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Construction of the Guarujá Airport Is About to Transform Tourism and the Economy of the Baixada Santista. Find Out How the Works Will Boost Development and What the Impact Will Be for Commercial Aviation in the Region.
The municipality of Guarujá, on the southern coast of São Paulo, is preparing to enter the route of Brazilian commercial aviation with the construction of the Metropolitan Civil Airport. The forecast is that operations will begin in the first half of 2026, moving about 200 thousand passengers per year.
The project, which is part of a partnership between the local government and the federal government, completed its first phase in April 2025 and is expected to transform the logistics and tourism of the Baixada Santista region.
With a strategic location on a base of the Brazilian Air Force (FAB), the Guarujá Airport aims to serve medium-sized aircraft, making it ideal for regional routes and connections with major urban centers.
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A city of 50,000 inhabitants on the Santa Catarina coast hides the largest distribution center in Latin America, where 1,500 people work to dispatch 3 million products per day through seven kilometers of automated conveyor belts, and now the complex will grow by another 50,000 square meters with an investment of R$ 100 million.
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The venture is one of the bets of the New PAC (Growth Acceleration Program) to boost the development of airport infrastructure in the country.
First Phase Completed: Runway Renovated and Basic Structure Ready
The delivery of the first stage of the work took place on April 14 and included essential improvements for air operation.
The renovation of the landing and takeoff runway, the reconfiguration of taxiways A, B, and C, the drainage system, and the installation of the operational fence have been completed, which is responsible for separating the public area from the restricted zone, ensuring security and access control.
The main runway will be 1,390 meters long and 45 meters wide, dimensions that make it compatible with Category 2B aircraft, with a capacity for up to 50 passengers.
For comparison, the runway of Santos Dumont Airport in Rio de Janeiro is 1,323 meters long and 42 meters wide, which reinforces the feasibility of the new terminal for regional commercial flights.
Next Steps: Passenger Terminal and Certifications
The second phase of the project involves the construction of the passenger terminal, where boarding and disembarking rooms, check-ins, dining areas, and other essential services for user comfort will be installed.
After the completion of this stage, the Guarujá City Hall will seek the final certification from the National Civil Aviation Agency (Anac), in addition to negotiating routes with interested airlines.
The expectation is that the airport will establish itself as an important alternative to alleviate the flow of the terminals in Congonhas and Viracopos, expanding access to the Baixada Santista and stimulating local tourism and the economy.
The structure is being designed with the possibility of expansion should demand increase in the coming years.
Public Investment and Growth Expectation
The Metropolitan Civil Airport of Guarujá is being financed through a partnership between the municipal administration and the federal government.
In total, the project has already received an investment of R$ 20.5 million from the New PAC, which aims to improve the national air network and strengthen regional hubs.
During the ceremony for the delivery of the first phase, the Minister of Ports and Airports, Sílvio Costa Filho, highlighted the strategic importance of the work for the region.
“The Guarujá Airport will bring aircraft from all over Brazil to the Baixada Santista. But we will have many more achievements. There is the tunnel, the dredging of the Port, and auctions for large terminals, all to boost the region, but especially to enhance Brazil’s economy”, said the minister.
Tourism and Mobility Boosted by the New Structure
Guarujá is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the state of São Paulo, with beaches, resorts, and infrastructure focused on leisure.
The arrival of a commercial airport could represent a turning point in the tourism sector, making the municipality even more attractive to visitors from other regions and facilitating access for corporate and sports events.
In addition, urban mobility in the Baixada Santista should benefit. The presence of its own airport terminal will reduce dependence on airports in the city of São Paulo and facilitate the transportation of executives, light cargo, and even emergency flights.
The initial estimate of 200,000 passengers per year, according to the city hall, may grow as the region integrates into national air networks.
National Context: Regional Airports Gain Highlight
The airport project in Guarujá is part of a national movement to strengthen regional aviation, aimed at increasing the number of operational airports and reducing travel time between medium-sized cities and large metropolitan areas.
According to data from Anac, Brazil has over 2,500 registered airfields, but only a fraction of them operate with regular commercial flights.
With the progress of the works and the integration into already established routes, the Guarujá terminal could serve as a model for other coastal municipalities facing mobility challenges.
The federal government has signaled its intention to invest in smaller airports, focusing on decentralization and connectivity.
Curiosities About the Region and the Project
The new airport will be located near naval bases and strategic areas of the metropolitan region of Baixada, which could favor logistical partnerships and even serve as a support point in emergency situations.
The choice of location – a FAB airbase – was seen as strategic, as it allows for the utilization of part of the existing military infrastructure, reducing initial costs and optimizing timelines.
Besides the economic impact, the airport may bring significant social and urban changes, such as real estate appreciation in the surrounding area and the attraction of tourism and service-related businesses.
The city hall is already studying policies to control density and avoid excessive real estate speculation.
With the promise of modernization, tourism boost, and regional development, the new Guarujá airport could change the landscape of commercial aviation on São Paulo’s coast. But will it really meet the demand and address the expectations of residents and tourists in the region? Leave your comment!
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