Coronel Horacio de Mattos Airport

Coronel Horacio de Mattos Airport (LEC) is not just a runway, but the aerial gateway to one of the most picturesque places in Brazil — the Chapada Diamantina National Park. Located near the colorful city of Lençóis, this small and cozy airport serves as a starting point for thousands of travelers eager to see the famous table mountains, waterfalls, and crystal-clear cave lakes. Its compactness and regional status create a calm atmosphere, allowing you to begin your adventure without the unnecessary bustle typical of major aviation hubs.

The main advantage of the airport is its strategic location. It is the nearest air harbor to the heart of the Chapada Diamantina National Park, which saves significant time for tourists. The airport primarily serves flights from major cities in the state of Bahia, such as Salvador, making it a convenient transfer point for those traveling across the country. Being small, the airport offers quick processing of all formalities. It is worth noting that there is no regular bus service to the city, so it is better to arrange a transfer in advance by booking a taxi or coordinating a pick-up with your hotel.

• Official Website: Coronel Horacio de Mattos Airport is a small regional airport and does not have its own official website. For current information on flight schedules, departure or arrival status, and baggage rules, please contact your airline directly.
• Help Desk Phone: +55 (75) 3625-8100. Please note that communication will most likely take place in Portuguese.
• Airport Address: Rodovia BA-142, s/n - Zona Rural, Lençóis - BA, 46960-000, Brazil. The airport is located approximately 24 km from the city center of Lençóis.
• Email: An official email address for passenger communication is not published. For urgent matters, it is recommended to use the telephone.
• Social Media: The airport does not maintain official pages on social networks. News and updates should be sought on the resources of airlines operating flights to Lençóis.
• Lost and Found Information: For all issues related to lost or damaged luggage, you must contact your airline's representative at the airport directly. If you have left personal belongings in the terminal building, contact the airport help desk.
• Passenger Support Contacts: Main passenger support (check-in, boarding, special services) is provided by airline staff. Their counters are located in the main hall of the terminal.

Coronel Horacio de Mattos Airport (LEC) is located approximately 24 km from the city of Lençóis, the main tourist hub for travelers exploring the Chapada Diamantina National Park in Brazil. There are several ways to get from the city to the airport and back, but it is worth noting that this is a small regional airport, and the transport system here is primarily oriented towards tourists.

Taxi and Private Transfer. This is the most convenient and common method. A taxi ride from the center of Lençóis to the airport takes about 25-30 minutes. The cost may vary, so it is recommended to agree on the price in advance. Many hotels and pousadas (guesthouses) offer transfer booking services for their guests. This is especially convenient if your flight arrives late in the evening or departs early in the morning when finding a car on the street might be more difficult.

Car Rental. If you plan to actively explore the Chapada Diamantina region on your own, renting a car is an excellent option. You can rent a car either in the city itself or arrange for its pickup or return directly at the airport. This gives maximum freedom of movement. The road from Lençóis to the airport is simple and well-marked. The airport has a parking lot where you can leave the car for a short or long term.

Public Transport. There are generally no direct regular public transport routes (city buses) between Lençóis and the airport. The main carriers are tourist shuttles and taxis. Sometimes you can find a seat in a collective taxi or minibus (lotação), which depart as they fill up. This may be slightly cheaper than a private taxi but less predictable in terms of departure time. We recommend checking the availability of such options with locals or travel agencies upon arrival.

Coronel Horacio de Mattos Airport (LEC) is a small regional airport serving the city of Lençóis and the Chapada Diamantina National Park. Its structure is extremely simple and intuitive, making it very convenient for travelers arriving in this picturesque corner of Brazil.

The airport operates one passenger terminal, which handles both arriving and departing flights. Due to its compactness, navigating through it causes no difficulties. All main zones — check-in counters, security screening, the waiting lounge, and the baggage claim area — are located in one small building, within walking distance of each other. You will not have to worry about transfers between terminals, as there is only one.

The departure and arrival zones are located in one common hall. Immediately upon entering the terminal, you will see several airline check-in counters. After receiving a boarding pass, passengers pass through the single security checkpoint, which leads to a small and cozy waiting lounge. The arrival zone is an exit into the same main hall where baggage claim takes place, usually without the use of a conveyor belt, which is typical for small airports.

Check-in and security procedures at Lençóis Airport typically proceed quickly and without hassle due to the low passenger flow. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 1–1.5 hours before departure to calmly check your luggage and complete all formalities. Orienting yourself here is very easy: all exits and services are in plain sight, and it is practically impossible to get lost.

Coronel Horacio de Mattos Airport (LEC), serving the city of Lençóis and the Chapada Diamantina National Park, has a relatively short but very significant history. Its opening took place in 2000 and became a turning point for the entire region. The main goal of building the airport was to develop the tourism potential of Chapada Diamantina, one of the most picturesque corners of Brazil, making it more accessible to travelers from all over the world.

