RECUpdated October 12, 2026

Recife airport

Recife · Brazil

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Recife airport (REC)
Photo: Joalpe, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
REC · Overview
Airport map
Map & meeting point →
Weather now
28 °C · Partly cloudy
Passengers 2025
9.9 million
From the city
11 km

About the airport

Recife airport (REC)
Photo: Joalpe, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Recife/Guararapes - Gilberto Freyre International Airport (REC) is the primary air connectivity hub in Northeastern Brazil and one of the country's most modern terminals. Opened on January 18, 1958, and managed by Aena Brasil since March 2020, its terminal stands out for its functional architecture with large glass panels that maximize natural daylight. Its geographic location makes it the closest Brazilian international airport to Europe and Africa, offering direct regular connections to Lisbon, Madrid, Montevideo, and Orlando, alongside an extensive domestic route network.

Official Website: aenabrasil.com.br

Phone: +55 81 3322 4188

Social Media:

Terminal

The airport operates via a single centralized passenger terminal covering over 56,000 m², equipped with 11 jet bridges and 25 aircraft parking positions. The building is arranged across the following levels:

  • Ground Floor (Térreo): Public domestic and international arrivals halls (North and South sectors), car rental counters, tourist services, and rest cabins.
  • First Floor (1º Piso): Check-in desks, security checkpoints, and boarding gate access.
  • Upper Level: Observation terrace, administrative offices, and main food court.

Operating Hours: Open 24 hours continuously.

Annual Traffic (2025): 9.9 million passengers.

Information Points

Aena passenger service desks and flight information display systems are located in the check-in hall (first floor) and arrivals hall (ground floor).

Location

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

Airport map & meeting point Open in Google Maps

How do we verify this information?

Airlines and terminals Recife Airport manages all commercial flight operations within a single passenger terminal. Check-in and baggage drop facilities are situated on the first floor, while arrivals and… Full guide → Getting to and from REC Recife International Airport enjoys a strategic location inside the urban perimeter, allowing quick access to key destinations. It is one of the few air terminals in… Full guide → Car rental Recife Airport features several authorized car rental companies with service desks situated on the Ground Floor, in the public arrivals concourse. Vehicle handover and return take… Full guide → Services and VIP lounges The terminal features over 60 commercial and dining outlets across the ground floor and first level, catering to both daytime and late-night flight schedules. Wi-Fi: Free… Full guide → Hotels and overnight stay While there are no full-service conventional hotels inside the terminal, travelers can book private rest cabins on site. Numerous hotels and pousadas are located just steps… Full guide → Frequently asked questions The airport is directly connected to Aeroporto Station of the Recife Metro via a covered pedestrian walkway. Walkway access is located on the first floor (Departures… Full guide →

Parking

The airport parking facilities are operated by Estapar, offering 2,079 parking stalls open 24 hours a day directly opposite the passenger terminal.

Parking Facilities

  • Garage Building (Covered): Multi-level facility connected directly to the terminal via covered pedestrian walkways, providing full weather protection and electric vehicle charging points.
  • Surface Lot (Uncovered): Outdoor parking area suitable for larger vehicles exceeding garage clearance limits.

Payment Methods and Reservations

Electronic Toll Tags: Entry and exit lanes are equipped with automatic sensors supporting Sem Parar, ConectCar, Veloe, and Taggy.

Payment Kiosks: Self-service machines accepting debit and credit cards are located throughout terminal access corridors.

Long-Term Discounts and Online Booking: Passengers leaving vehicles for multiple days are encouraged to book in advance via the Zul+ app or the official Estapar website to guarantee a stall and unlock discounted long-stay rates.

Online Reservations: Estapar Reserva - Recife

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Special assistance

Recife Airport complies with national accessibility regulations established by ANAC (Resolution RBAC 280), providing tailored facilities and support for passengers with disabilities, mobility limitations, or neurodivergence.

Requesting Special Assistance

Personalized wheelchair and escort assistance must be requested through your airline at the time of booking or at least 48 hours prior to your scheduled flight departure.

Infrastructure and Accessibility

The terminal features low-incline access ramps, adapted elevators with Braille indicators, dedicated accessible restrooms, and tactile ground pathways along primary corridors. For remote aircraft stands where boarding bridges are unavailable, specialized Ambulift vehicles ensure smooth and safe boarding.

Hidden Disabilities and Sensory Room

  • Sunflower Lanyard: The terminal recognizes the Sunflower program to discreetly indicate non-visible conditions (such as autism, ADHD, or anxiety disorders), alerting staff to offer extra patience and guidance.
  • Multisensory Room: A specialized soothing room designed for passengers with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and neurodivergent travelers, equipped with soft lighting, soundproofing, and calming decompression resources.

Family and Unaccompanied Minor Amenities

Dedicated nursery rooms (fraldários) equipped with changing tables, sinks, and nursing chairs are located in both landside and airside sectors. Assistance for unaccompanied minors is coordinated directly by operating airlines during check-in and boarding.

How do we verify this information?

German Giudici

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