Airports in Brazil

Brazil is one of the most attractive destinations in the world! Its otherworldly landscapes vary from long stretches of beaches, lush rainforests and iconic sights. Brazillian culture is worldwide known for its authenticity and rhythmic atmosphere.

If flying to Brazil, it is good to know that there are hundreds of airports in the country. How well developed and maintained they are shows the fact that even five of the Brazilian airports were rated among the top 50 best airports in the world. 

In this guide, we present you with major and international Brazillian airports to help you organize your trip. At the end of a post, you will also find a map of all airports in Brazil for easier navigation. 

Top 15 busiest airports in Brazil

São Paulo Guarulhos Airport – IATA Code – GRU

~ 43 million passengers

Guarulhos–Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport, as it is fully named, is the main airport serving São Paulo. GRU Airport, as it is sometimes referred to, is currently the busiest airport in Brazil handling more than 40 million passengers each year. Therefore, the airport is among the top busiest in Latin America. The airport has three passenger terminals and over 40 airlines operating, offering connections worldwide. It serves as a hub for LATAM Brasil and a low-cost carrier Gol Transportes Aereos. São Paulo is less than 30 km from the airport. In order to get to its city centre, passengers can choose between buses and trains. Taxis and private transfers are also an option. Besides São Paulo, the airport is a convenient choice to reach destinations such as Santos, Vila Madalena and Ilhabela.

São Paulo Congonhas Airport – IATA Code – CGH

~ 22 million passengers

Congonhas–Deputado Freitas Nobre Airport is the second of four airports serving São Paulo. It is located around 10 km from the city centre. As one of the busiest airports in Brazil, it handles over 20 million passengers each year. The airport serves as a hub for Gol Airlines and LATAM Brasil which together with other carriers provide regional flights. Due to its location in the city, the airport is accessible by public transport; buses and trams. Taxis and private transfers are an option as well. Since the airport offers primarily regional connections, passengers often travel from Congonhas to Guarulhos Airport which can be easily done by bus. Other destinations nearby São Paulo include Diadema, São Bernardo do Campo and Osasco.

Brasília Airport – IATA Code – BSB

~ 17 million passengers

Brasília–Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek International Airport, named after the former Brazillian president, is an airport serving the capital of Brazil, Brasília. With its two passenger terminals, the airport handles around 17 million passengers per year. It serves as a hub for LATAM Brasil and a low-cost carrier Gol Airlines. The airport primarily offers international flights to the rest of South America, but also several connections to the USA and Europe. The airport is located only about 13 km from the city centre of Brasilia. Therefore, passengers can reach the downtown by bus, metro, taxi or a private transfer. Other destinations nearby include National Park Brasilia, Formosa and Luziania. 

Rio de Janeiro Galeão Airport – IATA Code – GIG

~ 13.5 million passengers

Galeão International Airport or Rio de Janeiro–Antonio Carlos Jobim Airport is one of the two airports in Rio de Janeiro, the second-largest city in Brazil. It is also among the busiest airports in Brazil, handling over 13 million passengers per year. It’s the main airport and it serves as a hub for the low-cost carrier Gol Transportes Aereos. Besides the domestic and regional flights, the airport offers connections to the USA, Europe and North Africa. Rio de Janeiro downtown is only about 15 km from the airport and it can be reached by bus, taxi or a private transfer. The famous destination Copacabana is within a 30-minute ride from the airport, as well. If Rio de Janeiro is not your final destination, other nearby cities include São Gonçalo and Niterói.

Belo Horizonte Tancredo Neves Airport – IATA Code – CNF

~ 11 million passengers

Belo Horizonte – Tancredo Neves, formerly known as Confins International Airport, is the primary airport serving Belo Horizonte. With a single passenger terminal, the airport handles over 10 million passengers each year. It serves as a hub for Azul Brazilian Airlines, LATAM Brasil and Gol Airlines carriers. Besides the regional flights, the airport offers cross Atlantic flights to cities such as Lisbon (Portugal). The airport is located around 40 km from Belo Horizonte downtown. Passengers can reach the city by several public bus lines, as well as by taxi and private transfer. Tancredo Neves is also an airport convenient for everyone travelling to cities such as Vespasiano, Santa Luzia and Ribeirão das Neves.

