Mafra Airport

As Hugo Werner Airport is a municipal airfield for light aviation and does not serve regular commercial flights, it does not have its own 24-hour support service or a dedicated website. The facility is managed by the city administration (Prefeitura Municipal de Mafra). For communication, it is recommended to use the official City Hall channels:

• Official Website: www.mafra.sc.gov.br (The official portal of Mafra City Hall, where infrastructure information is published)
• Help Desk Phone: +55 (47) 3641-4000 (General City Hall switchboard; for airfield inquiries, request connection to the Urban Development Department)
• Airport Address: Rua José Stoebel, s/n – Bairro Faxinal, Mafra – SC, 89300-000, Brazil
• Email: ouvidoria@mafra.sc.gov.br (For official inquiries to the administration)
• Social Media: Current regional news is published on the official Prefeitura de Mafra pages on Facebook and Instagram (@prefeiturademafra)
• Lost and Found Information: There is no separate service. In case of lost items on the airfield grounds or on board, it is necessary to contact your private flight operator or pilot directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: All questions regarding airfield operations and landing permits are resolved through the Secretariat for Public Works and Development (Secretaria Municipal de Obras / Desenvolvimento Urbano) via the City Hall phone number.

Since Mafra Airport (Hugo Werner) is located just a few kilometers from the city center and serves exclusively light aviation, transport logistics here are simple and straightforward. There are no massive terminals with confusing exits, so getting to the departure point or heading into the city after a private landing can be done quite quickly.

Below are the main ways to reach the airfield, as well as options for travelers arriving in the region via major international hubs.

Taxi and Transfers

This is the most convenient and reliable way to get to the airfield. Given the specific nature of the airport, there is no permanent taxi stand at the runway, so a car must be booked in advance or called via an app.

• Mobile Apps: Popular ride-hailing services such as Uber and 99 operate in the region. This is the most budget-friendly option for tourists.
• Local Taxi Services: Several local taxi fleets operate in Mafra. It is recommended to carry cash (Brazilian Reals), as not all cars have card terminals.
• Travel Time: The trip from Mafra's central square to the airfield takes about 10–15 minutes (distance approximately 7 km).
• Cost: The estimated cost of the trip is between 20 and 40 Brazilian Reals (BRL), depending on the time of day and the chosen service.

Car Rental

Traveling by rental car gives you the freedom to move around the picturesque Planalto Norte region. However, it is worth noting an important nuance: there are no rental counters directly inside the airfield building.

• How to Rent: You can arrange a rental at rental company offices in Mafra city center or in neighboring Rio Negro. If you are arriving by private flight, many local companies can organize car delivery to the aircraft steps by prior arrangement.
• Route: The road from the center runs through city streets and leads to the Bairro Faxinal district. The road surface is mostly good, but unpaved sections may be encountered on the approach to the airfield.

Public Transport

There are no direct public transport routes (metro or trains) connecting the city center with the airfield gates. Mafra municipal buses run to the Faxinal district, but stops may be located at a significant distance from the runway.

This option is not recommended for tourists with luggage, as the schedule may be irregular, and the walk from the stop through the countryside can be tiring. The bus is suitable only for those who know the city well and are traveling light.

Parking

Parking spaces for cars are provided on the airfield territory. Since passenger traffic here is minimal, problems with finding free spaces usually do not arise. Parking is generally free and located in immediate proximity to the hangars and the administrative building, allowing you to save time carrying luggage.

Alternative Routes via Neighboring Airports

As Mafra Airport does not accept regular commercial flights, most tourists arrive at major airports in neighboring cities and then reach Mafra by rental car or intercity bus. The nearest major hub is Afonso Pena International Airport in Curitiba, located less than 100 km away.

Here is a list of the nearest alternative airports for planning your journey:

Recommendations: If you are planning a visit to Mafra from another country or a distant region of Brazil, the most optimal option is a flight to Curitiba (CWB) followed by a car transfer, which will take about 1.5–2 hours.

Since Mafra Airport (Hugo Werner) is a small aviation facility, its structure differs radically from major international hubs. Here, travelers will not encounter confusing labyrinths of corridors or the need to use intra-airport transport. The entire infrastructure is designed on the principle of maximum efficiency and compactness, which is characteristic of airfields receiving private flights and air taxis.

