Ilheus/Bahia-Jorge Amado Airport

Ilhéus Jorge Amado Airport (IOS) is not just a transport hub, but a true gateway to the famous "Cocoa Coast" in the state of Bahia. Named after one of the most famous Brazilian writers, whose life and work were inextricably linked to this region, the airport welcomes travellers with an atmosphere steeped in history and culture. Located in the immediate vicinity of the city of Ilhéus, it serves as a starting point for exploring the picturesque beaches, cocoa plantations, and colonial architecture that inspired Jorge Amado.

The airport's main advantage is its strategic location. It is situated just a few minutes' drive from the city centre and hotels, making it extremely convenient for tourists. Recent modernisation and expansion works have significantly improved passenger comfort. Travellers are now welcomed by renovated, more spacious, and modern halls capable of handling the growing flow of tourists without compromising quality. Ilhéus Airport plays a key role in the development of tourism in the entire region, providing easy access to popular destinations such as Itacaré and serving as a vital link in the transport system of southern Bahia.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Ilhéus Jorge Amado Airport (IOS).

• Official website: aenabrasil.com.br/pt/aeroporto-de-ilheus. On the website of the operator, Aena Brasil, you will find the most up-to-date information on flights, services, and airport regulations.
• Information desk phone: +55 (73) 3234-4000. This is the main number for general inquiries regarding the terminal's operations.
• Address: Av. Brigadeiro Eduardo Gomes, s/n - Pontal, Ilhéus - BA, 45654-070, Brazil.
• Email: To contact the administration, it is recommended to use the feedback form on the airport's official website.
• Social media: Official news and updates can be tracked on the pages of the management company Aena Brasil, for example, on Instagram (@aenabrasil).
• Lost luggage: If you have lost personal items within the terminal, contact the Lost and Found office (Achados e Perdidos) or the airport administration. For luggage lost during a flight, you must contact your airline directly.
• Passenger support: You can always approach the information desks located in the terminal building for assistance and consultation.

Getting to Ilhéus Jorge Amado Airport (IOS) is effortless, as it boasts a unique location — practically within the city limits of Ilhéus, just a few kilometres from the historic centre. This makes the journey to the airport quick and inexpensive, regardless of the chosen mode of transport. Travellers can choose the option that best suits their budget, amount of luggage, and personal preferences.

Public Transport

The most economical way to get to the airport is by city bus. Several routes running from the centre and other parts of the city pass by the terminal or have a stop within walking distance. The trip takes just 15–25 minutes from the central part of the city. This option is ideal for budget travellers with light luggage. Please check routes and schedules on-site, as they are subject to change.

Taxi and Transfer

Taxi is the most popular, convenient, and fastest way to reach the airport. A trip from the centre of Ilhéus will take only 5–10 minutes, depending on traffic. Both official taxi services and car-hailing apps popular in Brazil (such as Uber or 99) operate in the city. The cost will be low due to the short distance. You can also book a private transfer in advance, which is particularly convenient if you are travelling from a hotel located outside the city or travelling with family and a large number of suitcases.

Car Rental and Parking

If you plan to explore the picturesque surroundings, such as the Cocoa Coast (Costa do Cacau) or the neighbouring town of Itacaré, renting a car is an excellent solution. Offices of several rental companies are located directly in the airport building. The road to the terminal by car is simple and straightforward. The airport has paid parking where you can leave your vehicle for both short and long periods. However, due to the proximity to the city, many locals and tourists prefer to take a taxi to avoid worrying about parking.

Ilhéus Jorge Amado Airport (IOS) is a compact and functional aviation hub serving a popular tourist region on the coast of Brazil. Its structure is extremely simple and clear, making travel through it as comfortable as possible.

The airport consists of one passenger terminal that handles all domestic flights. Due to its small size, navigating the building presents no difficulty. All key areas — check-in, security screening, departures, and arrivals — are within walking distance of each other, so you won't have to waste time transferring between terminals.

The terminal layout is intuitive. Upon entering the building, you immediately find yourself in the general area with several check-in counters. After receiving a boarding pass and dropping off luggage, passengers proceed to the security screening zone, beyond which lies a small waiting hall with boarding gates. Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated: the arrival hall with baggage claim belts is located in a separate part of the same building, eliminating confusion.

Completing all formalities usually does not take much time. On standard days, check-in and security checks take about 20-30 minutes. However, during the peak tourist season or before holidays, small queues are possible, so it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before departure. Overall, thanks to its compactness, Ilhéus Airport allows you to avoid the stress typical of major aviation hubs.

The history of Ilhéus Jorge Amado Airport (IOS) is closely linked to the economic and cultural development of one of the most colourful regions of Brazil. The airport was officially opened in 1938, during the heyday of the "cocoa cycle," when Ilhéus was a global centre for the production and export of this valuable product. Originally built to serve the growing needs of cocoa planters and businessmen, it quickly became an important transport hub for the entire southern coast of the state of Bahia.

A significant stage in the airport's development began in 1980, when management was transferred to the state company Infraero. Under its leadership, the infrastructure was gradually improved to meet the growing passenger flow caused not only by business trips but also by developing tourism. The beaches, nature, and rich cultural heritage of the region attracted more and more travellers, requiring the modernisation of the air gateway.

