Patos de Minas

Patos de Minas Airport, named after Pedro Pereira dos Santos, serves as a compact and welcoming air gateway to one of the key agricultural centres of the state of Minas Gerais. Despite its modest size, it plays a significant role in the transport system of Brazil, ensuring convenient connections to the country's "Corn Capital." For travellers keen on discovering the authentic Brazilian countryside or visiting the famous Fenamilho festival, this airport serves as the starting point for a fascinating journey.

The key advantage of Patos de Minas Airport is its compactness and simplicity. Here, you will not encounter the long queues and bustle typical of major aviation hubs. The processes of check-in, baggage drop, and pre-flight security screening are completed very quickly, making the journey calmer and more predictable. The terminal is equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable wait before departure, offering passengers basic amenities.

The airport primarily handles flights for the regional airline Azul Conecta, which links Patos de Minas with major transport hubs, specifically Belo Horizonte International Airport (Confins). This makes it a strategically important point for business trips and for tourists who value their time and wish to avoid long journeys by car or bus. The airport is particularly convenient for guests of the annual National Corn Festival (Fenamilho), allowing them to reach the heart of the events quickly and comfortably.

To contact the administration of Patos de Minas Airport (Pedro Pereira dos Santos - POJ) or to obtain current information, please use the following contact details:

• Official Website: The airport is managed by the company INFRACEA. Current information can be found on their corporate website, as small regional airports often do not have a dedicated web page.
• Information Desk Phone: +55 (34) 3818-0600. We recommend verifying the number before calling, as it may change.
• Airport Address: Rodovia MGC-354, Km 167, Patos de Minas - MG, 38706-500, Brazil.
• Email: A direct email address for the airport is usually not published. For official enquiries, you may use the contact form on the management company's website.
• Social Media: Dedicated social media pages for the airport are generally absent. News and updates can be sought on the official resources of the city of Patos de Minas.
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues regarding lost or damaged luggage, you must first contact the representative of the airline you flew with. If items were lost within the terminal premises, please contact the airport information desk.
• Passenger Support Contacts: Support regarding tickets, flight check-in, and schedules is provided by the airlines. For general questions related to being at the airport, you may call the main telephone number.

The airport of Patos de Minas (Aeroporto Municipal de Patos de Minas) is located quite close to the city centre, so you can reach it quickly via several convenient methods. The choice of the appropriate option depends on your budget, amount of luggage, and personal preferences.

Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services are the most popular and convenient way to get to the airport. The journey from the city centre will take approximately 15–20 minutes depending on traffic conditions. Although this is not the cheapest option, it guarantees comfort and delivery directly to the terminal entrance. The estimated cost of the trip is around 30-50 Brazilian Reals, but this may vary depending on the time of day and demand. You can use local taxi services or apps popular in Brazil to order a car. It is recommended to book a car in advance, especially if you have an early flight.

Public Transport in the form of city buses is the most budget-friendly option. The ticket cost is significantly lower than a taxi ride and usually amounts to just a few Reals, making this method ideal for economical travellers. However, it is worth noting that routes may not pass directly by the airport terminal, and you may have to walk a short distance. It is best to check schedules and exact routes locally, as they are subject to change. This method is suitable for those travelling light.

Car Rental is an excellent choice for those who plan not only to get to the airport but also to move freely around the region. Both local and international rental agencies operate in the city of Patos de Minas. By renting a car, you can plan your route independently and not depend on public transport schedules. Parking is available at the airport where you can leave the vehicle.

Airport Parking is available for those arriving in their own or rented vehicles. Options for both short-term and long-term parking are available. This is a safe and convenient way to leave your car for the duration of your absence.

Patos de Minas Airport (POJ) is a small regional aviation hub distinguished by its compactness and simple structure. This makes it very convenient for passengers, as navigation presents no difficulties.

The airport operates a single passenger terminal that handles all flights — both departures and arrivals. Since the airport focuses mainly on domestic flights within Brazil, there is no separation into international and domestic zones here. All operations are concentrated in one building, eliminating the need for transfers between terminals.

The terminal layout is extremely simple. Upon entering, you immediately find yourself in the general area where check-in counters are located. After completing check-in and dropping off luggage, passengers proceed to pre-flight security screening, followed by a small waiting lounge with a boarding gate. The arrivals area is located in the same building and consists of a baggage claim hall. All key points — from the entrance to the boarding gate — are within a few minutes' walk of each other.

Due to the small size and limited number of flights, completing all pre-flight procedures, including check-in and security, usually takes a minimum amount of time. Typically, there are no long queues, and the entire process goes quite quickly. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 1–1.5 hours before departure to complete all formalities without rushing.

Navigation Recommendations: It is practically impossible to get lost in Patos de Minas airport. Simply follow the standard signs for "Check-in," "Departures," and "Baggage Claim." The entire path is intuitive, and staff are always ready to assist should any questions arise.

The airport of Patos de Minas, officially known as Pedro Pereira dos Santos Municipal Airport (Aeroporto Municipal Pedro Pereira dos Santos), is a vital transport hub for the entire Alto Paranaíba region. Its history began with a grand opening on 29 September 1990. The new airport was built to replace the old airfield, which could no longer cope with the city's growing needs and could not accommodate larger aircraft.

The primary goal of construction was to improve transport accessibility for Patos de Minas, which is a major agribusiness centre in Brazil. From the very beginning, the airport was designed to receive medium-haul aircraft, which allowed for the establishment of regular air services. In the early years, a key role in transportation was played by the regional airline TRIP Linhas Aéreas, which operated flights to Belo Horizonte, the capital of Minas Gerais state. This significantly reduced travel time and strengthened the region's economic ties.