Number of Terminals and Their Purpose

The airport operates with one main administrative building, acting as a terminal for crews and passengers. It is a small structure located in immediate proximity to the apron and hangars.

• Main Building: This houses administrative offices, a small waiting area, and pilot briefing rooms.
• Hangar Zone: Next to the main building are hangars for the storage and maintenance of private aircraft.

There is no division into "Terminal 1" or "Terminal 2" here. All operations, from flight planning to passenger boarding, are carried out within a single location.

Departure and Arrival Zones

Unlike commercial airports, in Mafra, there is no strict separation of flows into "Arrivals" and "Departures" with separate floors or building wings.

• Boarding Zone: Access to the aircraft is gained directly from the administrative building or from the parking lot (by agreement with the administration and pilot). Passengers walk just a few dozen meters to the aircraft steps.
• Arrival Zone: After landing, the aircraft taxis to the parking stand in front of the building. Passengers leave the board and find themselves at the exit from the airfield territory almost immediately.

Airport Map and Navigation

Navigation through the Hugo Werner Airport territory is intuitive and does not require the use of maps or diagrams.

• Entrance: Access to the territory is through the main gates from Rua José Stoebel.
• Parking: Located right at the entrance, within walking distance of the aircraft parking area.
• Runway: The unpaved runway (orientation 09/27) is located parallel to the administrative zone.

Transfers between terminals are non-existent due to the presence of only one service facility. It is impossible to get lost here: the entire path from the car to the aircraft seat is visually visible.

Processing Times and Service Features

The main advantage of Mafra Airport is the absence of queues and bureaucratic delays typical of large-scale aviation.

• Check-in: Classical check-in counters are absent. Document and luggage checks are carried out directly by the aircraft commander or the operator's representative before departure.
• Security Check: Security procedures are simplified but mandatory. They are conducted individually and take minimal time.
• Arrival Time: Passengers on private flights do not need to arrive 2–3 hours in advance. Usually, it is sufficient to arrive at the airport 15–20 minutes before the scheduled departure time to discuss flight details with the pilot and load luggage.

Recommendations for Passengers

Despite the simplicity of the infrastructure, several nuances should be considered for a comfortable trip:

1. No Shops: There are no Duty Free shops, cafes, or pharmacies in the terminal. Water, light snacks, or necessary medications should be purchased in the city in advance.
2. Sanitary Facilities: The administrative building has basic restrooms, but showers or mother-and-child rooms may be unavailable.
3. Waiting: If you arrive significantly ahead of time, the waiting area may be closed if there is no staff at the airfield. It is recommended to coordinate the exact meeting time with the pilot.
4. Weather: Since boarding the aircraft takes place in the open air, it is recommended to have an umbrella or raincoat in rainy weather.

The history of aviation in the city of Mafra dates back to the first half of the 20th century, reflecting the development of transport infrastructure in southern Brazil. Although the modern Hugo Werner Airport is a modest airfield, the region's aviation past is rich in significant events and visits by high-ranking officials.

The Birth of Aviation and the "Old Field" (1930s)

The first page in the history of flights in Mafra was opened back in the 1930s. The original airfield, known as "Campo de Aviação" (Aviation Field), was not located at the current site in the Bairro Faxinal district, but in the São Lourenço locality. This site witnessed the rise of local aviation, receiving the first propeller aircraft that connected isolated regions of Santa Catarina with major centers.

Historic Presidential Visit

One of the most striking moments in the city's aviation chronicle was the event of March 30, 1957. On this day, the old Mafra airfield received the aircraft of the President of Brazil, Juscelino Kubitschek. The head of state arrived accompanied by War Minister Henrique Teixeira Lott to inspect the region and meet with local authorities. The landing of the presidential plane on a dirt strip in the hinterland became a real celebration for residents and confirmed the strategic importance of air travel for the state's development.

The Hugo Werner Era and the Modern Stage

Over time, aviation activity moved closer to the city limits, to the Faxinal district, where the current runway is located. An important milestone in the recent history of the facility was the year 2000, when the airfield was officially named Hugo Werner (Aeroporto Hugo Werner). This name was given in honor of a prominent local entrepreneur and founder of the company Werner Alimentos (Moinho Catarinense), who made a huge contribution to the economic development of the municipality.

