100. São Paulo Congonhas Airport (CGH)

CGH

São Paulo/Congonhas–Deputado Freitas Nobre Airport (CGH), more commonly known simply as Congonhas Airport, holds a unique and indelible place in the fabric of São Paulo, Brazil’s sprawling metropolis. Unlike many major international airports built on the outskirts of cities, CGH is remarkably embedded within the urban landscape, making it the most convenient and sought-after airport for domestic and business travel within the country. Its Art Deco terminal, rich history, and intense operational tempo make it a fascinating and vital hub.

The History of CGH

The story of Congonhas Airport dates back to the early 20th century, a period of rapid development for São Paulo as it emerged as Brazil’s industrial and financial powerhouse. The initial plans for an airport in the city began as early as 1919, but it wasn’t until April 12, 1936, that the airport officially opened its doors. The chosen site, then outside the built-up urban area, was selected for its favorable winds and elevated position, providing good natural visibility and drainage, far from the flood-prone regions of the Tietê River. The initial runway was a modest 300-meter dirt strip.

The airport quickly gained importance, especially in the 1940s, as air travel expanded. The government of São Paulo acquired additional surrounding areas through expropriations to allow for the construction of a main runway and the expansion of facilities. The airport’s name, Congonhas, is a tribute to the Viscount of Congonhas do Campo, Lucas Antônio Monteiro de Barros, the first ruler of the Province of São Paulo after Brazil’s independence.

Congonhas truly flourished in the mid-20th century. By 1957, it was already the third-largest airport in the world in terms of air cargo volume, a testament to São Paulo’s booming economy. In 1959, the famous “Ponte Aérea” (Air Bridge) service between São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro was inaugurated from Congonhas, inspired by the Berlin Airlift. This air shuttle became, and remains, one of the busiest air routes in the world, solidifying Congonhas’s role as Brazil’s domestic travel cornerstone.

The 1960s saw the construction of the iconic passenger terminal, designed by Ernani do Val Penteado and Raymond A. Jehlen, with its distinctive Art Deco architecture and black and white checkered floor, which became a trademark. This building is now listed by the Municipal Council for the Preservation of Historical, Cultural, and Environmental Heritage of the City of São Paulo (Conpresp),1 recognizing its architectural significance.

However, as São Paulo urbanized rapidly, Congonhas became increasingly enveloped by the city, transforming it into a central airport with residential areas directly adjacent to its runways. This proximity, while offering unparalleled convenience, also brought challenges, particularly concerning noise and safety. Following the tragic TAM Flight 3054 accident in 2007, which highlighted the complexities of its short main runway, operations at Congonhas were scaled down. International commercial flights, which had already largely been transferred to the newer São Paulo–Guarulhos Airport (GRU) since its opening in 1985, were completely ceased from Congonhas. The main runway was subsequently grooved to improve drainage, and Engineered Material Arresting Systems (EMAS) were installed to enhance safety.

In 2022, Congonhas Airport, along with a block of 10 other Brazilian airports, was privatized, with Aena Brasil (part of the Spanish group Aena, the world’s largest airport operator) taking over its management in October 2023. This marks a new chapter for CGH, with ambitious plans for modernization and expansion.

CGH Quick Facts and Statistics

Congonhas Airport is an operational marvel, managing an immense volume of traffic within its urban confines.

  • Official Name: São Paulo/Congonhas–Deputado Freitas Nobre Airport
  • IATA Code: CGH
  • ICAO Code: SBSP
  • Opened: April 12, 1936
  • Operator: Aena Brasil (since October 2023)
  • Location: Vila Congonhas neighborhood, São Paulo, Brazil. Approximately 8.7 kilometers (5.4 miles) south of São Paulo city center.
  • Elevation: 803 meters (2,634 feet) above mean sea level.
  • Runways: CGH operates with two asphalt runways:
    • 17R/35L: 1,883 meters (6,173 feet) long and 45 meters (148 feet) wide. This is the main runway, notable for its length limitations given the high volume of traffic it handles.
    • 17L/35R: 1,495 meters (4,905 feet) long and 45 meters (148 feet) wide. This is the auxiliary runway.
  • Terminals: A single, integrated passenger terminal with a gross area of 64,579 square meters.
  • Passenger Traffic: Congonhas is consistently the second busiest airport in Brazil by passenger traffic, after São Paulo-Guarulhos. In 2023, it served over 22 million passengers, with daily flows reaching up to 70,000 passengers.
  • Aircraft Operations: The airport handles a high volume of aircraft movements, with more than 590 landings and takeoffs per day. It operates with a slot restriction of a maximum of 30 operations per hour, making it one of the most capacity-constrained airports in Brazil. In 2023, it recorded 231,861 aircraft operations.
  • Cargo Volume: While primarily a passenger airport, CGH also handles significant cargo, with 32,491 metric tonnes in 2023.
  • Operational Hours: Generally operates from 06:00 AM to 11:00 PM (23:00) local time due to noise restrictions.
  • Designation: Officially a domestic airport, focusing on short- to medium-haul routes within Brazil.

