Porto Alegre–Salgado Filho International Airport
Porto Alegre–Salgado Filho International Airport (IATA: POA, ICAO: SBPA) serves as the primary aviation hub for Porto Alegre and the broader Greater Porto Alegre region in Brazil. Named in 1951 after Joaquim Pedro Salgado Filho, a Senator and the first Minister of the Brazilian Air Force, the airport is a critical piece of infrastructure for the state of Rio Grande do Sul.
The facility is currently operated by Fraport Brasil, which took over administration from Infraero in January 2018 following a 25-year government concession. As a focus city for Azul Brazilian Airlines, the airport connects southern Brazil to domestic destinations and major international cities.
Key Facts
- Operator: Fraport Brasil (since 2017).
- Runway: A single asphalt runway measuring 3,200 meters (10,499 ft).
- Capacity: Terminal 1 features 16 gates with jetways and includes the first airport shopping mall in Latin America.
- Connectivity: Linked to the city via the Metro-Airport Connection people mover and several bus routes.
- Elevation: 9 meters (30 ft) above mean sea level.
Infrastructure and Development
The airport spans approximately 3,805,810 square meters (940 acres). The primary passenger facility, Terminal 1, covers 37,600 square meters. While Terminal 2 was previously used for passengers, it was closed for air traffic on September 15, 2019, and now serves as the administration center for Fraport Brasil S.A.
A significant milestone in the airport's modernization was the expansion of its runway. Originally 2,280 meters, the runway was extended to 3,200 meters, becoming fully operational by May 2022. This expansion allows the airport to accommodate larger wide-body aircraft, such as the Boeing 747-400, Boeing 777-300, and Airbus 330-900, facilitating direct long-haul flights to North America and Europe.
Operational Statistics
The airport has seen fluctuating traffic patterns over the last two decades, with a notable recovery in cargo and passenger numbers following recent disruptions. In 2025, the airport handled over 7.5 million passengers and saw a significant 193% increase in metric tonnes of cargo compared to the previous period.
| Year | Passengers | Aircraft Operations | Cargo (Metric Tonnes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7,513,020 | 67,313 | 33,792 |
| 2023 | 7,480,641 | 72,639 | 38,840 |
| 2021 | 4,803,176 | 49,278 | 25,447 |
| 2019 | 8,314,013 | 77,709 | 30,501 |
| 2015 | 8,354,961 | 88,279 | 20,886 |
Recent Challenges and Recovery
In 2024, the airport faced severe operational disruptions due to flooding. Between May 4 and May 26, 2024, all flights were suspended, with temporary operations shifted to the Canoas Air Force Base. The resumption of services occurred in two distinct phases:
- Phase One (October 21, 2024): Partial resumption using a 1,730-meter section of the runway, limited to 128 flights daily between 08:00 and 22:00.
- Phase Two (December 16, 2024): Full resumption of all airport operations.
Airlines and Destinations
The airport hosts a variety of domestic and international carriers. Key airlines include:
- Azul Brazilian Airlines: Extensive domestic network including Campinas, Recife, and Rio de Janeiro, with seasonal flights to Punta del Este and Bariloche.
- LATAM: Connecting the region to Santiago de Chile, Lima, and various Brazilian cities.
- TAP Air Portugal: Providing vital connectivity to Lisbon.
- Copa Airlines: Linking Porto Alegre to Panama City.
- Aerolíneas Argentinas: Serving Buenos Aires and seasonal routes to Punta del Este.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who operates the Porto Alegre International Airport?
The airport is currently operated by Fraport Brasil, a German private airport operator that won a 25-year concession from the Brazilian government in 2017.
Can large international aircraft land at Salgado Filho?
Yes. Following the runway expansion to 3,200 meters completed by May 2022, the airport can now accommodate large aircraft such as the Boeing 777-300 and Airbus 330-900, enabling direct flights to Europe and the United States.
How do I get from the airport to the city center?
Passengers can use the Metro-Airport Connection people mover to reach the Porto Alegre Metro Airport Station. Additionally, bus routes T5, T11, and B09 provide direct links to the city.
What happened to the airport in 2024?
The airport suffered severe flooding in May 2024, leading to a total suspension of flights. Operations were partially restored in October 2024 and fully resumed by December 16, 2024.
What is the significance of Terminal 1?
Terminal 1 is the main passenger hub and is notable for being the first airport facility in Latin America to feature an integrated shopping mall.