Aero Clubs and Festivals

In the 1990s, Mafra Airport was a center of attraction for aviation enthusiasts. The "Águias do Planalto" (Eagles of the Plateau) aero club was active here. The airfield regularly became a venue for aviation festivals, attracting pilots from all over southern Brazil. Residents of the city recall these events as grand shows featuring parachutists, aerobatics demonstrations, and light aviation exhibitions.

Challenges and Revival

In the early 21st century, particularly since 2003, the airport faced regulatory difficulties and restrictions from the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC), leading to a period of quiet and temporary flight bans. However, municipal authorities have repeatedly made attempts to modernize the infrastructure, striving to preserve this important transport hub. Today, the airport continues to serve as a base for private pilots, agricultural aviation, and emergency services.

Interesting Facts:

• The airport bears the name of industrialist Hugo Werner, whose business (a flour mill), founded in 1915, is one of the oldest and most famous enterprises in the city.
• Despite its modest size, the airfield played a role in ensuring communication during floods and natural disasters when ground roads were washed away.
• In the golden era of the aero club, many pilots trained here who subsequently moved on to commercial aviation with major Brazilian airlines.

Given the status of Mafra Airport (Hugo Werner) as a small general aviation airfield, the range of services and amenities here differs significantly from what tourists are used to seeing in large commercial terminals. The facility's infrastructure is purely functional and focused primarily on flight operations rather than long passenger stays.

Below is a detailed description of what travelers can expect, along with recommendations for planning a trip considering the limited services.

Restaurants, Cafes, and Shops

There are no food service or retail outlets on the airfield territory. There are no cafeterias, snack vending machines, or Duty Free shops.

• Recommendation: If you have a flight ahead, arrange for food and drinks in advance. Everything necessary can be purchased in Mafra city center, which is just a 10-minute drive away. The city offers a wide selection of supermarkets, bakeries, and restaurants where you can dine before departure.

Waiting Halls and VIP Services

There are no specialized VIP halls or business lounges with soft armchairs and service at the airport. The waiting area is a small space in the administrative building with basic furniture.

• Feature: Since the airport serves private flights, the role of a "VIP lounge" is effectively fulfilled by the absence of queues and the personalized approach. Pilots and ground staff usually try to minimize passenger waiting time on the ground, ensuring boarding immediately upon arrival.

Connectivity and Finance (Wi-Fi, Banks)

The technical equipment of the terminal is minimal:

• Wi-Fi and Device Charging: Public Wi-Fi for passengers is not provided. Stable internet access is possible via mobile networks (4G/LTE), which have good coverage in this area. There are no dedicated device charging stations, but if necessary, you can ask staff to use a standard outlet in the administrative office.
• Banks and Currency Exchange: ATMs and currency exchange points are absent at the airfield. All financial transactions, including cash withdrawals, must be completed at bank branches in the center of Mafra or Rio Negro.

Medical Services

There is no medical center or pharmacy at the airport. In case of minor injuries, staff may have a standard first aid kit.

• Emergency Assistance: In case of serious health problems, it is necessary to call an ambulance (SAMU, phone 192). The nearest hospital (Hospital São Vicente de Paulo) is located within the Mafra city limits; travel time by car is about 10–15 minutes.

Services for Passengers with Children

Specialized infrastructure for young travelers (mother and child rooms, play areas) is absent. Parents should prepare everything necessary for the child's comfort (food, diapers, entertainment) in advance, as it will be impossible to buy these on-site.

Accessibility

The airport is a single-story building, which facilitates the movement of passengers with limited mobility — there are no stairs or elevators. However:

• Specialized ramps or ambulifts for boarding the aircraft are absent.
• Boarding private aircraft often requires climbing narrow steps or ladders.
• Important: If you are traveling with a passenger with reduced mobility, be sure to notify your flight operator in advance so that the crew can provide the necessary physical assistance during boarding and disembarking.

Hotels and Accommodation

There are no hotels on the airfield territory itself. The nearest accommodation options are in the city of Mafra and neighboring Rio Negro. Passengers can choose one of the local hotels offering comfortable conditions for an overnight stay:

• Business Hotels in the Center: Offer a standard set of services, including breakfast and Wi-Fi, convenient for business travelers.
• Small Inns (Pousadas): More budget-friendly and cozy accommodation options.

