Brazil places three airports among the busiest in Latin America, driven by record investments in the sector

The growth of Brazilian aviation and investments in the modernization of airport infrastructure have increased the country’s presence among the main hubs in Latin America. According to a survey by the International Council of Airports of Latin America and the Caribbean (ACI-LAC), three Brazilian airports were among the 10 busiest in the region in 2025: Guarulhos (SP), Congonhas (SP) and Galeão (RJ).

São Paulo International Airport (Guarulhos) led the ranking in 2025, with circulation of more than 23.1 million passengers throughout the year, a result 8.3% higher than that recorded in 2024. The terminal was ahead of strategic airports on the continent, such as El Dorado, in Bogotá, and Mexico City International Airport.

In addition to Guarulhos, the ranking includes Congonhas, in 7th position, with around 11.9 million passengers; and with Tom Jobim International Airport (Galeão), in Rio de Janeiro, which ended the list in 10th place, with 8.7 million. The Rio terminal recorded one of the biggest growths of the period, with a 23.6% increase in the flow of travelers between 2024 and 2025.

The advance in passenger movement in 2025 coincides with the record volume of public investments made in the airport sector in 2024. There were R$549.5 million in public works and investments, with private investments reaching R$3.38 billion.

“Talking about infrastructure is talking about people, it is through it that people connect. Investing in airport infrastructure means improving the service provided to passengers, ensuring greater safety in operations and promoting a sector that is essential for the country’s growth. It means being at the side of the Brazilian people”, highlighted the Minister of Ports and Airports, Tomé Franca.

Stronger infrastructure

Strategic for tourism, the busiest terminals in the country were included in a schedule of more investments. In 2025, the Ministry of Ports and Airports (MPor) announced, for Guarulhos alone, an investment of R$1.4 billion for the expansion and modernization of the terminal. The package includes 21 terminal expansion projects, technological integration and operational improvements in yards and taxiways.

The largest and busiest terminal in Latin America, Guarulhos had the renegotiation of the concession contract approved by the Federal Audit Court (TCU) in October 2024. The measure allowed the resumption of structural works and extended the contract until November 2033.

Congonhas is also undergoing a broad transformation, with investments estimated at R$2.4 billion, aiming to become a reference in modernity, sustainability and operational efficiency, following international standards. After the completion of the interventions, the terminal’s annual capacity is expected to increase from 22 million to almost 30 million passengers.

Galeão, a vector of tourism in the Marvelous City, is also expected to receive new contributions after the assisted sales auction held in March. The model incorporates regulatory improvements and seeks to guarantee the sustainability of the concession until 2039, preserving the investments already made. The terminal was purchased by the Spanish company Aena, with a bid of R$2.9 billion.

Growing air transport

Investments in Brazil’s airports follow the demand for strengthening the infrastructure of this strategic sector. In the first quarter of this year, more than 34 million passengers used domestic and international flights across the country, a volume 9.52% higher than that recorded in the same period in 2025.

International movement showed an even more impressive performance. In the first three months of the year, more than 8.3 million passengers passed through Brazilian airports on flights abroad, a growth of 13.2% compared to the same period of the previous year. In the domestic market, the increase was 8.35%, with more than 25.7 million passengers transported in the quarter.