Eduardo Gomes International Airport

Eduardo Gomes International Airport (MAO) is not merely an airport, but the main aerial gateway to the heart of the Amazon. Located in the city of Manaus, the capital of the state of Amazonas in Brazil, it serves as the starting point for thousands of explorers, eco-tourists, and business travellers eager to immerse themselves in the unique world of tropical rainforests. The airport is named after the Brazilian Air Marshal and political figure Eduardo Gomes and plays a key role in the transport system of the country's entire northern region. Flights depart from and arrive here daily, connecting this remote corner of the world with major cities in Brazil and other countries.

Eduardo Gomes Airport features modern infrastructure and the capacity to handle both passenger and significant cargo flows, due to the proximity of the Manaus Free Trade Zone. The passenger terminals are fully air-conditioned, creating comfortable conditions in the hot and humid Amazonian climate. Travellers have access to a variety of services: shops, including souvenir stalls with local handicrafts, restaurants serving national and international cuisine, as well as travel agency offices offering jungle excursions. Thanks to its strategic location, the airport is an important hub for airlines such as Azul, Gol, and LATAM, which operate the majority of flights.

To ensure your journey proceeds smoothly, we recommend saving the contact information for the airport in Manaus. Below are the essential details for contacting representatives of Eduardo Gomes Airport.

• Official Website: You can always find the most up-to-date information on flights, services, and airport regulations on the official website: www.manaus-airport.com.br.
• Information Desk Phone: For immediate information and enquiries, you can call the main airport number: +55 (92) 3652-1210.
• Airport Address: Av. Santos Dumont, 1350 - Tarumã, Manaus - AM, 69041-000, Brazil.
• Email: To contact the administration, it is recommended to use the feedback form on the official website, as a public email for general enquiries is usually not provided.
• Social Media: Follow news and updates on the airport's official pages on popular social networks, such as Instagram and Facebook, by searching for "Aeroporto de Manaus".
• Lost Luggage Information: If your belongings were lost on board the aircraft, you must contact your airline's representative office directly. If the loss occurred within the airport terminal, contact the "Achados e Perdidos" (Lost and Found) service via the information desks or the general airport phone number.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For all general questions, you can approach the information desks located in the terminal building or call the enquiry service.

Eduardo Gomes International Airport (MAO) is located approximately 14 kilometres north of the centre of Manaus, serving as the primary arrival point for travellers wishing to explore the heart of the Amazon in Brazil. You can reach the terminal from the city in several ways, each offering its own advantages depending on your budget, time, and preferences.

Public Transport

The most economical way to get to the airport is by using city buses. Routes No. 306 and No. 813 run regularly between the city centre and the airport. The bus ride is inexpensive but can take about 60-80 minutes depending on traffic conditions. This option is well-suited for travellers with light luggage, though it is worth noting that buses can be crowded during peak hours.

Taxis and Transfers

For greater comfort and speed, it is worth choosing a taxi or using ride-hailing apps. The journey from the city centre to the airport will take approximately 20-30 minutes if there is no traffic. Official taxi counters with fixed fares operate at the airport, which is a safe and reliable option. You can also book a private transfer in advance—the driver will meet you at your hotel and assist with luggage, which is especially convenient for families and large groups.

Car Rental and Parking

If you plan to drive around the region yourself, renting a car is an excellent solution. Offices of many well-known rental companies are located at Eduardo Gomes Airport. This provides freedom of movement, but be prepared for busy traffic within Manaus itself. For those arriving at the airport by car, both short-term and long-term parking facilities are available in the immediate vicinity of the terminal.

Eduardo Gomes International Airport (MAO), the main aviation hub of the city of Manaus, features a well-thought-out and relatively simple structure, making navigation convenient for travellers. The airport consists of three main terminals, although only one is of interest to most passengers.

Terminal 1 (Passenger Terminal): This is the main airport building, handling practically all domestic and international flights. The terminal has two floors.

• On the ground floor, you will find the arrivals area. Here, passengers collect luggage, pass through customs control (for international flights), and find taxi counters, car rentals, and tourist information.
• On the first floor, the departures area is located. Here you will find airline check-in counters, security checkpoints, and passport control. After completing formalities, passengers enter the secure area with waiting lounges, shops, and cafes.

Terminal 2 ("Eduardinho"): This small terminal, affectionately called "Eduardinho" (Little Eduardo), serves mainly regional flights and general aviation. It is located in a separate building and is rarely used by tourists flying to major cities in Brazil or abroad.

Terminal 3 (Cargo): The third terminal is entirely dedicated to cargo processing and does not serve passengers. Manaus is a major industrial centre, so the cargo terminal plays a significant economic role.

Since practically all passenger flights are concentrated in Terminal 1, transfers between terminals are not required for most travellers. Navigation inside the main terminal is intuitive, and signs are available in Portuguese and English. The time for check-in and security screening is standard: it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international one to complete all procedures without rushing.

The history of Eduardo Gomes International Airport is closely linked to the economic growth of the city of Manaus. The airport was officially opened on March 26, 1976, and was named after the prominent Brazilian military and political figure, Air Marshal Eduardo Gomes. It was built to replace the old Ponta Pelada Airport, which could no longer cope with increased passenger traffic and could not accommodate modern jet aircraft. The new air harbour was necessary to support the rapidly developing industrial zone of the Manaus Free Trade Zone.

A key stage in the airport's modernisation was the large-scale reconstruction carried out ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, as Manaus was one of the host cities for the matches. During the works, the passenger terminal area was significantly expanded, infrastructure was updated, and modern service technologies were introduced. This allowed the airport to meet international standards and comfortably welcome thousands of fans from around the world.

