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Araxa Airport

About the Airport

Araxa Airport. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars

Araxa Airport (IATA: AAX), officially known as Aeroporto Romeu Zema, is the air gateway to one of the most charming regions of Brazil — the state of Minas Gerais. Located in close proximity to the city of Araxá, famous for its thermal springs and unique geological attractions, this airport serves as an important starting point for tourists. Despite its modest dimensions, it ensures a comfortable and quick start to your journey through this picturesque Brazilian state.

IATA Code AAX
ICAO Code SBAX
City Araxá
Distance to Center Approximately 4 km.
Status Domestic.
Annual Passengers About 15,000 (2022)
Popular Airlines Azul.
Schedule Online Flight Board "Araxa Airport"

The key advantage of Araxa Airport is its compactness and convenient location. Thanks to the small terminal, flight check-in and baggage claim are completed quickly, allowing passengers to avoid the queues typical of major aviation hubs. The airport is located just a few kilometers from the city center, making transfers to hotels and attractions extremely fast. The primary and sole scheduled carrier serving the airport is Azul, which connects Araxá with other cities in Brazil. This makes the airport a vital starting point for exploring the Minas Gerais region, renowned for its colonial architecture and natural wealth.

Contact Information

For your convenience, we have compiled the essential contact information for Araxa Airport (AAX). If you require further assistance, we recommend reaching out via the channels listed below.

  • Official Website: www.infraero.gov.br/aeroportos/aeroporto-de-araxa-romeu-zema/
  • Information Desk Phone: +55 (34) 3669-8250. When calling from outside Brazil, additional dialing codes may be required.
  • Address: Av. Tenente-Coronel Hermenegildo Magalhães, s/n - Bairro Aeroporto, Araxá - MG, 38180-466, Brasil.
  • Email: For official inquiries, it is recommended to use the contact form on the website of the airport operator, Infraero.
  • Social Media: Current news and updates are usually published on the official pages of the management company, Infraero.
  • Lost and Found Information: For items left in the terminal, please contact the "Achados e Perdidos" (Lost and Found) section via the main airport phone number. In case of lost checked luggage, you should immediately contact a representative of your airline.
  • Passenger Support Service: For assistance and consultations, you may approach the information desk in the terminal building or speak with your airline staff.

How to Get to the Airport

Getting to Araxa Airport (Romeu Zema Airport) from the center of the namesake city is quite simple, as it is located just 4-5 kilometers from the main districts. The trip will not take much time, and the choice of transport allows you to select the optimal option depending on your budget and travel plans across Brazil.

Taxis and Transfers are the most popular and convenient way to reach the airport. A trip from the center of Araxá will take just 10-15 minutes. The cost will be low due to the short distance. You can use the services of local taxi companies or order a car via mobile apps if they are available in the city. For maximum comfort, you can book a private transfer in advance, which will meet you at your hotel at the appointed time.

Public Transport in the form of buses is not a reliable option for traveling to the airport. Specialized routes are generally absent due to the small size of the air terminal and its proximity to the city. Although some city buses may pass nearby, it would be extremely inconvenient for tourists with luggage. It is recommended to choose a taxi or a rental car for timely arrival for your flight.

Car Rental is an excellent choice for those planning to explore the picturesque state of Minas Gerais. Several rental agencies operate in the city of Araxá. You can rent a car in the center and drive comfortably to the airport, then return it there if the company provides such a service. The road is simple and will not cause difficulties. The airport itself has parking located in close proximity to the terminal. It is suitable for both short-term and long-term vehicle parking.

For travelers requiring more flight options, it is worth considering larger airports in the region, such as Uberlandia Airport or Dr. Leite Lopes Airport, although they are located several hours' drive from Araxá.

Terminals and Map

Araxa Airport (AAX), serving the city of the same name and its surroundings, is a compact and convenient aviation hub. It consists of a single passenger terminal that handles all domestic flights — both arrivals and departures. Thanks to this, navigation through the airport is intuitively clear even for those visiting for the first time.

The terminal layout is very simple. All key zones are located in one building and within walking distance of each other. Upon entering the terminal, you immediately find yourself in the public area where airline check-in counters are located. After checking in and dropping off luggage, passengers proceed to the pre-flight security screening area, followed by a small but cozy departure lounge with boarding gates. The arrivals area is located separately and includes a baggage claim belt and an exit to the city.

Since there is only one terminal in the airport, there is no need for transfers between terminals. All procedures, from check-in to boarding, take place within a single space, which significantly saves travelers' time and energy. Information boards and signs will help you easily orient yourself and find the necessary zone.

One of the main advantages of Araxa Airport is the speed of completing all formalities. Check-in and security procedures usually take significantly less time than in major international hubs. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 1.5-2 hours before departure to drop off luggage without haste, pass security control, and wait comfortably for your flight.

Airport History

The history of Araxa Airport (AAX), officially known as Araxa Airport – Romeu Zema, is inextricably linked to the development of tourism in this corner of Brazil. The airport was inaugurated in 1951 with the primary goal of providing convenient access for guests of the famous Grande Hotel e Termas de Araxá. From the very beginning, it became a key transport hub for the city of Araxá, which at that time was experiencing the peak of its popularity as a balneological resort.

