Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont airport (SDU)

Santos Dumont Airport (SDU) is one of Brazil's most iconic airport terminals, located on the shores of Guanabara Bay and just minutes from downtown Rio de Janeiro. Opened on November 30, 1936, it stands out for its modernist architecture and its operational focus on short-haul domestic flights, serving as the main hub of the "Air Bridge" with Congonhas Airport in São Paulo. Due to its urban location, the airport operates under environmental and noise regulations that limit its traffic and nighttime operating hours.

Official Website: infraero.gov.br

Phone: +55 21 3814 7070

Terminal

The airport has a single passenger terminal that integrates the historic central building with a modern glass-enclosed boarding area. Passenger flow is efficient thanks to its compact design, connecting the check-in areas with the boarding gates along a short route.

Operating Hours: The terminal remains open from 4:30 am to 11:00 pm. It is important to note that flights operate exclusively between 6:00 am and 11:00 pm due to noise pollution restrictions in the urban area.

Annual Traffic (2025): 6.2 million passengers.

Information Points

Infraero operates customer service counters in the arrivals hall and boarding area. Staff typically wear green or blue uniforms featuring the company's logo. In addition, there are digital information kiosks for inquiries about flight status and airport services.

 Location

The airport is located on Guanabara Bay, 4 km (2.8 miles) east of downtown Rio de Janeiro.

Parking services at Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont airport (SDU)

The airport has an official parking facility operated by Estapar, located directly in front of the terminal building. Its location provides very quick walking access to the check-in and arrivals areas, making it a convenient option for business trips or short stays.

Hours and Features

The parking facility operates 24 hours a day, year-round. It offers outdoor parking spaces, designated spaces for passengers with reduced mobility and pregnant women, as well as access control and security systems.

Advance Reservations

It is recommended to reserve a parking space in advance through the Zul+ mobile app or the operator's website. Prepaying through digital channels not only guarantees a space during busy periods but also provides access to promotional daily rates.

Bossa Nova Mall Alternative

As an alternative, the adjacent Bossa Nova Mall offers covered parking spaces with an internal connection to the passenger terminal. The facility also provides Valet Parking and is a convenient option for protecting your vehicle from sun and rain.

To check the current rates and obtain a reservation receipt, you can visit the Estapar website.

Facilities for passengers with special needs

Santos Dumont Airport has accessibility infrastructure in place to ensure universal access, following the guidelines established by Resolution 280 of Brazil's National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC). The facilities are designed to facilitate the movement of passengers with reduced mobility, sensory disabilities, and neurodivergent conditions.

Reduced Mobility

The terminal features access ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and tactile paving that connects the outdoor areas with customer service counters and boarding areas.

Boarding and Disembarking: Due to the airport's operational configuration, many flights are handled from remote stands. In these cases, Ambulifts (vehicles equipped with lifting systems) are available to provide safe access to the aircraft for wheelchair users and passengers with limited mobility.

Requesting Assistance: To ensure the availability of equipment and support staff, you must contact your airline at least 48 hours before your flight.

Neurodiversity and Hidden Disabilities

Santos Dumont has implemented specific services for passengers with non-visible disabilities, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disabilities.

Sunflower Lanyard: The airport officially recognizes the use of the "Sunflower Lanyard" (Cordão de Girassol). This identifier allows terminal staff to recognize passengers who may require more patient assistance, additional support, or different waiting arrangements.

Sensory Accommodation Room: Located in the boarding area, this space provides an environment with controlled lighting, sound insulation, and ergonomic furniture. It is designed to offer a quiet refuge for neurodivergent passengers who may experience sensory overload due to the noise and activity normally found in the terminal.

Priority Assistance

Under Brazilian law, the following groups are entitled to legal priority during check-in, security screening, and boarding procedures:

• People over 60 years of age (with special priority for those over 80).
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
• People traveling with young children (up to 2 years old).
• People with reduced mobility, chronic medical conditions, or obesity.

Families and Children

Baby Care and Nursing: The terminal has baby changing facilities and nursing rooms located in the main restrooms and waiting areas.

Unaccompanied Minors: Airlines offer supervised travel services for children traveling alone. It is recommended to check documentation requirements and any additional fees directly with the airline before the travel date.