Brazil’s Tourism Industry Faces Uncertainty as Santos Dumont Airport in Rio De Janeiro Looks to Increase Capacity, Disrupting Galeão’s Connectivity – Here’s What It Means for Passengers

Published on December 27, 2025

Brazil’s tourism industry has expressed growing concern following news that the country’s civil aviation authority (ANAC) is considering expanding the passenger capacity of Santos Dumont airport, located in downtown Rio de Janeiro. This development, set to unfold next year, could have significant repercussions for both domestic and international air travel, potentially undermining the city’s recent tourism growth.

This announcement, made shortly after Rio de Janeiro achieved a remarkable milestone of welcoming 2 million international visitors in 2025, has left many tourism stakeholders worried about the future of Brazil’s second largest tourist gateway. As Rio’s primary international entry point, Galeão airport in the city’s northern zone has played a crucial role in facilitating the growing flow of visitors to Rio and beyond. However, the expansion of Santos Dumont could lead to a reduction in flights to Galeão, which could diminish international connectivity and the overall appeal of Rio as a gateway to Brazil.

Tourism Boom at Risk

Rio de Janeiro has witnessed impressive growth in tourism this year, with nearly 2 million international visitors arriving between January and November, marking a 45.9% increase from the same period in 2024. The state’s tourism success is largely attributed to improved connectivity between international destinations and domestic airports. However, industry experts have voiced concerns that expanding Santos Dumont’s capacity could jeopardize this momentum. According to tourism professionals, Rio’s ability to attract foreign tourists depends heavily on the ease with which they can access other parts of Brazil from Galeão airport.

Currently, Santos Dumont operates with an annual passenger limit of 6.5 million, a measure implemented as part of a coordinated effort between Rio’s airports to boost traffic at Galeão. This cap was originally introduced to create a more manageable balance between domestic and international flights arriving in the city. However, the recent announcement by Ports and Airports Minister Silvio Costa Filho suggests that Santos Dumont’s passenger capacity may be gradually expanded, potentially reaching 8 million passengers by the end of 2026. This change, while seemingly beneficial in terms of reducing congestion at Santos Dumont, could result in fewer flight options to Galeão, especially for international travelers.

Galeão’s Crucial Role in Rio’s Tourism Success

Galeão’s capacity to handle larger aircraft makes it uniquely suited to accommodate international flights, which have been instrumental in bringing more foreign visitors to Rio. The airport serves as a hub for travelers arriving from Europe, North America, and beyond, making it an essential point of access for international tourists.

Despite the concerns raised by various industry leaders, Santos Dumont’s expansion could potentially lead to disruptions in this intricate air network. Tourism professionals warn that the resulting decrease in flights to Galeão might not only hurt Rio’s standing as a major tourist destination but also negatively affect tourism across Brazil. Without easy access to connections from Galeão, foreign visitors may be discouraged from choosing Rio as a starting point for their Brazilian vacations.

Santos Dumont and Galeão: Complementary Roles in Rio’s Growth

In recent years, Galeão airport has experienced a 23% increase in passenger traffic, handling a total of 16.1 million travelers in 2025. This growth is a direct result of the improved coordination between the two airports, which has made it easier for passengers to travel between destinations across Brazil. The expansion of domestic routes has enabled a wide variety of connections to be offered, improving the appeal of Rio as a base for tourists.

Experts argue that if the current framework for managing Santos Dumont’s capacity is altered, the city could lose this vital advantage. Alexandre Sampaio, president of the Brazilian Federation of Lodging and Food (FBHA), emphasized the need for strategic air network coordination to support Rio’s tourism, noting that connections to other Brazilian cities have proven crucial in attracting foreign tourists.

Local Authorities Weigh In

The planned expansion of Santos Dumont’s capacity has sparked dialogue among various local authorities, including Rio Mayor Eduardo Paes, who has voiced his concerns about the potential negative consequences for both the city and the broader tourism industry. A meeting between Mayor Paes and Minister Costa Filho is scheduled for early January 2026, where they will discuss the future of the city’s airport policies.

The Tourism Ministry has also expressed concerns about the changes, warning that limiting foreign visitors’ flight options could stall Brazil’s momentum in the international tourism market. Following the announcement that Brazil welcomed a record 9 million international tourists by the end of 2025, the government is eager to ensure that the country’s tourism continues to grow at a sustainable rate.

What This Means for Travelers

For travelers planning to visit Rio de Janeiro in the near future, it’s important to monitor the evolving situation closely. If Santos Dumont’s expansion leads to a reduction in international flight options through Galeão, tourists may find fewer choices when booking flights to the city. Travelers are encouraged to book their flights early to secure the best routes and ensure a smooth connection to other Brazilian cities.

Additionally, tourists should stay informed about any changes to local airport services and flight availability as the situation develops. Government sources and local authorities have pledged to maintain transparency throughout the process and keep the public informed about any potential disruptions to air travel in Rio.

Key Takeaways for Tourists

• Be aware of potential changes to flight routes into Galeão airport.
• Book your flights early to secure the best international routes to Rio.
• Stay updated on the status of Santos Dumont’s expansion and any changes to air travel.
• Keep an eye on announcements from the Tourism Ministry and local authorities.

Final Thoughts: What’s Next for Rio’s Tourism

While Santos Dumont’s expansion may present short-term benefits in terms of reducing congestion at the domestic airport, the potential long-term effects on Rio’s international tourism cannot be overlooked. As authorities continue to deliberate, it is essential that they take into account the broader picture, ensuring that Brazil remains competitive in attracting international visitors.