Comprehensive Facilities for the Business Traveler

Congonhas Airport’s single terminal is designed for high-volume, rapid domestic transit, offering a range of facilities geared towards the business traveler and frequent flyer.

  • Shopping and Dining: The terminal features a variety of retail outlets, including bookstores, convenience stores, and souvenir shops. Dining options are extensive, with numerous cafes, bakeries, fast-food outlets, and sit-down restaurants offering Brazilian and international cuisine, catering to quick meals and more relaxed dining. The total commercial area spans over 9,400 square meters with approximately 150 commercial points.
  • Lounges: Several airline lounges (e.g., Gol Premium Lounge, LATAM VIP Lounge) and independent lounges cater to frequent flyers and premium passengers, offering comfortable seating, complimentary food and beverages, Wi-Fi, and business amenities.
  • Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. Charging stations are also provided.
  • Baggage Services: Baggage wrapping services, luggage storage, and lost and found desks are available.
  • Financial Services: Multiple ATMs, banking facilities, and currency exchange counters are conveniently located throughout the terminal.
  • Medical Services: First aid stations and a medical clinic are on site for emergencies.
  • Accessibility: The airport provides facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms. Special assistance services can be pre-arranged.
  • Business Facilities: Given its role as a major business airport, CGH offers private workstations and meeting areas within lounges.
  • Observation Deck: The terminal offers some viewpoints where passengers can observe aircraft movements, especially popular given the airport’s unique urban setting.
  • Parking Garage: A large multi-story parking garage (with 60,000 square meters and five floors) is directly connected to the terminal, offering convenient parking for travelers.

The central hall of the passenger terminal, with its Art Deco charm and checkered floor, remains a landmark, even as modernization efforts continue to integrate new facilities while preserving its historic appeal.

A Focused Airline Network for Brazil

Congonhas Airport’s airline network is entirely focused on domestic and regional flights within Brazil, serving as a critical hub for the country’s major airlines.

  • Gol Linhas Aéreas (G3): Gol is a major operator at CGH, utilizing it as a primary hub for its extensive domestic network. It offers high-frequency flights from Congonhas to key cities across Brazil, including Rio de Janeiro (Santos Dumont), Brasília, Belo Horizonte, Porto Alegre, Curitiba, and Salvador.
  • LATAM Brasil (LA/JJ): LATAM is another dominant carrier at Congonhas, with a strong presence on the “Ponte Aérea” and numerous other high-demand domestic routes connecting São Paulo to major business and leisure destinations throughout Brazil.
  • Azul Brazilian Airlines (AD): Azul has also established a significant base at Congonhas, offering a growing network of domestic flights, often connecting to its main hub in Campinas (Viracopos) for onward connections to smaller regional destinations across Brazil.
  • Voepass Linhas Aéreas (2Z): A regional airline, Voepass (formerly Passaredo Linhas Aéreas) operates smaller aircraft from CGH to various regional cities in Brazil, connecting Congonhas to destinations not typically served by the larger carriers.

Congonhas Airport’s slot-restricted nature means that these three major Brazilian airlines fiercely compete for access, making CGH a highly coveted operational base due to its proximity to São Paulo’s economic center. While some airlines (like American Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Copa Airlines, Avianca) might show up in flight searches for CGH, these are typically connecting flights where the international leg lands at Guarulhos (GRU), with a domestic transfer to Congonhas for the final leg within Brazil. Direct international commercial flights do not operate from CGH.

Efficient Ground Transportation in a Dense City

Congonhas Airport’s integrated location within São Paulo is its greatest asset for ground transportation, offering unparalleled convenience to the city’s business districts and major attractions.

