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

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Terminal

The airport features a single centralized passenger terminal that integrates both departures and arrivals. Its architecture preserves the iconic central hall with its black-and-white checkerboard floor, recognized as a historic landmark of the city.

Operating Hours: Although the terminal remains open 24 hours a day, flight operations are restricted by urban noise regulations and are typically conducted between 6:00 am and 11:00 pm.

Annual Passenger Traffic (2025): 24.5 million passengers.

Information Desks

Aena Brasil customer service counters are located in the main departures hall and the arrivals area. The airport also features a tourist information desk in the south wing, where visitors can obtain assistance regarding transportation and the city's main attractions.

 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)

The airport offers parking facilities designed for both short- and long-term stays, strategically located to provide convenient access to the passenger terminal. The parking system is fully automated and monitored 24 hours a day to ensure vehicle security.

Official Parking Garage (Edifício Garagem)

Operated by Estapar, this modern multi-level parking garage is located directly across from the passenger terminal. The facility offers primarily covered parking spaces with quick access to the check-in and arrivals areas.

Sections and Accessibility: The garage includes designated parking spaces for passengers with reduced mobility, seniors, and pregnant women, conveniently located near the elevators. It also features the Estapar Premium section, offering wider parking spaces and more direct access to the VIP lounges and security checkpoints.

Online Reservations and the Zul+ App

To secure the best rates and guarantee a parking space, it is recommended to book in advance through the Zul+ app or the operator's official website.

Reservation Benefits: Customers who book in advance can take advantage of promotional long-term parking rates with significant discounts compared to paying on-site. The system uses license plate recognition (OCR) technology, allowing entry and exit barriers to open automatically when the registered vehicle is detected, or by scanning a QR code from a mobile device.

Gate One Parking

This is a privately operated parking facility located just outside the airport grounds, while remaining conveniently connected to the terminal. Passengers can walk between the parking lot and the main terminal via a covered pedestrian bridge that crosses the avenue, providing safe access without the need for shuttle transportation.

Rates and Payment

Parking rates vary according to the length of stay and how far in advance the reservation is made:

• Standard Drive-Up Rate: Applies to customers who enter without a prior reservation. Charges are calculated by the hour or for a full day.
• Promotional Rates: Available exclusively for reservations made through the website or app for stays longer than three days.
• Payment Methods: Self-service payment kiosks throughout the airport accept credit cards, debit cards, and digital payment methods. Automatic toll-payment systems such as Sem Parar, Veloe, and ConectCar are also accepted at the exit gates.

Official Reservation Website: estapar.com.br

Facilities for passengers with special needs

Congonhas Airport, managed by Aena Brasil, fully complies with Resolution 280 of Brazil's National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC), ensuring accessibility and priority assistance for Passengers Requiring Special Assistance (PNAE). The terminal features modern infrastructure designed to provide a smooth and independent travel experience from arrival through boarding.

Reduced Mobility and Physical Assistance

The terminal is equipped with access ramps, elevators with Braille signage, accessible restrooms, and accessible public telephones. Escalators and elevators are strategically located throughout the terminal to facilitate movement between levels.

Wheelchairs: Wheelchairs are available for use within the terminal. Passengers are advised to request this service through their airline at least 48 hours in advance.

Boarding and Deplaning: Although most flights use passenger boarding bridges (jet bridges), the airport also provides specialized lifting vehicles (Ambulift or "Mamuth") to assist passengers with reduced mobility when aircraft are parked at remote stands.

Invisible Disabilities (Sunflower Lanyard)

The airport officially recognizes the Cordão de Girassol (Sunflower Lanyard) as an identification tool for people with non-visible disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, dementia, and intellectual disabilities. Wearing the lanyard enables Aena and airline staff to provide personalized assistance, priority service, and additional time during security screening and boarding procedures.

Legally Mandated Priority Service

In accordance with Brazilian law, priority service lines are available at check-in counters, security screening checkpoints, and boarding gates for the following groups:

• Adults aged 60 and over (with additional priority for those over 80).
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
• Passengers traveling with young children (up to 2 years old).
• People with disabilities or reduced mobility.
• People with severe obesity.

Family Services

Nursing Rooms and Baby Changing Facilities: "Espaço Família" (Family Space) areas provide private nursing rooms, baby changing stations, and microwave ovens for warming baby food. These facilities are available in both the public area and the boarding area.

Unaccompanied Minors: Children and teenagers traveling without an accompanying adult must comply with the legal requirements established by the Brazilian Federal Police and Juvenile Court authorities. Each airline has its own age policies and additional fees for this service, which must be arranged and confirmed before departure.

Guide Dogs

Guide dogs are permitted in all public and restricted areas of the airport. The animal must carry its official identification, and the passenger must present the current health and vaccination certificates required by applicable health regulations.