Usiminas Airport

Usiminas Airport (IPN), also known as Vale do Aço Regional Airport ("Steel Valley"), is the key air gateway for one of the most significant industrial regions in the state of Minas Gerais. This compact and functional airport serves as a starting point for travellers heading to the city of Ipatinga and its surroundings. Located in the neighbouring municipality of Santana do Paraíso, it provides convenient access to the region's business and tourism centres, making the journey quick and comfortable.

The main advantage of Usiminas Airport is its compactness and ease of navigation. Having only one terminal eliminates the possibility of getting lost and allows for quick completion of all pre-flight formalities. This is particularly convenient for business travellers who value their time. The airport is managed by Infraero, one of the largest airport infrastructure operators in Brazil, guaranteeing high standards of service.

Despite its small size, the airport offers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for your flight. Although it exclusively serves domestic destinations, its strategic location makes it an indispensable transport hub for the entire "Steel Valley" region. Its proximity to Ipatinga allows you to reach the city centre or your hotel in a matter of minutes, which is an undoubted advantage for tourists and business people alike.

Below you will find contact information for Usiminas Airport (IPN), which serves the city of Ipatinga and its surroundings. We recommend checking the validity of the data on the official website before your trip, as details may change.

• Official Website: On the operator Infraero's official page, you will find schedules, flight status, and other useful information. Website address: www.infraero.gov.br.
• Information Desk Phone: For operational information regarding the airport's work, call: +55 (31) 3828-8200.
• Airport Address: Rodovia BR-458, km 140,5, Santana do Paraíso - MG, CEP: 35179-000, Brazil. Please note that the airport is located in the neighbouring municipality of Santana do Paraíso.
• Email: A direct email address for passengers is not provided. For communication, it is recommended to use the feedback form on the official website or the telephone.
• Social Media: You can follow general news from the Infraero airport network, including Ipatinga airport, on their official pages on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
• Lost Luggage Information: regarding items lost or found within the terminal ("Achados e Perdidos" service), please contact +55 (31) 3828-8217. If your luggage was lost by the airline, you must contact their representative office directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general questions and assistance at the airport, use the main information desk phone: +55 (31) 3828-8200.

Getting to Usiminas Airport (IATA: IPN), which serves the city of Ipatinga, is quite simple due to its location near the city centre. Travellers have several transport options available, each offering its own advantages depending on budget, time, and comfort preferences.

Public Transport

The most economical way to reach the airport is by using city buses. Several routes connect the air terminal with the centre of Ipatinga and surrounding districts. The fare usually does not exceed 5-10 Brazilian Reais (BRL), making this an ideal option for tourists travelling light. It is important to check the bus schedule in advance, especially if your flight is scheduled for early morning or late evening, as intervals may be extended.

Taxi and Transfer

For those who value comfort and time, a taxi or a pre-booked transfer is the best choice. The journey from the city centre to the airport usually takes about 20-30 minutes, and the cost varies from 40 to 70 BRL depending on traffic and the time of day. This is the most convenient way to reach the terminal, especially if you are travelling with children or heavy luggage. Taxi services and ride-sharing apps popular in Brazil are available 24/7.

Car Rental

If your plans include exploring the region, renting a car will provide you with maximum freedom of movement. Offices of several rental agencies are located at the airport and in the city. The estimated cost of renting an economy class car starts from 100-150 BRL per day, excluding fuel and insurance. It is recommended to book a car online in advance to ensure the best selection and more favourable prices.

Airport Parking

For travellers arriving at the airport in a private or rented car, a parking zone is provided. Here you can leave your car for a short time for drop-offs or pick-ups, as well as for a long period. The cost depends on the duration of parking, with daily rates for long-term parking being around 30-50 BRL.

Usiminas Airport (IPN), serving the city of Ipatinga in Brazil, is a small and compact aviation hub, making it very convenient for passengers. All airport infrastructure is housed in a single passenger terminal, which serves both domestic and regional flights.

Thanks to its simple and logical layout, navigating the building poses no difficulties. The terminal is functionally divided into several key zones:

• Check-in and Departure Zone: Located near the main entrance. Here you will find airline check-in counters and the main waiting hall.
• Security Screening Zone: After checking in, passengers proceed to pre-flight security screening, after which they enter the secure departure area.
• Departure Lounge: A small waiting hall with boarding gates.
• Arrivals Zone: A separate part of the terminal where passengers arrive. The baggage claim belt is also located here.

Since there is only one terminal at the airport, transfers between terminals are not required. All procedures — from check-in to boarding the flight — take place in one building. This significantly saves time and eliminates the need to use shuttles or make long walks, as is common in major airports.

Check-in and security screening usually take little time. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1-1.5 hours before departure. This time is usually sufficient to check luggage, pass security control, and reach the boarding gate without rushing. Despite its compactness, the airport has everything necessary for a comfortable wait for your flight, including small cafes and rest areas.

The history of Usiminas Airport (IPN), also known as Prefeito Erasmo de Freitas Guimarães Airport, is inextricably linked with the industrial development of the Vale do Aço ("Steel Valley") region in Brazil. Its creation was a direct consequence of the construction of the major steel plant Usiminas, which gave the airport its most recognisable name. The opening of the air harbour took place in 1959 and became a key moment in the development of the city of Ipatinga and its surroundings.

