Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport
About GIG
Overview
Galeão–Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport sits on Governador Island in Guanabara Bay, roughly 20 kilometres north of central Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It serves as the city's primary international gateway and one of the largest airports in South America. The facility opened in its modern form in 1977, replacing earlier infrastructure on the same island that dated to the 1950s.
Terminals & Runways
The airport operates two large passenger terminals: Terminal 1 handles predominantly domestic and regional services, while Terminal 2 accommodates most international operations. Two parallel runways, oriented roughly northeast–southwest, support simultaneous independent operations. The airport functions on a 24-hour basis. Infrastructure improvements were undertaken ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2016 Rio Olympics, though utilisation has fluctuated since.
Airlines
GOL Linhas Aéreas and LATAM Brasil maintain significant operations here, with LATAM treating Galeão as a major international hub. Several European, North American, Middle Eastern, and African carriers operate long-haul services into the airport. Regional Brazilian operators also use the facility, connecting Rio to secondary domestic destinations.