Campinas Airport – IATA Code – VCP

~ 10.5 million passengers

Campinas Airport, also known as Viracopos Airport, serves the city of Campinas. The airport handles over 10 million passengers per year and serves as a hub for Azul Brazilian Airlines. Besides passenger traffic, the airport is also one of the most important airports for cargo traffic. Campinas downtown is located around 15 km from the airport, which is a 15-minute ride. Campinas airport offers bus transport to the city, as well to some other destinations such as Indaiatuba, Vinhedo, Jundiaí and São Paulo. Taxis and private transfers are an option as well. 

Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont Airport – IATA Code – SDU

~ 9 million passengers

Rio de Janeiro-Santos Dumont Airport, as it is fully named, is the second airport serving the city of Rio de Janeiro. The airport is located only 5 km from the Rio de Janeiro city centre which makes it easily accessible. The city bus line takes passengers to the centre within 15 minutes. The airport handles around 9 million passengers annually and its main carrier is Azul Brazilian Airlines. The airport offers primarily regional flights. If Rio de Janeiro is not your final destination, other nearby cities include Niteroi and the famous Copacabana Beach.

Recife Airport – IATA Code – REC

~ 8.5 million passengers

Recife/Guararapes–Gilberto Freyre International Airport, as it is officially called, is an airport serving Recife. With more than 8 million passengers handled each year, the airport offers regional and direct international flights to Europe. The airport is served by several airlines of which the main ones are Azul Brazilian Airlines, LATAM Brasil and the low-cost carrier Gol Transportes Aereos. Recife Airport is located only 14 km from Recife downtown offering several means of transport to the city. The most convenient way to reach Recife is public transport which includes a bus and a metro. Taxis and private transfers are at your disposal, as well. Other nearby destinations include Olinda and Jaboatão dos Guararapes.

Porto Alegre Airport – IATA Code – POA

~ 8 million passengers

Salgado Filho International Airport, as it is fully named, serves the city of Porto Alegre. Each year, the airport handles around 8 million passengers serving regional flights and direct flights to Portugal. The main airline serving the airport is Azul Brazilian Airlines. Porto Alegre is located very close to the airport, less than 10 km away. Therefore, reaching its city centre is easily done by several means of transport including a shuttle bus, city bus, Aeromovel (AirTrain) and tram. Besides public transport, passengers can also choose between a taxi and a private transfer. If Porto Alegre is not your final destination, other nearby cities are Canoas, Gramado and Caxias do Sul.

Salvador Airport – IATA Code – SSA

~ 8 million passengers 

Deputado Luís Eduardo Magalhães International Airport, as it is known by its full name, serves the city of Salvador. Besides regional flights, the airport offers several direct international flights to cities such as Lisbon and Madrid. Salvador Airport handles around 8 million passengers per year. There are several airlines serving the airport and the main one is the low-cost Gol Airlines. The airport is located a little over 20 km from Salvador city centre offering easy transport by bus, taxi or a private transfer. Besides Salvador, the airport is located near several other destinations including Lauro de Freitas, Itapuã and Camaçari.

Fortaleza Airport – IATA Code – FOR

~ 7 million passengers

Pinto Martins International Airport, or simply Fortaleza Airport, serves the city of Fortaleza. The airport handles around 7 million passengers per year serving primarily regional flights. Also, the airport offers several direct routes to Europe to cities such as Amsterdam, Lisbon and Madrid. Fortaleza city centre is located only about 8 km. Therefore, passengers can choose between several city bus lines, taxi service and a private transfer. Fortaleza Airport is also a convenient choice if travelling to cities such as Caucaia or Maracanaú.

Curitiba Airport – IATA Code – CWB

~ 6.5 million passengers

Curitiba Airport, or fully named Afonso Pena International Airport, is an airport serving the city of Curitiba. It handles more than 6 million passengers per year and primarily offers regional flights. Among the several airlines operating the airport, the main one is Azul Brazilian Airports. According to the passengers, the airport is rated as the top airport in Brazil, as well as among the top 10 best airports in the world. Curitiba Airport is located around 16 km from Curitiba downtown. Among the options to get to the city are shuttle buses, city buses, taxis and private transfers. Other nearby destinations include Colombo, Parangua and National Park Superagui. 

