Congonhas airport (CGH)

São Paulo/Congonhas - Deputado Freitas Nobre Airport (CGH), opened on April 12, 1936, is one of Brazil's busiest airports and the country's leading hub for domestic business travel. Located just a few kilometers from São Paulo's financial district, it stands out for its accessibility and operational efficiency. Managed by Aena Brasil, the airport connects the city with the country's main regional centers, offering frequent flights to destinations such as Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, Belo Horizonte, and Porto Alegre. The Rio de Janeiro–São Paulo air shuttle is one of the busiest air routes in Brazil.

Following the 2007 accident, the airport underwent a comprehensive modernization process that included the installation of the EMAS (Engineered Materials Arresting System) at both runway ends, improved drainage systems, and a restructuring of the air traffic network to optimize operational flow. Today, it operates under strict international safety standards.

Official Website: aenabrasil.com.br

Phone: +55 34 3230 2597 / +55 11 5090 9000

Social Media:

Terminal

The airport features a single centralized passenger terminal structured across three levels (basement for ground transportation and deplaning, ground floor for arrivals, and upper first floor/mezzanine for check-in counters and boarding gates). Its architecture preserves the iconic central hall with its black-and-white checkerboard floor, recognized as a historic city landmark.

Operating Hours: Due to strict urban noise regulations, commercial flights operate strictly between 6:00 am and 11:00 pm. The terminal is not set up for overnight stays, and passenger presence is restricted once daily flights conclude.

Annual Passenger Traffic (2025): 24.5 million passengers.

Information Desks

Aena Brasil customer service desks are situated in the main departures hall. In addition, an official São Paulo municipal tourist information counter (SPTuris) operates in the south wing, assisting travelers with city transit and local highlights.

 Location

The airport is located in the southern part of the city, in the Vila Congonhas neighborhood, Campo Belo district, 10.6 km (6.6 miles) from downtown São Paulo.

Parking services at São Paulo Congonhas airport (CGH)

Official parking at the airport is operated by Estapar, complemented by private parking facilities located around the perimeter.

Official Multi-Storey Garage (Edifício Garagem)

The main multi-level covered garage sits directly facing the passenger terminal, providing covered pedestrian access to the departures and arrivals concourses.

Sections: Features reserved accessible spaces for passengers with reduced mobility and pregnant women close to elevators, as well as the Estapar Premium section featuring wider bays and fast terminal access.

Sample Rates: Standard drive-up daily rates in the garage run approximately R$ 105.90 per day. Advance reservations made online or via the Zul+ app offer promotional pricing starting from R$ 39.90 per day, along with multi-day extended stay packages (e.g., 5 days from R$ 79.80 or 10 days from R$ 140.00, subject to availability).

Rates updated as of October 12, 2026.

Off-Site Parking Facilities

• Gate One / Bandeira Park: Located roughly 300 meters from the airport, safely accessible on foot via the covered pedestrian overpass crossing Washington Luís Avenue.
• Grand Parking: Off-site facility featuring continuous complimentary shuttle van service to and from the terminal.

Official Estapar Bookings: estapar.com.br

Facilities for passengers with special needs

Congonhas Airport adheres to Brazilian National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) Resolution 280, providing comprehensive accessibility and priority facilitation for Passengers Requiring Special Assistance (PNAE).

Requesting Special Assistance

Special assistance should be arranged through the booking airline at least 48 hours in advance for wheelchair or physical assistance, or at least 72 hours prior if medical requirements or traveling companions are involved.

Physical Accessibility Infrastructure

Features access ramps, tactile paving, Braille-equipped elevators, lowered service counters, and dedicated accessible restrooms. For remote aircraft parking positions without jet bridges, specialized motorized lift vehicles (Ambulift) are deployed.

Hidden Disabilities (Sunflower Lanyard)

The airport officially recognizes the Sunflower Lanyard (Cordão de Girassol) to assist passengers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, and non-apparent neurodivergent conditions, granting discreet priority handling and understanding during checkpoint queues.

Multi-Sensory Room and Family Amenities

Aena operates a dedicated Multi-Sensory Room (Sala Multissensorial) equipped with dimmable lighting, soothing sensory aids, and relaxation tools to support neurodivergent passengers before boarding. Additionally, nursing rooms and baby changing spaces (Espaço Família / Fraldário) are accessible landside and airside.

Unaccompanied Minors and Service Animals

Unaccompanied minors must comply with Federal Police and Brazilian Juvenile Court authorizations, booked in advance with the operating airline. Accredited guide dogs are permitted throughout all public and restricted facilities with appropriate vaccination and health certificates.