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Imperatriz Airport

About the Airport

Imperatriz Airport. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars

Imperatriz–Prefeito Renato Moreira Airport is the air gateway to the Brazilian state of Maranhão and one of the region's key transport hubs. Located in a city often referred to as the "Gateway to the Amazon," the airport serves as a starting point for journeys through unique natural landscapes. Despite its modest size, it plays a vital role in connecting with major Brazilian cities, providing residents and visitors access to an extensive domestic flight network. Aviation history in Imperatriz began back in the 1930s, while the modern airport was opened in 1973.

IATA Code IMP
ICAO Code SBIZ
City Imperatriz
Distance to center 4 km
Status Domestic
Annual Passengers approx. 319,000 (2023)
Popular Airlines Azul Brazilian Airlines, LATAM Airlines, Gol Transportes Aéreos
Schedule Online board

A key advantage of the airport is its close proximity to the city centre — only about 4 kilometres away, making the journey to your hotel quick and convenient. Taxis and regular buses are available for passengers. The single terminal has everything necessary for a comfortable wait: cafés, shops, and ATMs. The airport serves regular flights to major cities such as São Paulo, Brasília, Belo Horizonte, and São Luís, making it easy to plan further travel across the country.

Contact Information

For your convenience, we have compiled the essential contact information for Imperatriz Airport. We recommend always verifying the data on official resources, especially before travelling.

  • Official Website: www.ccraeroportos.com.br/imperatriz-ma
  • Information Desk Phone: +55 (99) 3529-3400
  • Address: Av. Moacyr Spósito Ribeiro, S/N - Setor Aeroporto, Imperatriz - MA, 65913-415, Brazil
  • Email: You can contact the airport administration via the special "Fale Conosco" (Contact Us) form on the official website.
  • Social Media: News and updates are published on the official accounts of the management company, CCR Aeroportos.
  • Lost Luggage Information: For items left in the airport terminal ("Achados e Perdidos" service), please contact the main phone number. If your luggage is lost or damaged during a flight, you must contact your airline representative immediately.
  • Customer Support: For enquiries and assistance, you can use the information desk phone number or the feedback form on the airport website.

How to Get to the Airport

Getting to Imperatriz Airport (IMP), which serves the city of Imperatriz, is quite simple thanks to its close proximity to the city centre. The terminal is located just a few kilometres from the main districts, making the trip quick and affordable. Here are the main ways to reach the airport in this part of Brazil.

Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services are the most popular and convenient way to get to the airport. A trip from the city centre takes just 10–15 minutes depending on traffic. The cost of a taxi or app-based ride (such as Uber) is usually between 20–40 Brazilian Reais (BRL). This is the optimal choice in terms of price, speed, and comfort, especially if you are travelling with luggage.

For the most budget-conscious travellers, there is public transport. City bus routes pass through the districts adjacent to the airport. This option is the cheapest — the fare is only about 4–5 BRL. However, it may not be the most convenient if you have a lot of luggage, and it might require transfers or a short walk to the terminal. It is recommended to check current routes and schedules in advance, as they may change.

If you plan to move around the region actively, car rental is a good solution. Several rental company offices are represented at Imperatriz Airport. You can book a car online in advance or rent one upon arrival. For those arriving at the airport in their own or a rented vehicle, there is paid parking on the premises where you can leave your transport for the duration of your trip.

Thus, the choice of transport depends on your budget and plans. For most tourists, the best option will be a taxi or transfer due to speed, convenience, and reasonable cost. If you want maximum savings and are prepared for minor inconveniences, you can consider the city bus. Car rental is suitable for those who value independence and plan to explore the surroundings of Imperatriz.

Terminals and Map

The Imperatriz Airport (IMP) is a compact and functional regional aviation hub served by one passenger terminal. This single building is used for all operations — both for departing and arriving passengers — which significantly simplifies navigation and makes the stay at the airport as straightforward as possible.

The terminal layout is very simple. All infrastructure is located in one building, eliminating the need for complex transfers or shuttles. Check-in areas, security control, departure lounges, and baggage claim are within walking distance of each other. Thanks to its small size and logical layout, getting lost here is practically impossible. Signs will help you orient yourself, even if you do not speak Portuguese.

Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated but located under one roof. After entering the terminal, you immediately find yourself in the general area where check-in counters are located. After checking in and dropping off luggage, passengers proceed to pre-flight security screening, followed by a small waiting hall with boarding gates. The arrival area is separate and includes a baggage reclaim belt and an exit to the city.

Check-in and screening procedures at Imperatriz Airport usually proceed quite quickly due to low passenger traffic. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 1.5-2 hours before a domestic flight. This time will be more than sufficient to complete all formalities without rushing, enjoy a coffee, and walk to your gate.

Airport History

The history of Imperatriz Airport, officially known as Prefeito Renato Moreira Airport (Aeroporto de Imperatriz – Prefeito Renato Moreira), is inextricably linked to the economic development of this region of Brazil. Although simple airstrips existed in the city previously, the modern airport complex was ceremonially opened by the state company Infraero on **October 15, 1981**. Its construction was a strategic step to support the rapid growth of the city and ensure reliable transport links with the country's major centres.