Belem Airport – IATA Code – BEL

~ 3.5 million passengers

Belém Airport or Val de Cans–Júlio Cezar Ribeiro International Airport serves the city of Belém. Each year, the airport handles more than 3 million passengers serving mainly regional flights. Among several airlines serving the airport are Azul Brazilian Airlines, Gol Transportes Aereos and LATAM Brasil. The airport is located about 10 km from Belem. Therefore, getting to Belem downtown is possible by bus, taxi or private transfer. If continuing your journey to other nearby destinations, the closest ones include Ananindeua and Castanhal. 

Florianopolis Airport – IATA Code – FLN

~ 3 million passengers

Florianópolis-Hercílio Luz International Airport, as it is fully named, is an airport serving Florianópolis. The airport handles about 3 million passengers per year. It primarily serves regional flights and its main carriers are Azul Brazilian Airlines and Gol Transportes Aereos. The airport is located about 15 km from Florianopolis city centre offering several bus lines, taxi service and a private transfer as options to get to the city. The airport is located nearby some other destinations including São José, Santa Catarina and several beach resorts. 

Vitoria Airport – IATA Code – VIX

~ 3 million passengers

Vitoria Airport or Eurico de Aguiar Salles Airport serves the city of Vitoria. It handles around 3 million passengers per year and serves as a hub for a low-cost carrier Gol Transportes Aereos. The airport is only around 7 km from the city centre of Vitoria, so passengers can choose between a taxi service and a private transfer as an option to get to the city. Among the other nearby destinations are Vila Velha, Serra and Guarapari. 

Goiania Airport – IATA Code – GYN

• Also called: Santa Genoveva Airport
• Passengers: ~ 3 million 
• Airline(s): Azul Brazilian Airlines, Gol Transportes Aereos, LATAM Brasil, VoePass
• Nearby city(s): Goiânia, Anapolis, Trinidade

Manaus Airport – IATA Code – MAO

• Also called: Eduardo Gomes International Airport
• Passengers: ~ 3 million 
• Airline(s): Azul Brazilian Airlines, Gol Transportes Aereos, LATAM Brasil
• Nearby city(s): Manaus

Cuiaba Airport – IATA Code – CGB

• Also called: Marechal Rondon International Airport
• Passengers: ~ 3 million 
• Airline(s): Azul Brazilian Airlines, Gol Transportes Aereos, LATAM Brasil, ASTA Linhas Aereas
• Nearby city(s): Cuiaba, National Park Chapada dos Guimarães

Natal Airport – IATA Code – NAT

• Also called: Rio Grande do Norte/São Gonçalo do Amarante–Governador Aluízio Alves International Airport
• Passengers: ~ 2.5 million 
• Airline(s): Azul Brazilian Airlines, Gol Transportes Aereos, LATAM Brasil
• Nearby city(s): Natal, Parnamirim

Foz do Iguaçu Airport – IATA Code – IGU

• Also called: Cataratas International Airport
• Passengers: ~ 2 million 
• Airline(s): Azul Brazilian Airlines, Gol Transportes Aereos, LATAM Brasil
• Nearby city(s): Foz do Iguaçu, National Park Iguaçu (Argentina), Ciudad del Este (Paraguay) 

Maceio Airport – IATA Code – MCZ

• Also called: Zumbi dos Palmares International Airport
• Passengers: ~ 2 million
• Airline(s): Azul Brazilian Airlines, Gol Transportes Aereos, LATAM Brasil, TAP Air Portugal
• Nearby city(s): Maceio, Santa Luzia do Norte, Garca Torta

Porto Seguro Airport – IATA Code – PBS

• Passengers: ~ 2 million
• Airline(s): Azul Brazilian Airlines, Gol Transportes Aereos, LATAM Brasil, Aerolineas Argentinas
• Nearby city(s): Porto Seguro, Taperapuan, National Park Pau Brazil