  • Taxis: Taxis are readily available outside the terminal. Given the airport’s central location, taxi fares to central São Paulo, such as Avenida Paulista or the Faria Lima financial district, are relatively affordable compared to long airport transfers in other major cities. It’s advisable to use official airport taxis or pre-book through reputable services. A trip to the city center can range from R$50-R$100 depending on traffic and exact destination.
  • Ride-Hailing Services (Uber, 99, Bolt): Uber, 99 (a popular local Brazilian app), and Bolt operate extensively in São Paulo. Passengers can easily request rides via their apps from designated pick-up points at the airport, offering transparent pricing and convenience.
  • Public Buses: Numerous public bus lines connect Congonhas Airport to various parts of São Paulo, including major subway stations and bus terminals. These are the most economical option but can be slower and less convenient for travelers with heavy luggage. Bus stops are located directly outside the terminal.
  • Airport Buses/Shuttles: While not a dedicated express service like some other airports, some companies offer executive bus services or shuttle vans to key areas or hotels.
  • Car Rental: All major international and local car rental companies have desks at the airport, primarily located in the south wing of the terminal. This provides flexibility for those wishing to drive around São Paulo or explore the wider region.
  • Parking: Congonhas has extensive parking facilities, including the multi-story garage directly connected to the terminal, offering convenient short-term and long-term parking options.
  • Metro Connection (Future): Critically, future plans include direct access to the future Line 17 – Gold of the São Paulo Metro, which is under construction and set to open in phases. This will provide a seamless rail link from the airport into the city’s extensive metro network, dramatically enhancing public transport access.

The Future of Congonhas Airport: A New Era Under Aena

Under the new management of Aena Brasil, Congonhas Airport is embarking on a comprehensive, multi-billion Brazilian Real transformation program (estimated at R$2 billion / ~US$400 million) designed to modernize its infrastructure, significantly increase its capacity, and enhance the passenger experience, all while respecting its urban constraints and historical heritage.

Key future projects and strategic plans, with construction scheduled from October 2023 to June 2028, include:

  • Terminal Expansion and Modernization: The existing passenger terminal will undergo a major overhaul and expansion, aiming to more than double its size to 105,000 square meters. This will include:
    • New Check-in Hall: A new, spacious check-in hall with 72 counters, expandable to 108, to improve efficiency.
    • New Pier and Boarding Bridges: A new 330-meter-long, 36-meter-wide pier will be constructed, increasing the number of boarding bridges from 12 to 19. This aims to ensure that 70% or more of boardings are directly to aircraft via jet bridges.
    • Remote Boarding Gates: 10 new remote boarding gates will be added, utilizing a repurposed, historically listed hangar, providing more flexibility for aircraft parking.
    • Enhanced Security and Baggage Systems: The number of inspection channels will increase from 10 to 17, and a new, faster, and smarter baggage processing system with 10 carousels (up from the current three) will be installed, significantly improving efficiency.
  • Airside Infrastructure Improvements:
    • Apron Expansion: A new 215,000 square meter commercial aviation apron will increase aircraft stopping positions from 30 to 37 (19 on bridges, 18 remote), all meeting international standards and capable of accommodating larger aircraft like the Airbus A321neo and Boeing 737 MAX-10 at all positions.
    • Runway and Taxiway Reinforcement: Runways and aprons will receive structural reinforcement, along with the construction of new taxiways, a new service road for general aviation, and a rapid exit when operating through threshold 35L, improving operational safety and efficiency.
  • Improved Ground Access and Connectivity:
    • Metro Link: Crucially, direct access to the future Line 17 – Gold of the São Paulo Metro will be integrated, significantly enhancing public transport access for passengers.
    • Road Access Optimization: New road layouts, including a dedicated pick-up plaza with 72 spaces for ride-hailing app cars and an extended curb area (by 250 meters) for passenger boarding and deplaning, will improve road circulation and reduce congestion at the airport entrance.
  • Commercial Mix and Passenger Experience: A new commercial concept will be implemented, featuring a renewed mix of shops, more comfortable VIP lounges, and corporate spaces. Renovation of existing bathrooms and modernization of the current terminal’s air conditioning system are also underway.
  • Sustainability Initiatives: The project incorporates significant sustainability measures, including a new electrical substation with clean energy use, reduced fossil fuel consumption (with electrical power and air conditioning for aircraft on bridges), a new solid waste center, and water treatment and reuse. The airport will also feature more efficient air conditioning and increased natural lighting. New 100% electric buses have already been acquired for remote passenger boarding, aiming to reduce CO2 emissions by 510 tons per year.

These ambitious and comprehensive plans reflect Aena Brasil’s commitment to transforming Congonhas into a modern, efficient, and sustainable urban airport, ready to serve São Paulo’s growing demands for domestic and business travel well into the future.

Keyword: TopAirports