Initially, the airport served mainly the needs of the Usiminas company, providing fast and convenient transport links for engineers, executives, and partners arriving to work at the plant. This helped accelerate the implementation of one of the most ambitious industrial projects in Brazil at that time. Over time, as the city and the entire region grew, the airport began to serve regular commercial flights as well, becoming an important transport hub for all residents of the "Steel Valley".

Throughout its history, Usiminas Airport has gone through several stages of modernisation to meet growing safety requirements and passenger comfort. One significant event was the transfer of airport management to the company Infraero, which contributed to further infrastructure improvements. In recent years, large-scale works have been carried out to reconstruct the runway and update the passenger terminal, allowing it to accommodate modern types of aircraft and improve service quality.

An interesting fact: despite primarily serving Ipatinga, geographically the airport is located in the neighbouring municipality of Santana do Paraíso. Today, Usiminas Airport continues to play a strategic role, being not just an air gateway, but also a symbol of industrial power and the economic development of the entire region it helped to build.

Usiminas Airport (IPN), serving the city of Ipatinga and the surrounding area, offers passengers all the necessary amenities for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its compact dimensions, the terminal is well-organised and meets the basic needs of travellers.

In the terminal building, you will find several cafes and snack bars where you can have coffee and a light snack. There are also small shops offering souvenirs, press, and travel essentials. There are no specialised VIP lounges at the airport, but the main waiting hall is quite comfortable. For passenger convenience, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and there are power outlets for charging electronic devices in the waiting hall.

Financial services are represented by ATMs where you can withdraw cash. Currency exchange points are generally absent, so it is recommended to exchange money in the city in advance. In case of need, there is a medical point at the airport to provide first aid. A mother and child room is equipped for passengers travelling with small children.

The airport is fully adapted to serve passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps, specially equipped restrooms, and staff are ready to provide necessary assistance during boarding and disembarking. There are no hotels directly on the airport territory, but many accommodation options can be found in the nearby city of Ipatinga. There are no conference rooms or business centres in the terminal; for business meetings, it is better to use the infrastructure of city hotels.

When planning a snack at Usiminas Airport (IPN), it is important to remember that this is a small regional hub, and the choice of establishments here is quite modest. If you are counting on a full lunch or dinner, it is better to have it beforehand in the city of Ipatinga.

In the airport's single terminal, there is a small café-snack bar (in Brazil these are called a lanchonete). It is located in the general area before security control, so it is accessible to both departing passengers and those seeing them off. This is an ideal place for a quick snack and a cup of coffee while waiting for a flight.

Here you can try classic Brazilian snacks that form the basis of the menu. We recommend ordering fresh pão de queijo (famous cheese bread rolls), coxinhas (hearty croquettes with chicken filling), or other types of salgados (savoury pastries). This is a great opportunity to enjoy authentic flavours before departure. Options for a substantial hot meal are generally not found here.

Passengers with strict dietary restrictions (vegan, gluten-free, or Halal requirements) should note that specialised dishes are not on the menu. The choice for vegetarians will likely be limited to cheese pastries. If you have specific dietary needs, the most reliable option is to bring food with you.

Prices in the café can be described as moderate by airport standards. The opening hours of the establishment depend directly on the flight schedule — it opens shortly before the first flight and closes after the departure of the last one. Therefore, outside flight departure and arrival times, the café may be closed.

To ensure your journey through Usiminas Airport in the city of Ipatinga goes smoothly, use these helpful tips. Planning in advance will help avoid unnecessary stress and make the start of your trip around Brazil as comfortable as possible.

It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before the departure of a domestic flight. Usiminas is a small regional airport, and queues here are usually not as long as in metropolises, but extra time will allow you to go through all procedures calmly. To save time, use online check-in, which is offered by most airlines. This will allow you to proceed immediately to baggage drop-off or, if you are travelling light, to the security screening zone.

Security screening is standard. Remember the general rules: all liquids in hand luggage must be in containers up to 100 ml and packed in a single transparent bag. Laptops and other large electronics must be removed from bags for scanning. Ensure there are no prohibited items in your hand luggage, such as knives, scissors, and other sharp objects. The weight and dimensions of hand luggage are strictly regulated by airlines, so check your carrier's allowances in advance to avoid extra charges.

When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by your preferences. Window seats (A, F) will provide you with a wonderful opportunity to admire the picturesque landscapes of the state of Minas Gerais during takeoff and landing. If freedom of movement and the ability to easily access the aisle are important to you, choose aisle seats (C, D).

Usiminas Airport mainly serves domestic flights. If you have a connection, it will most likely be in a larger hub, for example, in Belo Horizonte (CNF) or São Paulo (GRU). Be sure to check with the airline whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage on the connecting flight. There is no customs control for flights within the country, however, be prepared for possible sanitary inspections of luggage.

In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline's counter for current information and instructions. Air passenger rights in Brazil are regulated by the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC), and depending on the length of the delay, you may be provided with food, drinks, or even hotel accommodation. There is a small café and a waiting hall at the airport where you can spend time before departure.