Navegantes Airport – IATA Code – NVT

• Also called: Ministro Victor Konder International Airport
• Passengers: ~ 2 million
• Airline(s): Azul Brazilian Airlines, Gol Transportes Aereos, LATAM Brasil
• Nearby city(s): Navegantes, Itajai, Balneário Camboriú

São Luís Airport – IATA Code – SLZ

• Also called: Marechal Cunha Machado International Airport
• Passengers: ~ 1.5 million
• Airline(s): Azul Brazilian Airlines, Gol Transportes Aereos, LATAM Brasil
• Nearby city(s): São Luís, São José de Ribamar, Barreirinhas

Campo Grande Airport – IATA Code – CGR

• Also called: Antônio João Airport
• Passengers: ~ 1.5 million
• Airline(s): Azul Brazilian Airlines, Gol Transportes Aereos, LATAM Brasil, VoePass
• Nearby city(s): Campo Grande, Tres Lagoas 

João Pessoa Airport – IATA Code – JPA

• Also called: Presidente Castro Pinto International Airport
• Passengers: ~ 1.5 million
• Airline(s): Azul Brazilian Airlines, Gol Transportes Aereos, LATAM Brasil
• Nearby city(s): João Pessoa, Santa Rita, Cabedelo

Aracaju Airport – IATA Code – AJU

• Also called: Santa Maria Airport
• Passengers: ~ 1 million
• Airline(s): Azul Brazilian Airlines, Gol Transportes Aereos, LATAM Brasil
• Nearby city(s): Aracaju, National Park Serra de Itabaiana

Teresina Airport – IATA Code – THE

• Also called: Senador Petrônio Portella Airport
• Passengers: ~ 1 million
• Airline(s): Azul Brazilian Airlines, Gol Transportes Aereos, LATAM Brasil
• Nearby city(s): Teresina, Timon

Uberlândia Airport – IATA Code – UDI

• Also called: Ten. Cel. Av. César Bombonato Airport
• Passengers: ~ 1 million
• Airline(s): Azul Brazilian Airlines, Gol Transportes Aereos, LATAM Brasil, VoePass
• Nearby city(s): Uberlândia, Araguari, Ituiutaba

Londrina Airport – IATA Code – LDB

• Also called: Gov. José Richa Airport
• Passengers: ~ 1 million
• Airline(s): Azul Brazilian Airlines, Gol Transportes Aereos, LATAM Brasil
• Nearby city(s): Londrina, Cambe, Arapongas, Apucarana

Ribeirao Preto Airport – IATA Code – RAO

• Also called: Dr. Leite Lopes Airport
• Passengers: ~ 900.000
• Airline(s): Azul Brazilian Airlines, LATAM Brasil, VoePass
• Nearby city(s): Ribeirão Preto, Sertãozinho, São Carlos

Porto Velho Airport – IATA Code – PVH

• Also called: Governador Jorge Teixeira de Oliveira International Airport
• Passengers: ~ 800.000
• Airline(s): Azul Brazilian Airlines, Gol Transportes Aereos, LATAM Brasil
• Nearby city(s): Porto Velho

São José do Rio Preto Airport – IATA Code – SJP

• Also called: Prof. Eribelto Manoel Reino Airport
• Passengers: ~ 700.000
• Airline(s): Azul Brazilian Airlines, LATAM Brasil, VoePass
• Nearby city(s): São José do Rio Preto, Mirassol, Votuporanga

Maringa Airport – IATA Code – MGF

• Also called: Sílvio Name Júnior Regional Airport
• Passengers: ~ 700.000
• Airline(s): Azul Brazilian Airlines, Gol Transportes Aereos, LATAM Brasil
• Nearby city(s): Maringa, Paiçandu, Sarandi

Palmas Airport – IATA Code – PMW

• Also called: Brigadeiro Lysias Rodrigues Airport
• Passengers: ~ 700.000
• Airline(s): Azul Brazilian Airlines, Gol Transportes Aereos, LATAM Brasil, VoePass
• Nearby city(s): Palmas, National Park Nascentes do Rio Parnaíba

Ilheus Airport – IATA Code – IOS

• Also called: Jorge Amado Airport
• Passengers: ~ 500.000
• Airline(s): Azul Brazilian Airlines, Gol Transportes Aereos, LATAM Brasil
• Nearby city(s): Ilhéus, Itabuna

