Governador Valadares Airport

Governador Valadares Airport (GVR), officially known as Coronel Altamir La Sarsa Airport, is the aerial gateway to one of the most exciting regions of Brazil, rightfully called the world capital of paragliding. For thousands of travellers, especially extreme sports enthusiasts, their acquaintance with the city begins right here. Located in the state of Minas Gerais, this cosy regional airport serves as the starting point for unforgettable adventures on the slopes of the famous Ibituruna Peak.

The key advantage of Governador Valadares Airport is its compactness and simplicity. There are no long queues or the hustle and bustle typical of major aviation hubs, allowing passengers to go through check-in and pre-flight security quickly and without stress. The airport ensures stable air connectivity with Belo Horizonte, the state capital, from where one can easily travel to other cities in Brazil and the world.

Although the terminal infrastructure is quite modest, it includes everything necessary for a comfortable wait for your flight: a waiting lounge, airline counters, and basic amenities. Its main value lies not in a variety of services, but in its strategic location. It is from here that the journey begins for most athletes and tourists arriving for annual paragliding and hang gliding competitions, making this small airport indispensable for the development of tourism in the region.

Below you will find contact information for Governador Valadares Airport (GVR), officially named Aeroporto Coronel Altino Machado de Oliveira.

• Official Website: The airport is managed by the state company Infraero. All up-to-date information, including flight schedules and services, can be found on the official airport page on the Infraero website.
• Information Desk Phone: +55 (33) 3277-2200.
• Address: Rua Onze, s/nº - Bairro Santos Dumont I, Governador Valadares - MG, CEP: 35050-010, Brazil.
• Email: A direct email address for general inquiries is not published. It is recommended to use the feedback form on the Infraero management company website for communication.
• Social Media: Official news and updates are published on Infraero's social media pages, such as Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
• Lost and Found: For items left in the airport terminal (Achados e Perdidos service), you can contact +55 (33) 3277-2200. If your luggage has been lost by the airline, you must immediately contact their representative at the airport.
• Customer Support: For general questions regarding airport operations, use the main phone number. For issues with tickets, check-in, or flight changes, you should contact your airline directly.

Getting to Governador Valadares Airport (GVR) from the city centre of Governador Valadares is quite simple. Depending on your budget and preferences, you can choose from several convenient methods. The journey typically does not take much time, as the airport is located close to the main urban area.

Taxis and Transfers are the most popular and comfortable way to reach the terminal. A taxi ride from the city centre will take approximately 15–25 minutes depending on traffic conditions and will cost roughly 30–50 Brazilian Reals (BRL). This is an ideal option if you have a lot of luggage or value your time. Ride-hailing apps (such as Uber) also operate in the city, often offering competitive prices. It is recommended to book a car in advance, especially if you have an early flight.

Public Transport in the form of city buses is the most budget-friendly option. The fare is usually just a few Reals (approximately 4–6 BRL). Although there may not be a direct express to the airport, several routes pass in its immediate vicinity. This method is suitable for light travellers who wish to save money. Check current route numbers and schedules at local stops or with residents, as they may change. A bus ride will take longer than a taxi but allows you to experience the local atmosphere.

For those who prefer maximum freedom of movement around this region of Brazil, car rental is an excellent solution. Several rental agencies operate in the city and at the airport itself, where you can hire a car for any duration. This allows you to not only reach the airport comfortably but also explore the surroundings at your own pace. Governador Valadares Airport provides parking where you can leave your vehicle for both short and long terms, which is convenient for those dropping off passengers or flying out for a few days.

Governador Valadares Airport (GVR) is characterised by a simple and passenger-friendly structure. It consists of one passenger terminal that serves all domestic flights — both departures and arrivals. Thanks to its compact size, navigating here is very easy, and you will not have to spend much time moving around.

The terminal layout is intuitive. Upon entering, you find yourself in the public area where airline check-in counters are located. After completing check-in and dropping off luggage, you proceed to the security checkpoint, behind which lies a small waiting lounge for departing passengers. The arrivals area is located in the same part of the building and includes a baggage claim belt and an exit to the city. Since there is only one terminal, transitions between zones take mere minutes, and there is no need for shuttles or long corridors.

One of the main advantages of a small airport like GVR is the speed of completing all formalities. Flight check-in and security screening usually take no more than 20-30 minutes, even during periods of moderate busyness. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 1.5 hours before departure to go through all procedures without haste.

To navigate the terminal, simply follow the standard signs that will help you find check-in counters, boarding gates, or the baggage claim area. The entire path from the building entrance to the gate is a direct and clear sequence of actions. In case of questions, airport staff are always ready to assist. It is practically impossible to get lost in Governador Valadares Airport, making the journey through it as comfortable and fast as possible.

Governador Valadares Airport (GVR), officially known as Coronel Altino Machado de Oliveira Airport, has a history closely linked to the development of the city and the entire Rio Doce valley region. Founded in the mid-20th century, it was built to meet the growing transport needs of Governador Valadares, which was experiencing an economic boom at the time. Initially, it was a modest runway serving small aircraft.

Over time, the airport underwent several stages of modernisation to meet modern standards and accommodate larger aircraft. Work was carried out to expand and strengthen the runway, as well as to renovate the passenger terminal to increase comfort and safety. These improvements allowed for regular air connections with major hubs in Brazil, which played an important role in integrating the region into the national transport network.

