The Natal International Airport, located in São Gonçalo do Amarante, in the Natal metropolitan area, recorded in August 2026 the highest passenger movement for the month since operations began in 2014.
In total, there were 242.6 thousand passengers between arrivals and departures, a result that represents growth of 21% compared to August 2025. The data were released by Zurich Airport Brasil, the terminal's operator.
Advance in international operations
The performance was driven mainly by growth in international traffic.
Of the 242.6 thousand passengers recorded in August, 227.9 thousand were from domestic operations, an increase of 18% in year-over-year comparison. International traffic reached 14.6 thousand passengers, a significant increase of 76% over August of last year.
August was the fourth month of 2026 in which the terminal showed growth exceeding 20% in passenger traffic, maintaining a trajectory of expansion throughout the year.
July also set a record
August's performance came following another historic result.
In July, the airport handled 250.9 thousand passengers, growth of 15% compared to the same month in 2025 and the best result for July since the terminal's inauguration.
During July and August, airlines provided 176 extra flights to meet increased demand during the holiday season. São Paulo, Brasília, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires and Lisbon were among the main origin markets for passengers.
The period also featured a weekly connection between Natal and Montevideo, operated by GOL. The route is expected to return during the summer season.
More than 1.8 million passengers in the year
Considering the first eight months of 2026, Natal Airport handled approximately 1.88 million passengers.
In the first half alone, there were 1,387,440 passengers, growth of 18% over the same period in 2025. According to ANAC data cited by the airport operator, this was the highest traffic recorded at an airport in Rio Grande do Norte in the first half since 2002.
Growth also appears in the number of operations. In the first half, 9,268 aircraft movements were recorded, an increase of 16% compared to the same period in the previous year. Domestic operations grew 13%, while international operations advanced 66%.
New routes expand connectivity
The expansion in traffic is occurring in parallel with the expansion of the flight network.
For the coming months, Azul announced new direct connections between Natal and Goiânia and Curitiba, with operations expected between December 2026 and January 2027.
LATAM also announced a new direct connection between Natal and Buenos Aires, scheduled to begin in December. The Argentine capital already has connections with Natal operated by other carriers.
Currently, the terminal has 17 domestic and international destinations, including cities from the Southeast, Northeast and Center-West regions, as well as Lisbon, Buenos Aires and Montevideo.
Infrastructure investments
Since February 2024, when it assumed operation of the terminal, Zurich Airport Brasil reports having made approximately R$ 59 million in investments at Natal Airport.
The resources were allocated to improvements such as air conditioning, connectivity, signage, passenger service, VIP lounges, pet area and multisensory room.
In the sustainability area, one of the highlight projects is the implementation of a solar plant with 11 thousand photovoltaic panels, expected to make the airport self-sufficient in electrical energy.
August's performance reinforces the role of Natal International Airport in connecting Rio Grande do Norte with other Brazilian markets and international destinations, in a scenario of expanding flight supply and increasing demand for air transport.
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