Minister Silvio Costa Filho announces regular flight between Recife and Petrolina

With the aim of strengthening regional aviation, particularly linking the Sertão region with the Pernambuco capital, the Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filho, announced on Saturday the creation of a regular flight between Petrolina and Recife. The new route aims to expand air connectivity in the state and facilitate passenger travel between the interior and the coast. The operation will be carried out by airline Latam and will feature three weekly frequencies on the Petrolina – Recife – Petrolina route.

The initiative, which will begin operations on September 2, will expand the supply of flights and connections between the Pernambuco Sertão and the capital, benefiting residents, tourists and the region's productive sector. Tickets will begin to be sold as of next Saturday (April 4).

In Silvio Costa Filho's assessment, the new air link follows the strategy of strengthening regional aviation in the country, allowing interior passengers easier access to domestic and international connections from Recife Airport. According to the minister, the expansion of air routes is fundamental to driving regional development.

"We are working to expand the supply of flights and strengthen regional aviation in Brazil. This new connection between Recife and Petrolina will benefit business and leisure tourism, bringing the Sertão even closer to the capital. It is a commitment of President Lula's government to expand air connections and further strengthen Brazilian aviation," said the minister, recalling that this was an old demand from the region.

It is worth noting that in addition to the new flight offering, at the end of 2024, the Ministry of Ports and Airports delivered the requalification of Petrolina Airport, the result of a concession contract signed between the Union and Motiva. The investment was in the order of R$ 56 million, carried out by concessionaire CCR Aeroportos.

The works included the expansion of the passenger terminal, the expansion of the apron to six aircraft positions and new operational facilities, increasing capacity and improving the airport's infrastructure to receive more flights and passengers.