Araraquara

Welcome to Araraquara Airport (Bartolomeu de Gusmão) — the aerial gateway to the Brazilian city of the same name! Named after one of the pioneers of aviation, this airport serves as an important transport hub for the region. Opened back in 1935, today it is a compact and modern terminal managed by Rede Voa. Although the airport does not impress with its size, it provides convenient connections for travellers heading to the state of São Paulo.

The main advantage of Araraquara Airport is its strategic location. It is located just a few kilometres from the city centre, making transfers quick and affordable. The airport handles domestic flights, connecting the region with one of the country's largest hubs — Viracopos Airport in Campinas, from where you can easily reach any point in Brazil and the world. Despite its modest size, the terminal offers basic amenities for a comfortable wait for your flight, and its compactness allows you to go through all pre-flight formalities without unnecessary bustle.

To obtain current information about flights, services, and rules at Araraquara Airport (AQA), it is recommended to use the following official contacts. The airport is managed by Rede VOA, so many inquiries are processed through their centralised channels.

• Official Website: Detailed information about the airport can be found on the Rede VOA management company portal: www.redevoa.com.br
• Phone: To contact the airport administration, you can use the number: +55 (16) 3331-3144.
• Address: Av. Alberto Santos Dumont, 1201 - Jardim Aeroporto, Araraquara - SP, 14808-148, Brazil.
• Email: For communication, it is recommended to use the contact form on the official Rede VOA website in the "Contato" section.
• Social Media: Follow news from the Rede VOA airport network on their official social media pages, such as Instagram and LinkedIn.
• Lost Luggage: For issues regarding lost or damaged luggage, you should first contact your airline's representative. If you left personal items in the terminal building, contact the airport administration at the phone number listed above.
• Passenger Support: For general questions and directory information, please contact the main airport phone number or use the feedback form on the website.

Getting to Araraquara Airport (AQA) from the city centre or its surroundings is quite simple. Depending on your budget, time, and preferences, you can choose from several convenient modes of transport. The trip from the city centre usually takes about 15-20 minutes.

Public Transport is the most economical option. You can reach the airport by city buses. Although there are no dedicated express routes, some lines pass in the immediate vicinity of the terminal. The fare is very affordable and usually costs around 5-10 Brazilian Reais (BRL). We recommend checking the current schedule and route numbers on the local transport portal in advance, as they may change. This method is best suited for those travelling light.

Taxis and Transfers are the fastest and most comfortable way to get to the airport. In Araraquara, both traditional taxi services and ride-hailing apps popular in Brazil are available. This is an ideal choice if you are travelling with heavy luggage, with family, or simply value "door-to-door" convenience. The cost of the trip will be higher than by bus, estimated at 30-50 BRL, but you will save significant time.

Car Rental offers maximum flexibility and freedom of movement, especially if you plan to explore the region. Several rental companies have offices in the city. You can pick up a car in the centre and return it at the airport before departure without issues. For those driving to the airport in their own vehicle, there is parking available on the premises with options for both short-term and long-term stays.

Although Araraquara Airport is convenient for local flights, passengers often use larger air hubs for long-distance travel or international flights. Among them are Dr. Leite Lopes Airport in Ribeirão Preto and the region's main international hub — Viracopos. From these airports, Araraquara can be easily reached by intercity bus or rental car.

Araraquara Airport (AQA) is a small regional aviation hub characterised by its compactness and simplicity. You won't have to worry about complex navigation, as everything here is intuitive and within walking distance.

The airport operates one passenger terminal, which serves both departing and arriving passengers. All infrastructure is concentrated in a single building, making movement within it maximally convenient. Departure and arrival zones, check-in counters, and the security screening area are located close to each other. The concept of "transferring between terminals" is not applicable here, as all operations are conducted in a unified space.

Due to the small size of the airport and moderate passenger flow, passing through all pre-flight formalities, such as check-in and security screening, usually takes significantly less time than in major aviation hubs. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance — approximately 1.5-2 hours before departure, to complete all procedures without rushing.

The main recommendation for navigation is simple: follow the signs, which are clearly visible and easy to understand. Given the compact layout of the terminal, you will easily find the zone you need, whether it is your airline's check-in counter, the boarding gate, or the baggage claim area upon arrival. It is practically impossible to get lost here.

The history of the airport in the city of Araraquara (AQA), officially named Bartolomeu de Gusmão, began on May 13, 1935. It received its name in honour of the Brazilian priest and inventor who is considered one of the pioneers of aviation for developing a hot air balloon model back in the 18th century. Since its foundation, the airport has become a key element of the transport infrastructure in the central part of the state of São Paulo.