Since its foundation, the airport has played a dual role, being not only an important passenger hub but also one of the largest cargo centres in Brazil. Three cargo terminals operate on its territory, handling the lion's share of products manufactured at the enterprises of the Manaus Free Trade Zone. This makes it a vital element of the economic system of the entire Amazon region.

Among interesting facts, it is worth noting that due to its location in the very heart of the Amazon, the airport received the informal nickname "Aeroporto da Selva", which translates as "Jungle Airport". In 2022, airport management was taken over by the international company Vinci Airports, opening a new chapter in its history aimed at further development, service quality improvement, and the implementation of environmental initiatives.

Eduardo Gomes International Airport (MAO) offers its guests developed infrastructure and a wide range of services to make waiting for a flight as comfortable and productive as possible. Here, every traveller will find everything they need, from rest areas to business services.

Feeling hungry? The terminal houses numerous restaurants and cafes, offering both international cuisine and local Amazonian delicacies. For shopping enthusiasts, there are shops, including Duty Free, where you can buy souvenirs, perfumes, cosmetics, and Brazilian coffee. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and numerous charging stations will allow you to stay connected.

For financial matters, ATMs and currency exchange points are provided at the airport. Passengers wishing to relax in a quieter environment can use the services of VIP lounges. For an additional fee or with loyalty cards, these offer comfortable seating, snacks and beverages, fresh newspapers, and work zones.

The airport is well-equipped for passengers with special needs. For travellers with children, there are mother and child rooms. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with staff assistance, and the terminal is equipped with ramps, lifts, and dedicated restrooms. In case of feeling unwell, you can visit the medical point operating within the airport grounds.

For business people, conference rooms and business services are provided. If you have a long layover or an early flight, several hotels of various price categories are located near the airport where you can rest comfortably.

While waiting for your flight at Eduardo Gomes International Airport (MAO), you won't go hungry. The airport offers diverse dining options, from a quick snack on the go to a leisurely lunch in a restaurant. Most establishments are located in the main, public area (landside), before security control, which is convenient for both departing passengers and those seeing them off.

For those short on time, numerous cafes and coffee shops are ideal. Here you can order freshly brewed Brazilian coffee, sandwiches, pastries, and, of course, the famous cheese buns known as pão de queijo. If you wish to have a more substantial meal, several fast-food restaurants and establishments with full menus serving Brazilian and international cuisine are at your service. After passing security control (airside), the selection is usually more modest and limited to small cafes and kiosks.

Being in the heart of the Amazon, be sure to try some of the local specialities. Look out for places offering açaí bowls (açaí na tigela)—a nutritious and refreshing dessert made from açaí palm berries. It is also worth trying juices from exotic fruits such as cupuaçu or guaraná. In some restaurants, you can find dishes featuring local fish, for example, tambaqui.

The price range at the airport in Manaus, as in most airports around the world, is somewhat higher than in the city. A quick snack will be cheaper, while a full lunch in a restaurant will cost more. Operating hours vary: coffee shops and some fast-food outlets are often open 24/7 or follow the flight schedule, while full-service restaurants usually open for breakfast and close late in the evening.

Passengers with specific dietary requirements should be attentive. Vegetarians will easily find options such as salads, fruits, and meat-free pastries. However, finding certified Halal, vegan, or gluten-free dishes can be more challenging. It is recommended to check ingredients with staff or, if you have strict restrictions, to carry suitable snacks with you.

When planning a departure from Manaus, the capital of Amazonas state in Brazil, we recommend arriving at Eduardo Gomes Airport well in advance. For domestic flights, allow at least 2 hours before departure, and for international flights, about 3 hours. The airport serves many tourist routes across the Amazon, so it can be quite busy during peak seasons.

To save time, use online check-in, which is offered by most airlines. This will allow you to head straight to the baggage drop counter or, if you are travelling light, directly to security. The security screening procedure is standard: be prepared to show your boarding pass, and remove laptops, tablets, and liquids in a transparent bag from your hand luggage.

A special feature of flying out of Manaus is the stunning views from the window. Try to choose a window seat during check-in. Depending on the route and weather conditions, you might be lucky enough to see the famous "Meeting of Waters" (Encontro das Águas), where the dark waters of the Rio Negro meet the sandy waters of the Solimões, or the endless green ocean of the Amazon jungle.

Liquids in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag with a volume of no more than 1 litre, are allowed in hand luggage. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited. An important tip for tourists returning from the Amazon: ensure you are not carrying prohibited biological samples (certain types of plants, insects, etc.), which may be confiscated at control.

Passengers transiting through Manaus, especially from an international flight to a domestic one, should check with their airline whether they need to collect and re-check their luggage. In the airport's transit zone, there are cafes and shops where you can spend time waiting for your next flight.

Upon arrival on an international flight, you will have to pass through customs control. Have your passport and completed declaration form (if required) ready. If you are carrying goods subject to declaration, it is better to inform the customs officer immediately. This will help avoid misunderstandings and speed up the process.

There are several ways to save money at the airport. Book a taxi or transfer in advance via online services—this is often cheaper than taking a car on the spot. Bring an empty water bottle with you, which can be filled at drinking fountains after passing security. Prices for food and souvenirs in the departure zone are generally higher, so it is better to make major purchases in the city.

In the event of a flight delay, remain calm. First, find an information board or check the flight status on the airline's website. Contact your carrier's representative for clarification. Depending on the length of the delay, you may be provided with vouchers for meals or even hotel accommodation. Familiarise yourself with your passenger rights in advance.