Macapa Airport – IATA Code – MCP

• Also called: Alberto Alcolumbre International Airport
• Passengers: ~ 500.000
• Airline(s): Azul Brazilian Airlines, Gol Transportes Aereos, LATAM Brasil
• Nearby city(s): Macapa, Santana

Juazeiro do Norte Airport – IATA Code – JDO

• Also called: Orlando Bezerra de Menezes Airport
• Passengers: ~ 500.000
• Airline(s): Azul Brazilian Airlines, Gol Transportes Aereos
• Nearby city(s): Juazeiro do Norte, Crato

Joinville Airport – IATA Code – JOI

• Also called: Lauro Carneiro de Loyola Airport
• Passengers: ~ 500.000
• Airline(s): Azul Brazilian Airlines, Gol Transportes Aereos, LATAM Brasil
• Nearby city(s): Joinville, Itapoa, São Francisco do Sul

Petrolina Airport – IATA Code – PNZ

• Also called: Senador Nilo Coelho Airport
• Passengers: ~ 500.000
• Airline(s): Azul Brazilian Airlines, Gol Transportes Aereos, VoePass
• Nearby city(s): Petrolina, Juazeiro

Chapeco Airport – IATA Code – XAP

• Also called: Serafin Enoss Bertaso Airport
• Passengers: ~ 500.000
• Airline(s): Azul Brazilian Airlines, Gol Transportes Aereos, LATAM Brasil
• Nearby city(s): Chapeco, Concordia, São Miguel do Oeste

Santarem Airport – IATA Code – STM

• Also called: Maestro Wilson Fonseca Airport
• Passengers: ~ 500.000
• Airline(s): Azul Brazilian Airlines, Gol Transportes Aereos, LATAM Brasil, MAP Linhas Aereas
• Nearby city(s): Santarem, Aramanai, Pindobal

Rio Branco Airport – IATA Code – RBR

• Also called: Plácido de Castro International Airport
• Passengers: ~ 300.000
• Airline(s): Gol Transportes Aereos, LATAM Brasil, Rio Branco Aerotaxi
• Nearby city(s): Rio Branco

Imperatriz Airport – IATA Code – IMP

• Also called: Prefeito Renato Moreira Airport
• Passengers: ~ 300.000
• Airline(s): Azul Brazilian Airlines, LATAM Brasil
• Nearby city(s): Imperatriz, Açailândia

Boa Vista Airport – IATA Code – BVB

• Also called: Atlas Brasil Cantanhede International Airport
• Passengers: ~ 300.000
• Airline(s): Azul Brazilian Airlines, Gol Transportes Aereos, LATAM Brasil
• Nearby city(s): Boa Vista, National Park Serra da Mocidade, National Park Viruá

Maraba Airport – IATA Code – MAB

• Also called: João Correa da Rocha Airport
• Passengers: ~ 300.000
• Airline(s): Azul Brazilian Airlines, Gol Transportes Aereos, LATAM Brasil
• Nearby city(s): Maraba, Parauapebas

Presidente Prudente Airport – IATA Code – PPB

• Passengers: ~ 300.000
• Airline(s): Azul Brazilian Airlines, Gol Transportes Aereos
• Nearby city(s): Presidente Prudente, Martinópolis

Montes Claros Airport – IATA Code – MOC

• Also called: Mário Ribeiro Airport
• Passengers: ~ 200.000
• Airline(s): Azul Brazilian Airlines, Gol Transportes Aereos, LATAM Brasil
• Nearby city(s): Montes Claros

Fernando de Noronha Airport – IATA Code – FEN

• Also called: Gov. Carlos Wilson Airport
• Passengers: ~ 200.000
• Airline(s): Azul Brazilian Airlines, Gol Transportes Aereos

Belo Horizonte Pampulha Airport – IATA Code – PLU

• Also called: Carlos Drummond de Andrade Airport
• Passengers: ~ 200.000
• Nearby city(s): Santa Luzia, Ribeirão das Neves, Vespasiano

Brazil Airports Map