Throughout its history, the airport has experienced various phases. After the acquisition of TRIP by Azul Linhas Aéreas, the latter became the main operator on this route, using ATR turboprop aircraft. However, like many regional airports, POJ faced difficulties, including temporary flight suspensions due to economic situations or low flight loads. Despite this, the airport has always remained a strategically important facility for the local community.

In recent years, a new cycle in the airport's development has begun. Large-scale projects for the modernisation and reconstruction of infrastructure have been launched. These works include updating the runway, expanding the passenger terminal, and installing modern navigation equipment. The goal of these improvements is to enhance flight safety, meet new civil aviation standards, and attract new airlines, thereby expanding the geography of flights from Patos de Minas.

Interesting fact: the airport is named after Pedro Pereira dos Santos, a former mayor of the city who made a significant contribution to the realisation of its construction project. Today, the airport is not just a transport facility, but a symbol of development and connection for the "National Corn Capital," as Patos de Minas is unofficially called, with the rest of the country.

Patos de Minas Airport (POJ) is a small regional air terminal that provides a basic set of services necessary for a comfortable wait for your flight. It is important to understand that the infrastructure here corresponds to the status of a compact airport, and most extensive services are available in the city of Patos de Minas itself.

Within the terminal building, the choice of dining and shopping establishments is limited. Typically, passengers can count on a small café or snack bar where beverages, snacks, and light meals can be purchased. Specialised shops, including Duty Free, are absent here. The main waiting area is a general passenger hall with seating.

Options for internet connection and device charging may be limited. The availability of free Wi-Fi is not guaranteed, so it is recommended to have mobile data available. The same applies to charging stations — their number may be small, so a portable power bank will be your reliable helper. Banking services, such as currency exchange, are not provided at the airport. An ATM may be present, but for financial operations, it is better to visit banks in the city beforehand.

The airport is equipped to serve passengers with reduced mobility, offering an accessible environment including ramps and specially equipped restrooms. Specialised mother and child rooms or play areas for children are generally not available. Medical assistance is limited to a first aid station.

There are no hotels, business centres, or conference halls on the airport premises. All accommodation options, as well as venues for business meetings, are located in the city of Patos de Minas, which can be easily reached by taxi or other transport.

When planning a snack or lunch at Patos de Minas Airport (POJ), it is important to remember that this is a small regional airport. The choice of establishments here is limited and mainly represented by small cafés or snack bars rather than full-service restaurants. All food outlets are located in the single terminal, typically in the public area before security control (landside).

The main format of establishments at the airport is lanchonetes, traditional Brazilian snack bars. Here, travellers can grab a quick bite before departure. We highly recommend trying the famous local delicacy — pão de queijo (cheese bread rolls), which pair perfectly with a cup of aromatic Brazilian coffee. The assortment usually also includes other types of pastries (salgados), sandwiches, soft drinks, and juices.

Regarding special dietary requirements, finding dishes marked "vegan," "Halal," or with a broad gluten-free menu here is practically impossible. However, it is worth noting that traditional pão de queijo is often made from tapioca flour, making it gluten-free (though it is better to verify the ingredients on-site). For vegetarians, cheese rolls and certain types of pastries can also be a good option.

Café opening hours depend directly on the flight schedule — they open shortly before the first departure and close after the last one leaves. Prices, as in most airports, are slightly higher than in the city. If you require a full meal, the best solution would be to eat at one of the restaurants in the city of Patos de Minas before travelling to the airport.

To ensure your journey through Patos de Minas Airport is as comfortable and stress-free as possible, make use of our practical tips. Planning ahead is the key to a successful trip.

Arrival Time and Check-in: For domestic flights within Brazil, we recommend arriving at the airport at least 1.5–2 hours before departure. This will give you sufficient time to check in calmly, drop off luggage, and pass through pre-flight security. To save time, take advantage of the online check-in option on your airline's website.

Hand Luggage and Security: Pay close attention to the contents of your hand luggage. All liquids must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in a single transparent bag. It is forbidden to carry sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances. Always keep important documents, money, gadgets, and necessary medication with you in your hand luggage. When passing through security control, be prepared to present laptops and other large electronic devices separately.

Customs Control: It is important to know that Patos de Minas Airport serves domestic flights, so customs control is not conducted here. If you are arriving in Brazil from another country, you will undergo all customs and immigration formalities at your first airport of arrival (for example, in São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro). After that, your flight to Patos de Minas will be considered domestic.

Seat Selection and Transfers: The choice of seat on the plane depends on your preferences. Window seats offer beautiful views, while aisle seats provide more freedom of movement. If you have a connecting flight, verify in advance whether your luggage will be automatically transferred to the next flight or if you need to collect and re-check it.

Saving Time and Money: To save money, book flight tickets in advance and keep an eye on airline promotions. Do not hesitate to bring an empty water bottle with you (it can be filled after security) and a light snack, as prices at the airport are usually higher. The fastest way to get from the airport to the city of Patos de Minas is by taxi, but it is worth exploring alternative, more budget-friendly options.

In Case of Flight Delay: If your flight is delayed, the first thing to do is contact your airline's representative desk for information. Depending on the duration of the wait, you are entitled to beverages, meals, and for long delays, hotel accommodation. Be sure to keep all receipts for necessary expenses for potential compensation.