The airport was named in honor of Coronel Horacio de Mattos, an influential historical figure of the region in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This was not a military rank, but rather a title designating major landowners and political leaders of that time, known as "colonels" (coronels). Thus, the name of the air harbor refers to the rich and sometimes dramatic history of the "diamond rush" in Chapada Diamantina.

Since its opening, the airport has become a catalyst for a tourism boom. While the journey from major cities, such as Salvador, used to take many hours by bus, the advent of air connections made the region much more accessible. A key stage in development was a large-scale reconstruction completed in 2013–2014. During the modernization, the runway was improved, the passenger terminal was expanded, and the infrastructure was updated, allowing for more flights and ensuring a higher level of comfort for passengers.

Today, Coronel Horacio de Mattos Airport is not just a transport hub, but the main gateway to a world of amazing landscapes, waterfalls, and caves of the national park. Although it is not among the country's largest airports by passenger traffic, its strategic importance for ecotourism and the economic development of the region is hard to overestimate. It is a vivid example of how modern infrastructure helps reveal and preserve natural treasures for future generations of travelers.

Coronel Horacio de Mattos Airport (LEC) is a small regional airport serving mainly tourists heading to the Chapada Diamantina National Park in Brazil. The infrastructure here is basic but provides everything necessary for a comfortable wait for your flight.

Dining and Shopping. Opportunities for shopping and dining at the airport are limited. Typically, there is a small cafeteria or snack bar here, where you can buy beverages, snacks, and sandwiches. A souvenir shop offering locally produced goods may also be operating.

Waiting Lounges and Wi-Fi. The terminal has a general waiting lounge with sufficient seating. There are no specialized VIP lounges here. Passengers usually have access to free Wi-Fi, and power outlets for charging electronic devices can be found in the waiting area.

Financial Services. An ATM for cash withdrawals may be installed in the airport building. However, there are no full-service bank branches or currency exchange points here. It is recommended to exchange money in advance in larger cities.

Additional Services:

• Medical Assistance: A first aid point operates on the airport premises.
• For Passengers with Children: Basic amenities are available, including restrooms equipped with changing tables.
• Accessibility: The airport is equipped with ramps and other elements to ensure access for passengers with reduced mobility.
• Accommodation: There are no hotels directly at the airport. The nearest accommodation options are located in the city of Lençóis, which is the main tourist center of the region.
• Business Services: Specialized conference rooms or business centers are absent at the airport.

Coronel Horacio de Mattos Airport (LEC) is a small regional airport acting as the gateway to the Chapada Diamantina National Park. Due to its compact size and low passenger traffic, dining options here are quite limited. It is strongly recommended to have lunch or a snack in the city of Lençóis before traveling to the airport.

In the airport's single terminal, a small café or snack bar typically operates, which is called a lanchonete in Brazil. The establishment is located in the public area before security control (landside), so it is accessible to both passengers and those seeing them off. There are no full-service restaurants with hot meals here, but you can grab a quick bite before departure.

The assortment mainly consists of standard snacks and beverages. You will be able to buy:

• Traditional Brazilian snacks, such as cheese buns pão de queijo or savory pastries salgados.
• Simple sandwiches, pastries, and sweets.
• Coffee, soft drinks, juices, and bottled water.

Prices at the airport are generally noticeably higher than in city establishments.

For passengers with specific dietary needs (vegetarians, vegans, as well as those requiring gluten-free or Halal dishes), finding suitable options will be extremely difficult. In this case, the only reliable solution is to bring food with you. Please note that the café operates according to the flight schedule, opening a few hours before departure and closing shortly after.

To ensure your trip to Lençóis goes smoothly, use our tips for Coronel Horacio de Mattos Airport (LEC). This is a small regional airport, so many procedures here are faster than in major hubs, but preparation is never superfluous.

Arrival Time and Check-in. We recommend arriving at the airport 1.5–2 hours before a domestic flight departure. This time will be sufficient to check your luggage and pass through security without rushing. To save time, complete online check-in on your airline's website if such an option is available. Screening procedures here are standard, but due to low passenger traffic, queues are usually minimal.

Seat Selection and Carry-on. If possible, choose a window seat. During takeoff and landing, you may be treated to breathtaking views of the Chapada Diamantina National Park — the calling card of this region of Brazil. Liquids in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag, as well as portable chargers, are allowed in carry-on luggage. Sharp and cutting objects are strictly prohibited. Always check baggage and carry-on allowances with your airline.

Transfers and Customs. Lençóis Airport mainly serves direct flights. If you have a connecting flight, check with the air carrier in advance whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage at the intermediate point. Customs control is only passed by passengers arriving on international flights, which is a rarity for this airport. There is no customs on domestic flights.

Saving Money and Unforeseen Situations. The infrastructure at the airport is quite modest. To save money, book a transfer to the city in advance — on-site choices may be limited and prices higher. In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for information and instructions. Since leisure options in the terminal are limited, we advise having a book, a charged power bank, or downloaded movies to pass the waiting time.