On Thursday (10/08), Ports and Airports Minister Márcio França signed a resolution that determines the reduction of flights at Santos Dumont (SDU) airport, in Rio de Janeiro. The decision will likely affect the routine of many companies and people that frequently use Santos Dumont airport for flights that cross distances bigger than 400 kilometers. Travelers that have their flights moved to Galeão International Airport (GIG), must take some precautions when choosing flights.
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The Measure
The measure seeks to direct more routes to Tom Jobim International Airport, Galeão (GIG), also located in the Rio de Janeiro capital. Galeão has been emptied in recent years.
According to the Ministry of Ports and Airports, Santos Dumont will be restricted to flights with a distance of up to 400 kilometers from the destination or origin, considering airports on domestic routes. This could include, for example, the airlift to Congonhas, in São Paulo.
The changes will be adopted from 2 January 2024, to allow airlines to adapt the network until then.
Other domestic flights involving Rio, outside the radius of up to 400 kilometers, must be directed to Galeão. Airlines have already been planning this readjustment.
Our Analysis: Santos Dumont and Galeão – Security
Historically, Rio’s North Zone is riskier than the Central area, where Santos Dumont Airport is located. On top of that, people living and/or working in the South Zone and in the Central area will have to travel a longer distance to catch their flights. Finally, moving to GIG, means – frequently – passing through the Linha Vermelha Expressway and Avenida Brasil, which are quite affected by the organized crime and the endemic violence connected to it. In order to reduce risk exposure, trips to Galeão airport must avoid the rush hours, the early morning and the night periods.
