finally completed in April 2018. The newly renovated Eurico de Aguiar Salles Airport emerged as a modern and functional aviation facility, capable of meeting the needs of both domestic and international travelers. The upgraded passenger terminal offers enhanced amenities and services, ensuring a comfortable and convenient experience for passengers.

With Zurich Airport Brasil at the helm of operations, Eurico de Aguiar Salles Airport is well-equipped to handle the increasing air traffic and serve as a vital gateway to Vitória and its surrounding regions. The airport’s renewed infrastructure contributes to the development of tourism, commerce, and economic growth in the area, facilitating connectivity and promoting the region’s overall progress.

Santa Genoveva/Goiânia International Airport is the primary airport serving the city of Goiânia, Brazil. The airport’s operations are managed by CCR (Companhia de Concessoes Rodoviarias), a prominent Brazilian toll road operator.

Although Goiânia International Airport was officially commissioned in 1955, it had been in operation for a few years prior to that. In 2010, the government of the state of Goiás took measures to stimulate tourism and aviation by significantly reducing the tax on petrol from 15% to 3%. This reduction generated interest from airlines in establishing a hub at Goiânia International Airport, which aimed to leverage the city’s potential as a strategic aviation hub. However, various operational limitations prevented the immediate implementation of such a plan.

The previous passenger terminal at the airport had a capacity to handle approximately 600,000 passengers per year. However, in its final years of operation, it faced significant overcrowding issues due to the tremendous growth in air travel demand. In fact, in 2015, the old terminal managed to handle more than five times its designed capacity. In response to this surge in passenger numbers, a new and modern terminal was constructed.

The new terminal at Goiânia International Airport boasts impressive features to accommodate the growing influx of passengers. It includes 32 check-in counters and eight jetways, ensuring a seamless and efficient travel experience for travelers. Additionally, the terminal is equipped with various amenities such as retail stores and restaurants, providing a range of services to enhance passenger comfort. The upgraded infrastructure of the new terminal allows it to handle approximately 6.3 million passengers per year, significantly increasing the airport’s capacity to serve the needs of travelers.

Manaus Eduardo Gomes International Airport, located approximately 14 km (9 mi) north of downtown Manaus, Brazil, is an important transportation hub in the region. The airport is operated by Vinci Airports and is named in honor of Air Marshal Eduardo Gomes (1896–1981), a prominent Brazilian politician and military figure.

In 1976, International Airport took over the role of the primary public airport in Manaus from Ponta Pelada Airport, which was subsequently renamed Manaus Air Force Base and dedicated exclusively to military operations. This transition marked the beginning of a new era for the city’s air transportation infrastructure.

The airport encompasses two passenger terminal buildings. Passenger Terminal 1 serves as the primary facility for both domestic and international flights, accommodating a significant volume of passenger traffic. On the other hand, Passenger Terminal 2, which was inaugurated on March 12, 1985, is dedicated to general aviation activities, catering to private and smaller aircraft.

In addition to the passenger terminals, Eduardo Gomes International Airport features three cargo terminals. These terminals, established in 1976, 1980, and 2004 respectively, occupy a total area of 49,000 square meters (530,000 square feet). Together, they have the capacity to handle up to 12,000 tons of cargo per month. Cargo Terminals 1 and 2 primarily handle goods intended for export, while Cargo Terminal 3 specializes in import cargo. With its robust cargo-handling capabilities, Manaus Airport ranks as the third-busiest cargo airport in Brazil, following São Paulo-Guarulhos and Campinas.

The airport’s strategic location in Manaus, a major industrial and commercial center in the Amazonas state, contributes to its prominence as a key cargo hub. The transportation of goods through Manaus plays a vital role in the regional and national economy, facilitating trade and export activities.

Marechal Rondon International Airport is the primary airport serving the city of Cuiabá, Brazil. Situated in the neighboring municipality of Várzea Grande, the airport derives its name from Marshall Cândido Mariano da Silva Rondon (1865–1958), a renowned Brazilian explorer. Aeroeste is the operator responsible for managing the airport. While it was officially inaugurated in 1956, it initially operated under precarious conditions until the completion of its first passenger terminal building in 1964.