Since its opening, the airport has constantly evolved, reflecting Imperatriz's status as an important agro-industrial and commercial hub. A key stage in its history was a large-scale renovation and modernisation completed in the 2010s. During the works, a new, more spacious passenger terminal was built, which significantly increased capacity. The aircraft apron was also expanded, and infrastructure was modernised, enhancing safety and comfort for passengers.

A significant event in recent history was privatisation. In 2021, the airport was conceded to the private operator CCR Aeroportos, which officially took over management in 2022. This step opened a new chapter in the airport's development, focused on further investment and service quality improvement. An interesting fact: the airport bears the name of Renato Cortez Moreira, a former mayor of the city, highlighting its deep connection to local history. Today, Imperatriz Airport is a vital air hub in the southwest of Maranhão state, serving both business and tourist flows.

Services and Amenities

Imperatriz Airport (IMP), serving the city of Imperatriz and the surrounding region in Brazil, offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Although it is a regional airport, its infrastructure is well thought out and meets the basic needs of travellers.

Dining and Shopping. In the terminal, you will find several cafés and snack bars where you can have a quick bite, order sandwiches or pastries, and drink the famous Brazilian coffee. There are also small shops selling souvenirs, travel essentials, books, and newspapers.

Lounges and Internet. Comfortable waiting areas are equipped for passengers. Wi-Fi is available in the terminal, allowing you to stay connected or work while waiting for departure. Electronic device charging stations are also available. Information on the availability and access conditions for VIP lounges is recommended to be checked with your airline representatives.

Financial Services. The airport grounds feature ATMs (caixas eletrônicos) from several major banks where you can withdraw cash. Currency exchange offices are generally absent or have limited operating hours in regional airports, so it is better to exchange money in advance.

Services for Passengers with Special Needs. The airport is equipped for the comfortable movement of passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps and specially adapted restrooms. For travellers with small children, there are mother-and-child rooms where you can change and feed your baby in a quiet environment.

Other Amenities. In case of necessity, passengers can contact the medical post for first aid. There are no hotels directly on the airport grounds; however, in the city of Imperatriz itself, located a few kilometres away, there is a wide selection of hotels. Business centres and conference halls are not provided at the airport; for business meetings, it is better to use the infrastructure of city hotels.

Where to Eat

At Imperatriz Airport (IMP), passengers can find several options for a snack or a full meal. Most dining establishments are concentrated in the main public area of the terminal, before security control, allowing for a comfortable time while waiting for a flight.

For a quick and authentic Brazilian snack, look out for local snack bars (lanchonetes) and coffee shops. Often in airports in Brazil, you can find kiosks of the popular chain Casa do Pão de Queijo, where it is worth trying the freshly baked cheese bread of the same name. The menu usually also includes chicken croquettes called coxinha (which are generally halal-friendly in terms of ingredients, though certification varies) and other savoury pastries (salgados). Be sure to complement your order with a cup of aromatic coffee or a glass of freshly squeezed exotic fruit juice.

If you have time for a more substantial lunch, look for a restaurant operating on the "por quilo" (per kilo) system. This is a popular format in the country where you pay for the weight of the food on your plate. Such establishments offer a wide selection of salads, hot meat and fish dishes, as well as various side dishes. After passing security and entering the "airside" (secure zone), the choice usually narrows down to a small café or vending machines with drinks and snacks.

It is worth noting that prices for food and drinks at the airport are expectedly higher than in the city. Finding specialised vegan or gluten-free dishes may be difficult. However, vegetarians will easily find suitable options, such as cheese pastries or vegetable dishes in the self-service restaurant. Opening hours are usually tied to the flight schedule, with main cafés open from early morning until the last flight departs.

Travel Tips

To ensure your journey from Imperatriz Airport (IMP) goes smoothly, it is worth considering a few useful tips. Since the airport mainly serves domestic flights within Brazil, arrive in good time — approximately 1.5-2 hours before departure. To save time, use online check-in on your airline's website. This will allow you to avoid queues at the counter and proceed immediately to baggage drop or security screening if you are travelling light.

The security control procedure at Imperatriz Airport is standard. Be prepared to remove laptops, other large electronics, and liquids from your hand luggage. We remind you that liquids are permitted in containers of no more than 100 ml, packed in a single transparent bag. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are strictly prohibited in hand luggage. Power banks are allowed only in hand luggage.

Seat selection on the plane can significantly affect flight comfort. If you love admiring views, choose a window seat. If you value the ability to stand up freely and stretch your legs, your place is by the aisle. Emergency exit seats offer more legroom, but usually require an extra fee and are not available to all categories of passengers.

If you have a connecting flight, clarify at check-in whether your luggage will be transferred automatically to the final destination. Remember that if you are flying from Imperatriz to an international flight with a connection in another major airport, you will need extra time at the transit hub to pass passport control and possibly undergo security screening again.

To save money at the airport, bring an empty water bottle with you — it can be filled at drinking fountains after passing security. Prices for food and drinks at airports are generally inflated, so a light snack from home is also a good idea. Research transport options from your destination airport in advance to avoid overpaying for taxis upon arrival.

Flight delays are unpleasant but not critical. In case of a delay, remain calm and monitor information on the departure boards. Contact an airline representative for clarification. In Brazil, passenger rights are protected: depending on the length of the delay, the airline is obliged to provide drinks, meals, and for long waits, hotel accommodation. Be sure to keep all receipts for expenses incurred due to the delay.

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