Recife airport (REC)

Recife/Guararapes - Gilberto Freyre International Airport (REC) is the main air connectivity hub in Northeastern Brazil and one of the country's most modern terminals. Opened on January 18, 1958, and operated by Aena Brasil since March 2020, its terminal stands out for its modernist architecture, featuring large glass panels that make the most of natural light. Its geographic location makes it the closest Brazilian international airport to Europe and Africa, offering direct connections to Lisbon, Madrid, Paris, Amsterdam, Miami, and Buenos Aires, as well as seasonal routes to other destinations in Europe and South America.

Official Website: aenabrasil.com.br

Phone: +55 81 3322 4188

Social Media:

Terminal

The airport has a single passenger terminal that combines modern architecture with works by local artists. The building is divided into three levels: the ground floor for arrivals and services, the first floor for check-in and departures, and an upper level with a panoramic terrace and food court.

Operating Hours: Open 24 hours.

Annual Traffic (2025): 9.9 million passengers.

Information Points

Aena customer service desks are located in the check-in area (first floor) and the arrivals area (ground floor), providing assistance with flights and airport services.

 Location

The airport is located 11 km (7 miles) southwest of downtown Recife.

Parking services at Recife airport (REC)

The airport has a large parking complex managed by Estapar. The facilities are located in front of the passenger terminal, operate 24 hours a day, and are equipped with surveillance and security systems.

Parking Garage (Covered)

This multi-level structure is directly connected to the terminal by covered walkways. It is the most convenient option for protecting your vehicle from the elements.

EV Charging: The parking garage has electric vehicle charging stations available to users.

Outdoor Parking

This area is located near the parking garage. It is the recommended option for oversized vehicles that exceed the maximum height allowed in the covered parking area.

Reservations and Payments

Automatic Payment (Tags): The airport is equipped with readers that allow automatic access and payment through Sem Parar, ConectCar, Veloe, and Taggy, making it possible to enter and exit without a physical ticket.

Long-Term Parking: Travelers planning to leave their vehicle for several days are advised to make an advance reservation through the Zul+ app or Estapar's official website. This method guarantees a parking space and provides access to significantly lower "Longa Permanência" promotional rates than those available at the counter.

Self-Service Payment Machines: Self-service terminals are located throughout the terminal access areas, allowing manual payment with credit and debit cards.

Online Reservations: Estapar Reservation - Recife

Facilities for passengers with special needs

Recife Airport is designed to be an accessible and functional space, in compliance with the guidelines established by ANAC (Resolution 280). The terminal's infrastructure is adapted to ensure that passengers with reduced mobility or special needs can move around safely and independently.

Accessibility and Mobility

The passenger terminal features access ramps, appropriately sized elevators with Braille signage, accessible public telephones, and dedicated restrooms for people with disabilities. In addition, the flooring features tactile paving to assist passengers with visual impairments as they move through the terminal.

Boarding: For flights that do not use jet bridges, the airport provides Ambulift equipment (vehicles with lifting platforms) to ensure safe and dignified access to the aircraft.

Assistance and Hidden Disabilities

Requesting Assistance: Wheelchair and personal assistance services are arranged through the airlines. You should request this support when making your reservation or at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure of your flight.

Sunflower Lanyard: The airport participates in the Sunflower Lanyard program, a tool that discreetly identifies people with hidden disabilities (such as autism, ADHD, or intellectual disabilities). Wearing the lanyard allows staff to provide more patient assistance and additional support during security screening and boarding procedures.

Priority Assistance

In accordance with Brazilian law, the airport provides priority assistance at check-in counters, security screening areas, and boarding gates for:

• People over 60 years of age.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
• People with reduced mobility or special medical conditions.
• Passengers traveling with infants (up to 2 years of age).

Family Facilities

For travelers with babies, diaper-changing rooms (fraldários) are available and equipped with changing tables, sinks, and nursing chairs. These facilities are located both in public areas (near the main restrooms) and in the domestic and international departure lounges.