The growth of Brazilian aviation and investments in modernizing airport infrastructure have expanded the country's presence among Latin America's leading hubs. According to a survey by the International Council of Airports of Latin America and the Caribbean (ACI-LAC), three Brazilian airports ranked among the 10 busiest in the region in 2025: Guarulhos (SP), Congonhas (SP), and Galeão (RJ).
São Paulo International Airport (Guarulhos) led the 2025 ranking with passenger traffic exceeding 23.1 million throughout the year, a result 8.3% higher than recorded in 2024. The terminal outperformed 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 approximately 11.9 million passengers; and Tom Jobim International Airport (Galeão) in Rio de Janeiro, which closed the list in 10th place with 8.7 million. The Rio terminal recorded one of the largest growth rates in the period, with a 23.6% increase in passenger traffic between 2024 and 2025.
The rise in passenger traffic in 2025 coincides with a record volume of public investments made in the airport sector in 2024. Public investments totaled R$ 549.5 million, 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 fostering a sector that is essential for the country's growth. It is standing alongside the Brazilian people," said Minister of Ports and Airports Tomé Franca.
Stronger infrastructure
Strategic for tourism, the country's busiest terminals were included in a schedule for further investments. In 2025, the Ministry of Ports and Airports (MPor) announced, solely for Guarulhos, an investment of R$ 1.4 billion earmarked for terminal expansion and modernization. The package includes 21 projects for terminal expansion, technological integration, and operational improvements to aprons and taxiways.
Latin America's largest and busiest terminal, Guarulhos had its concession contract renegotiation ratified by the Federal Court of Accounts (TCU) in October 2024. The measure enabled the resumption of structural works and extended the contract until November 2033.
Congonhas is also undergoing a broad transformation, with estimated investments of R$ 2.4 billion, aiming to become a reference in modernity, sustainability, and operational efficiency, following international standards. Following completion of the interventions, the terminal's annual capacity is expected to jump from 22 million to nearly 30 million passengers.
Galeão, a vector for tourism in the Marvelous City, is also set to receive new investments following the assisted sale auction held in March. The model incorporates regulatory improvements and seeks to ensure the sustainability of the concession through 2039, preserving investments already made. The terminal was won by Spanish company Aena with a bid of R$ 2.9 billion.
Air transport in growth
Investments in Brazil's airports keep pace with the demand for strengthening this strategic sector's infrastructure. In the first quarter of this year, more than 34 million passengers used domestic and international flights throughout the country, a volume 9.52% higher than recorded in the same period of 2025.
International traffic showed even more impressive performance. In the first three months of the year, more than 8.3 million passengers traveled through Brazilian airports on international flights, a 13.2% increase compared to the same period the previous year. In the domestic market, the increase was 8.35%, with more than 25.7 million passengers transported in the quarter.
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