In the first decades of its existence, the airport primarily served the needs of private and agricultural aviation, playing an important role in supporting the region's economy. Over time, its importance grew, and in the 20th century, it began receiving regular passenger flights from well-known Brazilian airlines such as VASP and TAM. This transformed it into a significant regional hub connecting Araraquara with major cities in the country.

For many years, the airport was managed by the São Paulo State Air Department (DAESP), which carried out necessary modernisations to keep it operational. A key moment in the modern history of the airport was 2021, when it was conceded to the private consortium Rede VOA. This step marked the beginning of a new stage of development aimed at major renovation of the terminal, improvement of the runway, and attracting new carriers to expand the route network.

Araraquara Airport, being an important regional transport hub in Brazil, offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its compact dimensions, the terminal is designed to ensure convenience before departure or after arrival. Here you will find small cafes and snack bars where you can have coffee and a sandwich or local pastries. Shopping opportunities are limited, but kiosks offer essential goods, press, and souvenirs.

Free Wi-Fi is available for passengers in the waiting halls, allowing you to stay connected. Designated areas for charging electronic devices are also provided. ATMs for cash withdrawals are installed in the terminal building, however, for currency exchange, it is better to visit banks in the city of Araraquara itself. There may be no specialised VIP lounges at the airport, but the general waiting areas are quite comfortable.

The airport is equipped for the needs of passengers with reduced mobility. Ramps, accessible toilets, and the option to request staff assistance for boarding are provided. Families with small children can use the mother and child room for changing and feeding. In case of necessity, first aid can be obtained at the airport.

There are no hotels on the airport territory itself, however, many accommodation options, from budget to more comfortable ones, can be found in the immediate vicinity in the city of Araraquara. You can reach them by taxi or rental car. Specialised conference rooms or business centres are also not provided at the airport; for business meetings, it is recommended to use the infrastructure of city hotels.

When planning a departure from Araraquara Airport (AQA), it is important to consider that this is a small regional air terminal, and the choice of dining establishments here is quite limited. Unlike large international hubs, there isn't a wide variety of restaurants and cafes.

Typically, a small snack bar or cafe (called a lanchonete in Brazil) operates in the single terminal. It is located in the public area, accessible before passing security control. Here passengers can have a quick bite before departure. The menu usually features traditional Brazilian snacks: cheese buns known as pão de queijo, chicken croquettes called coxinhas, sandwiches, as well as coffee, juices, and soft drinks.

You are unlikely to find a full lunch or dinner here. Specialised menus, such as Halal, vegan, or gluten-free, are likely unavailable. Vegetarians may rely on pastries with cheese or vegetables. The cafe's operating hours are usually tied to the flight schedule, so it may be closed during quiet periods. Prices, as in most airports, are slightly higher than in the city.

Our recommendation: if you only need a light snack or a cup of coffee, the airport's facilities will suit you. However, for a full meal, it is better to eat at one of the numerous establishments in the city of Araraquara before travelling to the airport.

To ensure your journey through Araraquara Airport goes smoothly, follow these tips. Since this is a small regional airport serving mainly domestic flights, arriving 1.5–2 hours before departure is usually sufficient. However, it is always better to check your airline's recommendations, especially during peak seasons.

Save time by checking in for your flight online in advance. This will allow you to go straight to baggage drop or, if you are travelling light, to the security checkpoint. The security procedure is standard: be prepared to remove laptops and other large electronic devices from your hand luggage, as well as liquids in separate packaging.

When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by your preferences. Window seats will offer you beautiful views during takeoff and landing, which is especially relevant for the picturesque landscapes of Brazil. If comfort and the ability to stand up freely are important to you, choose an aisle seat.

Liquids in containers of no more than 100 ml, packed in a single transparent bag, are allowed in hand luggage. It is forbidden to carry sharp objects (knives, scissors), flammable substances, and weapons. Power banks and other batteries should only be carried in hand luggage.

If you have a connecting flight, check in advance whether you will need to reclaim and re-check your luggage at the intermediate airport. Araraquara Airport rarely acts as a major transit node, so your main transfer will likely be at a larger hub. Leave enough time between connecting flights.

Customs control is relevant for international flights. When entering Brazil through other airports, you will need to go through the "green channel" if you have no goods to declare, or the "red channel" if you are carrying items subject to duty. Always keep receipts for major purchases.

To save money, book flight tickets and airport transfers in advance. Travelling with only hand luggage will not only speed up formalities but also save you from baggage fees. Bring an empty reusable bottle to fill with water after passing security and avoid spending on drinks.

In case of flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative for information on the flight status and your rights. In Brazil, passenger rights are protected by the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC). Keep all receipts for food and drinks, as the airline may be obliged to reimburse these expenses during lengthy delays.