Congonhas Airport, one of the busiest in Brazil, is undergoing radical changes. With a billion-dollar investment and works scheduled until 2028, the terminal will gain more space, comfort and technology.
Attention, passengers and visitors to Congonhas Airport, in São Paulo! Anyone who is used to using one of the busiest airports from Brazil will need to prepare.
Congonhas will soon be almost unrecognizable. The historic terminal, known for its compact facilities and the charm of a central airport, has already begun a renovation plan that promises to revolutionize the traveler experience.
The famous airport, which operates more than 700 landings and takeoffs daily and receives more than 22 million passengers per year, has begun to transform its landscape.
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The works, which should be completed by 2028, aim to bring more comfort and modernity to passengers, in addition to optimizing airline operations.
According to information from the concessionaire Aena, responsible for the administration of Congonhas, the investment in the renovation exceeds R$ 2 billion, covering everything from the expansion of terminals to the construction of new boarding areas and hangars.
Terminal expansion and new boarding bridges
One of the main focuses of the renovation is the expansion of the departure terminal, which will now have an impressive 105 m².
The aim is to ensure more space and comfort for passengers, especially during peak times.
In addition, 19 new boarding bridges will be built, allowing an even greater number of travelers to board aircraft directly, without having to use the buses that run between the terminal and aircraft parked in remote positions.
This expansion also includes the creation of a new cargo terminal and the expansion of the inspection channel, which will increase from 10 to 17 points, speeding up the security process. These changes meet the requirements of the concession contract, which provides for high levels of quality in the services provided.
Requalification of runways and yards
To ensure the safety and efficiency of operations, the runways and aprons of the airport will undergo a requalification process, with structural reinforcement. This will allow for even safer and more agile air traffic.
The number of aircraft parking positions will increase from 30 to 37, which should contribute to reducing waiting times and increasing the airport's operational capacity.
Historic hangar to be transformed into departure lounge
The charm of Congonhas will not be lost with the renovations. On the contrary, the famous historic hangar, which currently belongs to Gol Linhas Aéreas, will gain a new function.
It will be transformed into a remote departure lounge with a special theme: a Brazilian aviation museum.
The area, which is currently not accessible to passengers, will be open to the public, allowing everyone to admire pieces, photos and objects that tell the history of aviation in Brazil.
Second Michael Cabral, the airport's office manager, the intention is for passengers to “feel embraced by the history of aviation” while waiting for their flights.
Operations will continue during construction
Despite the magnitude of the changes, the airport will continue to operate normally. According With Aena, the concessionaire planned the works so that the impact on daily operations is minimal.
To this end, temporary hangars will be built to house the airlines while the new facilities are completed.
The entire process will be carefully coordinated to avoid disruptions and ensure the airport continues to operate efficiently.
Historic area will be preserved
One of the concerns in the airport renovations is the preservation of its areas listed as historical heritage.
The main lobby, with its iconic features such as the black and white checkerboard floor and classical columns, will not be altered.
The place will continue to be one of Congonhas' trademarks, offering a mix of modernity with historical preservation.
In the external area, the old wooden hangar, built using methodologies that are no longer used today, will also be maintained.
The structure, unique in its architecture, will be integrated into the new terminal, preserving a piece of aviation history in Brazil.
Intermodal future of the airport
The transformation of Congonhas is not restricted to the interior. The arrivals area will be expanded to become an intermodal hall.
This means that, upon landing, passengers will have easy access to taxis, transportation apps and, in the future, a subway line that is under construction and will connect the airport to the rest of the city.
In addition to ensuring greater comfort and agility, the new area promises to improve the arrival and departure experience at Congonhas, reinforcing modernization without giving up its historical essence.
The impact on Congonhas passengers
These changes mean much more than just renovations. They reflect the evolution of Congonhas Airport, which, while preserving its historical value, seeks to adapt to modern demands for efficiency, comfort and safety.
The expansion of boarding areas and the increase in the number of bridges represent a leap in the quality of services offered to passengers, in addition to significantly reducing waiting time in queues.
With these new developments, will Congonhas be able to maintain its historic charm while transforming itself into an international standard airport? Only time will tell, but expectations are high. What do you think of these changes? Leave your comment below!