THE concessionaire Aena, which manages Congonhas Airport, in São Paulo, informed this Tuesday (23) that the National Civil Aviation Secretariat (SAC), linked to the Ministry of Ports and Airports, gave a favorable opinion to the request for the airport to resume operating international flights. 
Aena’s proposal provides for the operation of scheduled passenger flights, focusing on short and medium-haul routes in South America.
According to the concessionaire, the request is integrated into the airport’s expansion and modernization project, which involves investments of around R$2.5 billion. The works, according to Aena, are in progress and within the scheduled schedule.
“SAC’s statement recognizes that Aena’s proposal is aligned with the guidelines of the National Civil Aviation Policy (PNAC) and the National Aviation Plan (PAN), after technical analysis of demand studies, infrastructure use and the airport expansion plan,” said Aena, in a note.
THE concessionaire works with the expectation that international operations will begin in 2028concomitant with the delivery of the new airport terminal.
“Given the convenience of having a central, efficient, fast and highly punctual international airport, with a new modern, comfortable terminal with first-rate services within the main metropolis of the Southern Hemisphere, there is a huge opportunity to take a new leap in connectivity, economic development and regional integration”, highlighted the executive director of Congonhas Airport, Kleber Meira.
The Ministry of Ports and Airports reported that it issued a favorable opinion for the airport to receive international flights, according to Reuters.
“The opinion, however, does not represent the final authorization for the operation of international flights” at the airport, stated the ministry.
The concessionaire will also have to “obtain authorizations from other border control bodies (Federal Police, Anvisa, Vigiagro and Federal Revenue) and then file a formal process with Anac, the body responsible for the final analysis and eventual designation of the airport as international”.
According to Reuters, the ministry reported that Aena met requirements regulated by the ministry for the airport to operate international flights and cited “the initiative’s potential to strengthen national aviation, expand air connectivity and boost economic development.”
This Monday (22), the Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filho, carried out a technical visit to the airport and highlighted the progress of the works. “This will be fundamental to strengthening Brazil’s aviation and providing more comfort and efficiency to passengers”, stated the minister.
* With information from Reuters
