Hercilio Luz International Airport

Hercilio Luz International Airport, also known as Floripa Airport, serves as a modern and stylish gateway to one of the most picturesque corners of Brazil, the city of Florianópolis. Since coming under the management of the Swiss company Zurich Airport Brasil, the airport has been transformed, receiving a completely new terminal that has made it one of the most comfortable and functional in the country. It is not just a transit hub, but a well-designed space where the journey begins with pleasant impressions.

One of the main features of the airport is its new passenger terminal, opened in 2019. It was designed with a focus on passenger comfort and convenience: spacious waiting lounges, 10 airbridges, and numerous shops and restaurants. Special attention should be paid to "Boulevard 14/32" — a large open plaza in front of the terminal with shops, cafes, and leisure areas, accessible even to those not flying. Additionally, the airport features a panoramic terrace offering magnificent views of the runway. Thanks to the active development of its route network, the airport has positioned itself as one of the busiest international hubs in Brazil.

For your convenience, we have compiled the essential contact information for Hercilio Luz International Airport (FLN).

• Official Website: www.floripa-airport.com. On the website, you will find the most up-to-date information on flights, services, and airport regulations.
• Information Desk Phone: +55 (48) 3331-4000.
• Address: Rodovia de Acesso ao Aeroporto, nº 6.200, Bairro Carianos, Florianópolis, SC, CEP 88047-902, Brasil.
• Email: For general inquiries and feedback, it is recommended to use the contact form on the official website or the address ouvidoria@floripa-airport.com (Ombudsman service).
• Social Media: Follow airport news on its official pages on popular social networks (e.g., Instagram @floripaairport).
• Lost and Found (Achados e Perdidos): If you have lost items within the terminal, please contact the lost and found service at +55 (48) 3331-4024 or via email at achadoseperdidos.fln@floripa-airport.com. Please note that for luggage lost by an airline, you should contact your carrier directly.
• Passenger Support Service: For most inquiries, you can contact the main information desk number.

Reaching Hercilio Luz International Airport (FLN), located in the southern part of Santa Catarina Island, can be done in several ways. The choice depends on your budget, amount of luggage, and comfort preferences. From the city centre of Florianópolis, the journey to the airport usually takes between 20 to 50 minutes; however, during peak hours and the high tourist season, travel time may increase significantly due to traffic.

Public Transport is the most economical option. City buses run regularly to the airport from the central bus terminal TICEN (Terminal de Integração do Centro). Look for routes marked "Aeroporto". The cost of the trip is low, but be aware that buses can be crowded, especially during rush hour. This method is excellent for travellers with light luggage looking to save money.

Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services, such as Uber or 99 (a popular service in Brazil), offer a faster and more comfortable way to reach the terminal. A trip from the city centre will cost significantly more than the bus, but it is the ideal choice for those travelling with family, multiple suitcases, or simply valuing convenience and door-to-door transfer. A car can be ordered via an app or found at designated stands in the city.

Car Rental is a wonderful option for tourists planning to actively explore the island's numerous beaches and attractions. Offices of many well-known rental companies are located within the airport itself, allowing you to pick up and drop off the car right before your flight. If you are arriving at the airport in a rented or private vehicle, parking facilities are at your disposal. Options for both short-term and long-term parking are available, but please note that rates can be relatively high for extended stays.

Hercilio Luz International Airport (FLN) in Florianópolis has undergone a complete modernization, and today all passenger flights are handled in a single modern building. This makes navigation for travellers as simple and straightforward as possible.

In practice, the airport operates one main passenger terminal, opened in 2019. The old airport building is no longer used for regular commercial flights. The new terminal is a spacious two-storey building where the flows of arriving and departing passengers are clearly separated.

Structure and Navigation:

• Ground Floor (Piso Térreo) – This is the Arrivals area. You arrive here after disembarking the aircraft and passing through passport control (for international flights). Located here are the baggage claim belts, customs area, car rental counters, as well as exits to taxis, buses, and ride-hailing pick-up points.
• First Floor (Piso Superior) – This is the Departures area. Escalators and elevators lead to this floor from the general area. Here you will find airline check-in counters and the security screening area. After passing security control, you enter the secure airside area with boarding gates, shops, and restaurants.

Since all operations are concentrated in one building, there are no transfers between terminals. Movement occurs vertically between floors. The airport layout is logical and intuitive, and signs in Portuguese and English will help you orient yourself easily.

Features and Procedure Times:

The terminal is distinguished by its modern design, abundance of natural light, and excellent infrastructure. Before the check-in area lies the Boulevard 14/32, a shopping and entertainment zone open to the public with shops, cafes, and a viewing platform — a great place to spend time before checking in. Check-in and security screening usually take little time thanks to modern equipment. Nevertheless, during the high season (December-February) and peak hours, it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance: 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international one.

The history of Hercilio Luz International Airport (FLN) is closely tied to the development of aviation and tourism in the state of Santa Catarina. Its predecessor was the Ressacada Naval Aviation Centre, founded here in 1927. During the first few decades, the facility served primarily military purposes. A turning point in its history was 1955, when the first passenger terminal was opened, and the airport began serving commercial flights, becoming an important transport hub for the growing city of Florianópolis.

As the island's popularity as a tourist destination grew, the capacity of the old terminal became insufficient. This led to the next major stage of development: in 1976, a new passenger terminal was inaugurated, and a new runway was built. This building served as the island's main air gateway for over 40 years, witnessing the rapid growth of tourist flow to the region.

A true revolution in the airport's history occurred in recent times. Following the airport's concession to the Swiss company Zurich Airport Group, the opening of a completely new, state-of-the-art terminal took place in October 2019. This event marked the beginning of a new era for air travel in Brazil. The area of the new complex is four times larger than the old one, capacity has grown to 8 million passengers per year, and telescopic airbridges, new relaxation zones, shops, and restaurants were added for traveller convenience. Construction was completed in record time, and today the airport is considered one of the most modern and comfortable in the country.