One of the most significant historical events inextricably linked to the airport is the city's emergence as the world capital of paragliding and hang gliding. Since the 1980s, GVR Airport has become the main aerial gateway for athletes and tourists from all over the world arriving to fly from the summit of Pico da Ibituruna. It regularly hosts participants of international championships, making it not just a transport hub, but an integral part of the city's sporting and tourism identity.

An interesting fact from the airport's history lies in its unique dual role. On one hand, it performs the standard functions of a regional airport, serving business trips and passenger transport. On the other, it is a specialised base for the global free-flight community. This feature makes it one of the most recognisable small airports in the country and a key element of infrastructure for extreme tourism.

Governador Valadares Airport (GVR) is a compact regional aviation hub that provides passengers with all essential services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its small size, conditions have been created here for a pleasant start or end to your journey.

In the terminal building, you will find several cafes and snack bars where you can have a bite to eat, drink coffee, or purchase refreshments. Small shops offering souvenirs, press, and travel goods are also available. The selection of establishments and products corresponds to the needs of a regional airport.

For those for whom staying connected is important, free Wi-Fi is available at the airport. The waiting lounge is equipped with stations for charging mobile phones and other gadgets. Information regarding the availability of specialised business lounges or VIP zones is usually provided by airlines, so it is recommended to clarify this matter with your carrier.

ATMs for cash withdrawal are installed within the terminal. However, currency exchange points are absent here, so it is better to arrange money exchange in advance at one of the banks in the city of Governador Valadares. A medical post operates at the airport to provide emergency assistance.

The airport is equipped for the convenience of passengers with special needs: there are ramps and specially adapted washrooms. Families with small children can use the nursing room for infant care. There are no hotels directly within the airport building, but many accommodation options can be found in the city itself, located a few kilometres away. Specialised conference rooms or business centres are not provided at the airport.

Governador Valadares Airport (GVR) is a compact regional air hub serving the state of Minas Gerais. Due to the small size of the terminal, the choice of dining establishments here is limited but quite sufficient for a snack before a short flight.

The main place where passengers can satisfy their hunger is a small cafe-snack bar (lanchonete), located in the public zone (landside) near the check-in counters. This establishment offers a classic selection for Brazilian airports: hot and soft drinks, pastries, and light snacks. In the sterile zone (airside) after passing security, dining options may be even more limited or non-existent, so it is recommended to have a snack before going through security control.

Being in the state of Minas Gerais, which is famous for its cuisine, one should not miss the opportunity to try local delicacies even at the airport. The main recommendation for a quick snack is fresh pão de queijo (traditional Brazilian cheese bread). Combined with a cup of strong hot coffee (cafezinho), this makes for an ideal local breakfast or afternoon tea.

Regarding dietary options, the selection at GVR Airport is quite modest:

• Vegetarians can find pastries with cheese or simple sandwiches without meat.
• Vegans and people with gluten intolerance will find it more difficult: specialised labelled dishes are usually not available; mainly black coffee, juices, and packaged snacks (crisps, nuts) are accessible.
• A certified Halal menu is generally not presented in such a small airport.

Opening hours of the cafe are tied to the flight schedule. The establishment usually opens about an hour before the first departure and closes shortly after the departure of the last flight of the day. If you arrive at the airport long before departure or during a break between flights, the cafe may be closed.

The price range here is average for airports but higher than in the city. A light snack with a drink will cost approximately 20–40 Brazilian Reals. Travellers wishing to have a substantial lunch or dinner are recommended to do so in the city of Governador Valadares before travelling to the airport, as there are no full-service restaurants with hot meals within the terminal itself.

To ensure your journey through Governador Valadares Airport goes smoothly, make use of these helpful tips. For domestic flights within Brazil, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 1.5–2 hours before departure. This will give you enough time to check in, drop off luggage, and pass security control without rushing. To speed up the process, check in for your flight online on your airline's website.

When passing through security control, be prepared to present laptops and other large electronic devices for inspection, as well as liquids packed in a transparent bag. As for choosing a seat on the plane, it is simple: a window seat will offer you beautiful views during takeoff and landing, while an aisle seat provides more legroom and the ability to leave the cabin quickly upon arrival.

Pay close attention to the contents of your hand luggage. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are strictly prohibited. Liquids, gels, and aerosols may be carried in containers of no more than 100 ml each. All of them must be packed in a single transparent resealable bag with a capacity of up to 1 litre. It is always useful to check your airline's rules, as they may have specific requirements.

If you have a connecting flight, clarify in advance whether you need to collect your luggage at the intermediate airport. This is especially important if you are flying onwards on an international flight. Remember that Governador Valadares Airport serves only domestic flights, so you will go through all customs and immigration procedures at the international airport from which you will depart Brazil.

Want to save money? Book flight tickets in advance and travel light, with only hand luggage, to avoid paying for baggage. You can also bring an empty water bottle and fill it at a drinking fountain after the security zone instead of buying water at an inflated price.

In case of flight delay or cancellation, do not panic. First, contact your airline's counter for up-to-date information. Depending on the length of the delay, the air carrier is obliged to provide you with drinks, meals, or even hotel accommodation. Be sure to keep all receipts and boarding passes — they may be needed to claim compensation.