Conference Halls and Business Centers

The airport does not have facilities for business meetings or negotiations. For these purposes, it is recommended to use conference rooms in Mafra hotels or organize a meeting in one of the city's restaurants.

Since Mafra Airport (Hugo Werner) is a small general aviation airfield, passengers should be prepared for a complete lack of catering infrastructure on its territory. Unlike commercial hubs, you will not find food courts, coffee shop chains, or even snack vending machines here. All gastronomic matters must be resolved outside the airfield.

Below are recommendations for organizing meals for travelers departing from or arriving in Mafra.

Restaurants and Cafes in the Terminal

There are no operating food outlets in the airport's single administrative building. The waiting zone is not equipped with cafes or buffets. This means you cannot buy a bottle of water or a sandwich immediately before boarding. Travelers are strongly advised to:

• Purchase food and drinks in the city in advance.
• Carry a supply of water, especially on hot days.
• If traveling with children, be sure to bring snacks, as buying baby food on-site is impossible.

Where to Eat Nearby: Mafra City Gastronomy

Since the airport is only a 10–15 minute drive from the city center, the best option is to visit local establishments before or after your flight. The region is famous for a mix of Brazilian traditions and European (mainly German and Polish) heritage, which is reflected in the local cuisine.

1. Quick Bite (Padarias and Confectioneries)

If time before departure is short, stop by one of the city bakeries (padarias). This is an ideal option for breakfast or a light lunch.

• What to Try: Be sure to order "Cuca" — a cake traditional to Santa Catarina with fruit filling and sweet crumble (streusel), a recipe brought by German immigrants. Brazilian cheese breads "pão de queijo" are also popular.
• Location: Mafra city center.
• Average Check: 10–25 BRL (budget-friendly).

2. Full Lunch (Restaurants and Buffets)

For a substantial meal, self-service restaurants (Buffet / Comida por Quilo), where you pay by the weight of the food, are best suited. This is the fastest way to have a quality lunch without waiting for a menu.

• Dishes: Such places offer a wide selection of meats, sides (rice, beans, pasta), and fresh salads.
• Opening Hours: Usually open for lunch from 11:30 to 14:00.
• Average Check: 30–60 BRL per person.

3. Dinner and Local Flavor (Churrascarias)

If your flight arrived in the evening, it is worth visiting a traditional Churrascaria (Steakhouse). Southern Brazil is famous for its grilled meat.

• Signature Offer: Rodízio — a service format where waiters continuously bring different types of meat until you ask them to stop.
• Who it's for: Ideal for those who want to experience the "Gaúcho" culture and love meat delicacies.

Special Diets (Vegetarian, Vegan, Halal)

In Mafra itself, there are few specialized restaurants for people with specific dietary needs, so it is worth focusing on versatile establishments:

• Vegetarians and Vegans: The best choice would be buffet-style restaurants, where there is always a large salad bar, vegetable stews, rice, and legumes. There may be no specialized vegan cafes in a small town.
• Gluten-Free: In regular restaurant menus, you can find dishes made from tapioca or meat with vegetables that do not contain gluten, but the risk of cross-contamination in a shared kitchen exists. It is recommended to check ingredients with staff.
• Halal and Kosher: Finding certified Halal or Kosher restaurants in Mafra is extremely difficult. Passengers strictly observing these dietary laws are strongly advised to bring their own food.

Brief Recommendations on Location (Landside/Airside)

Since Hugo Werner Airport lacks a separation into "clean" (airside) and "public" (landside) zones in the usual sense (the entire territory is a conditionally controlled departure/arrival zone without commercial areas), all the dining options listed above are located exclusively Landside — that is, outside the airport, within the city limits of Mafra or neighboring Rio Negro.

Traveling through Mafra Airport (Hugo Werner) differs radically from the experience of flying through large commercial hubs. Since only small and private aviation is served here, many familiar rules (like the three-hour buffer time or strict liquid restrictions) do not apply here or work differently. To make your flight as comfortable as possible, we have prepared a series of practical tips considering the specifics of this small airfield.

Optimal Arrival Time

Forget about the need to arrive at the airport 2–3 hours in advance. There are no long queues for check-in or complex passport control in Mafra.