In the mid-20th century, the airport received numerous flights carrying politicians, celebrities, and wealthy tourists seeking to relax in the waters and try their luck at the Grande Hotel casino (before gambling was prohibited in the country). This period can be called the "Golden Age" for both the hotel and the air harbor, which served as the grand gateway to a world of luxury and serene relaxation. Every landing plane brought with it a piece of the glamorous life of the Brazilian elite.

Over time, to meet modern aviation safety and passenger comfort requirements, the airport has been modernized repeatedly. One of the most significant reconstructions took place in 2013–2014. As part of this program, work was carried out to improve the runway, a new, more spacious passenger terminal was built, and the general infrastructure was updated. These changes allowed the airport to receive modern aircraft and improve the quality of service.

Today, Araxa Airport – Romeu Zema continues to play an important role in the life of the region. It serves not only tourist flows but also acts as a vital logistics center for business trips related to the powerful mining and agro-industrial sectors for which the state of Minas Gerais is famous. Thus, the history of the airport is a mirror of the economic and social life of Araxá, reflecting its transformation from an elite resort into an important industrial center.

Services and Amenities

Araxa Airport (AAX) is a compact and functional regional air terminal that provides passengers with a basic set of services for a comfortable wait for their flight. The terminal houses several cafes and snack bars where you can enjoy Brazilian coffee and light meals. There are also small souvenir shops and stores with essential items. For the convenience of travelers, Wi-Fi access is provided throughout the airport, and charging points for electronic devices are equipped in the waiting lounge.

ATMs for cash withdrawals are installed at the airport; however, currency exchange bureaus are absent here, so it is recommended to perform this operation in the city in advance. A mother and child room is provided for passengers with children. In case of need, one can contact the medical station for first aid. The terminal is adapted for the needs of passengers with reduced mobility, offering ramps and specially equipped restrooms.

It is worth noting that Araxa Airport does not have its own VIP lounges, business centers, or conference rooms. Passengers wait for departure in a common comfortable hall. There are no hotels directly on the airport premises, but a wide selection of hotels and apartments is available in the city of Araxá, which is just a few kilometers away. You can reach the city by taxi or by booking a transfer.

Dining Options

Araxa Airport (AAX), serving a picturesque resort town, is a small regional airport, so the choice of dining establishments here is quite modest and focused on basic passenger needs. You are unlikely to find gourmet options or full-service restaurants in the terminal building. Nevertheless, having a snack before departure is quite possible.

All available food outlets are concentrated in the single airport terminal, typically in the public area before security control (landside). Usually, this is one or two small cafes or snack bars (in Brazil, they are called "lanchonete"). Their operating hours are directly tied to the flight schedule: they open a few hours before the first departure and close after the last plane leaves.

Here you can have a quick snack and drink coffee. Be sure to try the famous Brazilian coffee and fresh pastries. The main gastronomic recommendation is, of course, pão de queijo (cheese buns), which are the hallmark of the state of Minas Gerais. The assortment may also include sandwiches, savory pastries (salgados), and soft drinks. This is an ideal option for a light breakfast or a quick bite.

Passengers with strict dietary restrictions (veganism, halal, specific allergies) should be prepared for the fact that specialized meals will not be available at Araxa Airport. The selection of vegetarian options is usually limited to cheese buns and meat-free pastries. A pleasant bonus: traditional pão de queijo is often made from tapioca flour, making it gluten-free. However, if you have strict dietary requirements, it is safer to bring food with you. Prices at the airport, as everywhere, are slightly higher than in the city but remain within reasonable limits for a quick snack.

Travel Tips

To ensure a smooth departure from the airport of Araxá city, it is worth considering the features of this small and cozy air harbor. Proper planning will make the start or end of your journey through Brazil as comfortable and predictable as possible.

Arrival Time and Check-in. The main advantage of a regional airport is speed. Typically, arriving 1–1.5 hours before departure is sufficient for a domestic flight. Check-in and pre-flight security screening here are significantly faster than in major hubs. Nevertheless, online check-in on the airline's website remains an excellent way to save time, especially if you are flying with hand luggage only.

Security and Airport Services. Security screening rules are standard: liquids in containers up to 100 ml must be packed in a transparent bag, and large electronics must be removed from your bag. It is important to remember that after the security zone, the choice of cafes and shops is very limited. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to have a full meal and handle financial matters, such as currency exchange, in the city of Araxá beforehand.

Economy and Comfort. Prices at airports are almost always higher than city prices. To avoid extra spending, bring an empty water bottle with you — after security, it can be filled at a drinking fountain if one is available in the departure area. A light, non-perishable snack will also come in handy. When choosing a seat on the plane, if possible, remember: window seats offer beautiful views, while aisle seats provide more freedom of movement.

Connections and Flight Delays. If you have a connecting flight, ensure in advance that you have enough time for the transfer at the next, larger airport — optimally allow at least 1.5–2 hours. In case of a flight delay or cancellation, remain calm. Contact your airline representative: they are obliged to provide you with current information and, depending on the duration of the wait, offer drinks or meals.

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