One of the most iconic events in the airport's history occurred in 2002, when it was officially renamed in honour of Jorge Amado — the greatest Brazilian writer, whose life and work are inextricably linked to Ilhéus and the cocoa region. Many of his world-famous novels, such as "Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon," describe life in these very lands. This renaming became a tribute to the man who made his homeland famous throughout the world, and transformed the airport into a symbolic gateway to Amado's literary universe.

The last decades have been marked by several stages of modernisation aimed at improving passenger comfort and increasing capacity. A key moment was the auction for the airport concession held in 2019. Since 2020, management has passed to the new operator Aena Brasil, opening a new chapter in the history of the air harbour associated with further investment in infrastructure. Today, Ilhéus Airport is not just a transport hub, but a part of cultural heritage, playing a crucial role in the development of tourism on the famous "Cocoa Coast" (Costa do Cacau) and welcoming guests from all over the world.

Ilhéus Jorge Amado Airport (IOS) offers passengers all the necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Before departure, you can have a snack in one of the cafés serving both light bites and local cuisine, or enjoy a cup of famous Brazilian coffee. In the airport shops, you can purchase souvenirs, handicrafts, as well as famous local chocolate — an excellent gift from a trip to Brazil. There are also points of sale for essential goods.

For those who need to stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. If your phone or laptop runs out of battery, you will easily find charging stations for electronic devices. The airport also has ATMs and currency exchange points, which is especially convenient for international tourists arriving in Ilhéus. For emergency assistance, there is a medical post in the terminal.

The airport is equipped to receive passengers with reduced mobility. There are ramps, specially equipped restrooms, and staff assistance is provided. It is recommended to notify the airline in advance if assistance is required. For travellers with small children, there is a mother and child room where you can take care of your baby in a quiet environment.

Comfortable waiting areas are located in the terminal. Information regarding the availability and access conditions for VIP lounges should be checked with your airline representatives. Since the airport mainly serves tourist flows, there are no specialised business centres or conference rooms here. However, many hotels and pousadas (guesthouses) nearby, in the city itself, offer all conditions for both rest and work.

Ilhéus Jorge Amado Airport (IOS) offers passengers several convenient options for a snack or a full meal before departure. Although the selection here is not as large as in major international hubs, you certainly won't go hungry.

Most food outlets are concentrated in the main terminal area, accessible to all visitors even before security control (landside). Here you will find cosy cafés and diners where you can drink a cup of famous Brazilian coffee, fresh juice, or grab a sandwich. After passing security, in the departure zone (airside), the choice is usually more limited and represented by small kiosks with drinks and light snacks.

Be sure to take the opportunity to try something from the local cuisine. Look out for traditional Brazilian pastries, such as pão de queijo (cheese buns), or various salgados (savoury snacks). Since Ilhéus is the cocoa capital, local cafés often feature desserts and drinks using natural chocolate. Fresh fruit or a cup of açaí are perfect for a quick snack.

The price range at the airport is generally higher than in the city. Opening hours are usually synchronised with the flight schedule — they open early in the morning and serve passengers until the last departure. Regarding special dietary needs, vegetarians will easily find suitable options, such as cheese pastries or vegetable sandwiches. However, finding certified Halal, vegan, or gluten-free dishes might be difficult, so it is best to check ingredients directly with the vendor.

To ensure your journey through the airport of Ilhéus goes smoothly and without unnecessary stress, follow our tips. The main rule is to arrive early. For domestic flights within Brazil, it is recommended to be at the airport 1.5-2 hours before departure. If your flight to Ilhéus is a connecting flight after an international journey, remember that you will go through passport and customs control at the first airport of arrival (e.g., in São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro), which can take up to 3 hours. Always allow enough time for the transfer.

To save time, check in for your flight online and, if travelling without luggage, proceed directly to security. When passing through security control, be ready to present your boarding pass and passport, as well as remove laptops, tablets, and liquid containers from your hand luggage. We remind you that liquids in the cabin must not exceed 100 ml each, packed in a single transparent bag. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are strictly prohibited.

When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences: a window seat (janela) will give you breathtaking views of the Atlantic coast during takeoff and landing, while an aisle seat (corredor) provides more freedom of movement. If you have a connecting flight, check with the airline if you need to collect your luggage. Generally, on connecting flights within the country this is not necessary, but when transferring from an international flight to a domestic one to Ilhéus — you must collect your luggage after customs and check it in again.

Passengers arriving in Brazil on international flights must pass customs control at the first airport of arrival, even before transferring to the flight to Ilhéus. If you are carrying goods subject to declaration or cash exceeding the established limit, be sure to fill out a declaration. Be prepared that your luggage may be inspected. To avoid problems, do not bring fresh fruits, vegetables, or meat products without the appropriate permit.

To save money, book a taxi or transfer from the airport via online apps — this often works out cheaper than using "private drivers" at the exit. Bring an empty water bottle to fill at drinking fountains after the security zone. This is not only economical but also eco-friendly.

In case of flight delay or cancellation, stay calm. First, contact your airline's counter for the latest information and instructions. Monitor updates on the information screens. Depending on the length of the delay, you may be provided with vouchers for food, drinks, or even hotel accommodation. Be sure to keep all receipts for necessary expenses.