In preparation for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, which was hosted by Brazil with Cuiabá as one of the venue cities, Marechal Rondon International Airport underwent significant renovations. These improvements were aimed at ensuring that the airport met the heightened demands of the global event. The investment for the renovations was allocated to various areas, including the refurbishment of the passenger terminal, expansion of the parking facilities, and enhancement of access routes to the airport.

By investing in the renovation of the passenger terminal, Marechal Rondon International Airport sought to provide travelers with modern facilities and amenities. The upgraded terminal was designed to cater to the needs of a growing number of passengers, offering improved comfort, convenience, and efficiency. Furthermore, the expansion of the parking facilities aimed to accommodate the influx of vehicles during and after the event, ensuring that visitors had sufficient parking space available. Additionally, improvements to the airport’s access routes were intended to enhance connectivity and streamline the flow of traffic to and from the airport, facilitating seamless travel for both visitors and locals.

Greater Natal International Airport, also known as Rio Grande do Norte/São Gonçalo do Amarante–Governador Aluízio Alves International Airport, is the airport serving Natal and its metropolitan area in São Gonçalo do Amarante, Brazil. Currently, it is jointly operated by Consortium Inframerica and Zurich Airport Brasil during a transitional period.

The construction of Greater Natal International Airport was initiated as a replacement for Augusto Severo International Airport. Planning for the new airport began in 2007 with a vision of creating an intermodal facility that would cater to both passenger and cargo transportation. It was anticipated that the airport complex would witness the highest aircraft traffic in the northeastern region of Brazil.

On May 12, 2011, the National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil (ANAC) issued a document inviting private entrepreneurs to bid for the concession of the airport. The Inframérica Consortium, consisting of the Brazilian Engineering Group Engevix and the Argentinean Group Corporación América, emerged as the winner.

Under the concession agreement, the Inframérica Consortium was given a three-year timeframe to construct the passenger and cargo terminals. The airport officially commenced operations on May 31, 2014, with domestic airlines transitioning their operations to the new facility. International operations followed shortly thereafter. Notably, Greater Natal International Airport holds the distinction of being the first airport in Brazil to be operated by a private sector company.

On March 10, 2021, the National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil announced the approval of a new concession process for the airport in response to a request from the Inframérica Consortium on March 5, 2020. Subsequently, on May 19, 2023, Zurich Airport Brasil emerged as the winner of a 30-year concession to operate Greater Natal International Airport, marking another milestone in its development and management.

Foz do Iguaçu International Airport, or Cataratas International Airport, is a significant airport serving the city of Foz do Iguaçu in Brazil. The airport is aptly named after the breathtaking Iguazu Falls, known in Portuguese as Cataratas do Iguaçu. It serves as a crucial transportation hub, providing air connections for visitors to both the stunning waterfalls located at Iguaçu National Park and the renowned Itaipu Dam.

The operation of Foz do Iguaçu Airport is managed by CCR, an esteemed infrastructure company. Prior to CCR, the airport was operated by Infraero. However, on April 7, 2021, CCR won a 30-year concession to operate and develop the airport, signifying a new phase of growth and improvement for this vital transportation facility.

Foz do Iguaçu Airport holds great importance as a gateway to one of Brazil’s most significant tourist regions. It serves as the primary base for travelers visiting the awe-inspiring Cataratas do Iguaçu, which are internationally recognized as one of the seven wonders of nature. Tourists from around the world flock to witness the spectacular waterfalls, marvel at the surrounding natural beauty, and explore the diverse ecosystem of Iguaçu National Park.

In addition to the falls, Foz do Iguaçu Airport also facilitates access to the iconic Itaipu Dam, one of the world’s largest hydroelectric power plants. Visitors interested in engineering marvels and sustainable energy can easily reach the dam through the airport, making it a sought-after destination for both leisure and educational purposes.

Foz do Iguaçu Airport aims to provide passengers with modern facilities, efficient services, and a pleasant travel experience. With a range of domestic and international flights, the airport connects travelers from various parts of Brazil and around the globe to this enchanting region. It serves as a crucial link for tourists, business travelers, and locals alike, ensuring seamless travel to and from Foz do Iguaçu and its remarkable attractions.