Among interesting facts, it is worth noting that the airport bears the name of Hercílio Luz — a governor of the state of Santa Catarina who served three terms and made a significant contribution to the region's development. Thus, the history of the airport reflects the journey of the entire island: from a modest naval base to one of the most desirable tourist destinations in South America, served by a modern and high-tech transport hub.

Hercilio Luz International Airport (FLN) is a modern and well-equipped complex where travellers will find everything necessary for a comfortable wait for their flight. The spacious terminal offers a wide selection of restaurants, cafes, and lounges where you can have a quick snack or a full meal, enjoying dishes of local and international cuisine. For shopping enthusiasts, there are stores including Duty Free, boutiques of famous brands, souvenir shops, and travel essential outlets.

For a more comfortable rest, passengers can utilise the services of VIP Lounges. They offer a private atmosphere, complimentary snacks and beverages, fresh newspapers, and high-speed internet. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and numerous charging stations for electronic devices allow you to stay connected. For financial matters, ATMs and currency exchange points are at passengers' disposal.

The airport cares for all categories of passengers. Mother and child rooms equipped with changing tables and all necessities are available for travellers with children. Passengers with reduced mobility can count on full infrastructure accessibility: ramps, elevators, specially equipped restrooms, as well as an assistance service, which is recommended to be booked in advance. In case of need, a medical point operates at the airport to provide first aid.

For business travellers and those with long layovers, several hotels of various price categories are located in the immediate vicinity of the airport. Furthermore, conference rooms and business zones may be available within the terminal territory for holding meetings and working in a quiet environment.

At Hercilio Luz International Airport (FLN), passengers can expect a modern and diverse food court capable of satisfying any taste and budget. Most establishments are concentrated in the new terminal, including the unique open-air space — Boulevard 14/32. This zone is located before the security entrance and is accessible to both passengers and those seeing them off.

In the public area (landside), on Boulevard 14/32, you will find numerous restaurants and cafes with a pleasant atmosphere where you can enjoy a leisurely lunch or a coffee. Establishments here offer both Brazilian cuisine and international favourites. This is an ideal place if you have plenty of time before your flight. After passing security control (airside), in the departures area, the choice is also quite broad: from fast-food outlets and coffee shops for those in a rush to cosy lounges where you can relax while waiting for your flight.

Be sure to try local gastronomic specialities. Florianópolis is famous for seafood, so dishes made from fresh fish and shrimp in local restaurants are an excellent choice. For a quick and authentic snack, the famous Brazilian cheese bread pão de queijo or a refreshing bowl of açaí are perfect. Many cafes also offer freshly squeezed juices made from exotic fruits.

Regarding special dietary needs, most establishments are accommodating to customers. The menus often feature vegetarian and gluten-free options. For precise information on ingredients, it is recommended to ask the cafe or restaurant staff directly. The price range varies from budget coffee shops and fast food to mid-range and high-end restaurants. The opening hours of most dining outlets are aligned with the flight schedule, ensuring the availability of food and drinks both early in the morning and late at night.

Planning to fly from Hercilio Luz International Airport? To ensure your journey begins without stress, use our tips to help you navigate Florianópolis airport and save both time and peace of mind.

Arrival Time at the Airport. The golden rule of the traveller is to arrive early. For domestic flights within Brazil, it is recommended to arrive 1.5-2 hours before departure. If you have an international flight, it is better to allow at least 3 hours. Keep in mind that during the high season (from December to March) and during Carnival, the airport can be crowded, so an extra buffer of time will not hurt.

Check-in and Security. The fastest way to check in for a flight is online check-in on the airline's website. This will allow you to avoid queues at the counters. Security control at Hercilio Luz Airport is organised efficiently. Just be prepared in advance to remove laptops, tablets, and liquids in containers no larger than 100 ml from your hand luggage.

Choosing a Seat on the Plane. Want to take a spectacular photo to say goodbye to the "Magic Island"? When departing from Florianópolis, it is definitely worth choosing a window seat. Depending on the takeoff path, you may be treated to breathtaking views of the ocean, famous beaches, and the legendary Hercílio Luz Bridge.

Hand Luggage. Always pack your most valuable items in your hand luggage: documents, money, gadgets, medication, and portable chargers (power banks). Remember standard restrictions: no sharp objects or liquids in containers exceeding 100 ml. If you are purchasing a bottle of the famous Brazilian cachaça as a souvenir, it must be packed in your checked luggage.

Connecting Passengers. If you have a connecting flight, verify with the airline in advance whether you need to collect your luggage and check it in again. This is especially important when transferring from an international flight to a domestic one. While waiting for your next flight, you can relax in one of the numerous cafes or browse the shops in the secure area.

Customs Control. When arriving in Brazil from another country, have your passport and other necessary documents ready. The procedure is standard: if you have nothing to declare, proceed through the "Green" channel (Bens a Declarar). If you are carrying goods subject to declaration, you need the "Red" channel (Goods to Declare).

Saving Time and Money. To avoid overpaying for water, bring an empty reusable bottle with you and fill it at drinking fountains after passing security. Food prices at the airport are traditionally high, so bringing a light snack can help save money. Research transfer options to the city in advance: besides taxis and apps, you can reach the centre via public bus.

Flight Delays. If your flight is delayed, remain calm and contact an airline representative for information. Legislation in Brazil protects air passenger rights well, and for long delays, you may be entitled to vouchers for meals or even a hotel. The airport offers free Wi-Fi and device charging stations to help pass the waiting time.