• Recommended Time: It is sufficient to arrive 15–30 minutes before the scheduled departure. This time is enough to meet the pilot, load luggage, and undergo a safety briefing.
• Do not arrive too early: Since there are no cafes or entertainment at the airport, and the waiting room may be closed in the absence of staff, waiting on-site for a long time can be tiring.

Check-in and Security Control

The flight processing procedure here is maximally simplified and personalized.

• Documents: Keep your identification (passport or RG for Brazilian citizens) handy. Document checks are carried out directly by the aircraft commander or the operator's representative before boarding.
• Security: There are no metal detector frames or shoe scanners here. Screening is conducted visually or using handheld scanners. The main rule is to cooperate with the crew and immediately report any specific items in your luggage.

Seat Selection on the Plane

In private aviation, seat selection often depends not on the ticket number, but on technical flight parameters.

• Weight and Balance: Correct weight distribution is critical on small aircraft. The pilot may ask you to take a specific seat to ensure flight safety. Please treat this with understanding.
• Best Views: Since flights often take place at a lower altitude than airliners, the view from the window is stunning. If weight allows, ask for a window seat.
• Seat Next to the Pilot: In some cases, if the aircraft type and operating rules allow, a passenger may be permitted to occupy the co-pilot's seat. This is a unique experience worth asking about in advance.

Hand Luggage and Baggage: Dos and Don'ts

Baggage rules on small planes are dictated by the limited space of baggage compartments.

• Preference for Soft Bags: Instead of hard plastic suitcases, it is better to use soft sports bags or backpacks. They are much easier to fit into the small baggage compartment of a light aircraft.
• Weight Matters: Strictly observe the agreed weight limit. Overloading a small plane is unacceptable for safety reasons.
• Liquids: The 100 ml liquid limit applicable in commercial aviation is usually not applied so strictly here if you are flying domestically. You can take a bottle of water or your favorite drink with you.
• Prohibited Items: Weapons, explosives, flammable materials, and compressed gases are strictly prohibited, just as on any other flights.

Recommendations for Transit Passengers

Mafra Airport is often used as the final point of the route for those transferring from international flights in larger cities.

• Connection with Curitiba: If you arrive by regular flight at Afonso Pena International Airport (Curitiba) and plan to fly further to Mafra by private jet, allow time for the transfer between terminals. In large airports, general aviation terminals may be located at a distance from the main building.
• Ground Transfer: If weather conditions do not allow flying from Mafra to a major hub for a transfer, have a backup plan — a ground transfer to Curitiba or Joinville will take about 1.5–2 hours. Consider this so as not to miss your main flight.

Customs Control

Hugo Werner Airport operates primarily as a domestic airfield.

• No Customs: There are no permanent customs or immigration service posts (Polícia Federal) here.
• International Flights: If you are flying from abroad on a private plane, the first point of landing in Brazil must be an International Airport of Entry, where you will go through all formalities, and only then can you fly to Mafra. Direct arrival from abroad to Mafra is impossible without special prior approval and summoning inspectors (which is expensive and complex).

Tips for Saving Time and Money

• Bring Food: Since nothing is sold at the airport or nearby, buy sandwiches and water in the city in advance. This will save time and nerves, especially if the departure is delayed.
• Order Taxi via App: Using Uber or 99 apps will be significantly cheaper than calling a local taxi by phone. Order the car while still on the taxiway after landing to minimize waiting.
• Group Charters: If you fly frequently in this direction, consider the possibility of sharing a plane with other business travelers in the region.

What to Do in Case of Flight Delay

In small aviation, the schedule depends heavily on the weather. Mafra is located in a region where fog and low clouds are possible.

• Weather Impact: If the pilot says it is impossible to fly due to weather — do not insist. Unlike large airliners, small planes are more sensitive to meteorological conditions, and the airport may not have equipment for blind landings.
• Plan "B": Always have the contacts of a car rental service or taxi at hand. Since major airports (Curitiba, Joinville) can be reached by land in a reasonable time, a car will be the best alternative in non-flying weather.
• Waiting: If the delay is short-term, it is better to wait in the taxi or ask the pilot to let you into the aircraft cabin (if it is in the hangar), as the administrative building may not be very comfortable for a long stay.