Pelotas Airport

Welcome to João Simões Lopes Neto International Airport (PET), the aerial gateway to one of the charming cities of southern Brazil. Named after a renowned Brazilian writer, this airport serves as a vital transport hub for the Rio Grande do Sul region. Its history dates back to 1935 when it was officially opened, and it received international status in 2001. Today, it is a modern terminal serving as a starting point for exploring the culture and beauty of the country's south.

Pelotas Airport, managed by CCR Aeroportos, is constantly developing for passenger convenience. The terminal offers basic amenities, including parking, ATMs, and cafes where you can taste local cuisine before departure. Despite its relatively small size, the airport plays a key role in connecting the southern region with strategically important destinations such as São Paulo and Florianópolis. Furthermore, it is often used as a transit point for flights to Antarctica, giving it special significance.

Below you will find contact information for Pelotas International Airport (PET), which serves the city of Pelotas and its surroundings. We recommend verifying the data on the official website before your trip.

• Official Website: You can always find the latest information on flights, services, and airport regulations on the official website of the operator CCR Aeroportos: www.ccraeroportos.com.br/pelotas-rs.
• Help Desk Phone: For general questions and information about airport operations, you can call: +55 (53) 3223-1430.
• Airport Address: Av. Zeferino Costa, s/n - Três Vendas, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, 96070-550, Brazil.
• Email: For general inquiries, it is recommended to use the contact form on the official website. For questions regarding items lost in the terminal, you can write to: ap.pet@grupoccr.com.br.
• Social Media: Follow airport news and updates on the official social media pages of the operator CCR Aeroportos.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage was lost during the flight, you should first contact your airline's representative. If you have lost personal belongings within the airport terminal, contact the Lost and Found service (Achados e Perdidos) at +55 (53) 3223-1430.
• Passenger Support Service: For 24-hour passenger support, the airport operator provides a free hotline: 0800 727 4720 (calls within Brazil).

Getting to Pelotas International Airport (PET) from the city centre and back is quite simple due to its close proximity. Travellers can choose the most convenient method depending on their budget, time, and amount of luggage. On average, the trip from the city centre to the airport takes about 20-30 minutes.

Public Transport is the most economical option. City buses run to the airport. Although this is a budget-friendly method, it may not be the most comfortable if you have a lot of luggage. It is recommended to check routes and schedules in advance on local information portals or directly at bus stops. The fare is generally low.

Taxis and Ride-hailing Services, such as Uber, are a popular and convenient way to reach the terminal. This is an ideal option for those who value comfort and speed. A taxi ride will cost more than the bus but ensures door-to-door delivery. You can order a car via an app or find an official taxi at designated spots in the city. You can also book a private transfer in advance, which is particularly convenient for families and large groups.

Car Rental provides maximum freedom of movement, especially if you plan to explore not only Pelotas but also its picturesque surroundings. Offices of both local and international rental companies operate at the airport and in the city. By booking a car online in advance, you can save time upon arrival. For those arriving at the airport in their own or a rented car, parking is available. There are zones for both short-term and long-term parking.

When travelling through the southern part of Brazil, you may also consider flying into one of the neighbouring airports. The largest in the region is Salgado Filho Airport (POA) in Porto Alegre, from where you can reach Pelotas by intercity bus. Other options include Hugo Cantergiani Regional Airport (CXJ) and Santa Maria Airport (RIA), from which transport connections to other cities in the state are also organised.

Pelotas Airport (PET) is a compact regional airport characterised by a simple and clear structure. Its entire operation is concentrated in one passenger terminal, serving all domestic flights — both departures and arrivals. Thanks to this, navigating the airport causes no difficulties even for those visiting for the first time.

The terminal layout is very logical. Immediately after entering the building, you find yourself in the general hall where airline check-in counters are located. After completing check-in and dropping off luggage, passengers proceed to the security screening area, followed by a small waiting lounge with boarding gates. The arrivals area with a baggage claim belt is also located in the same building but is clearly separated from the departure zone for the convenience of passenger flow.

Since there is only one terminal, there is no need for transfers between buildings. All key points — from the entrance to the boarding gate — are within walking distance of each other. Passing through check-in and pre-flight security usually takes minimal time due to the low passenger volume. On average, all formalities take no more than 20-30 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport generally 1.5–2 hours before departure to avoid rushing.

The main advice for navigation is simple: follow the signs. Due to the terminal's compactness, it is practically impossible to get lost here. All necessary infrastructure is located very close by, making the stay at the airport comfortable and eliminating unnecessary stress before the flight. It serves as a convenient aerial gateway for getting acquainted with the southern part of Brazil.

The history of Pelotas International Airport (PET), bearing the name João Simões Lopes Neto, dates back to the 1930s. The official opening of the air harbour took place in 1935, making it one of the oldest in the region. From the very beginning, the airport became an important transport hub in the south of Brazil. The first regular flights were operated by the pioneer of Brazilian aviation — the company Varig, which laid the foundation for the further development of air connections from this city.

A key stage of modernisation began in 1997 when airport management was transferred to the state company Infraero. This launched a series of significant improvements. In 2001, a new passenger terminal was inaugurated, replacing the old building and allowing for increased capacity. In subsequent years, the runway was reconstructed and a modern control tower was built, which significantly increased the safety and efficiency of airport operations.

An interesting fact from history: in the past, Pelotas Airport served not only domestic but also international routes, connecting the city with Uruguay and Argentina. Although today it focuses on domestic flights, its historical role as an international hub is not forgotten. Since 2021, the airport has been under the management of the concessionaire CCR Aeroportos, opening a new chapter in its development oriented towards further improving infrastructure and passenger service quality, continuing a nearly century-long tradition.

Pelotas Airport (PET), being an important regional transport hub, provides passengers with a set of key services for a comfortable stay while waiting for a flight. Although the range of amenities may not be as extensive as in major international hubs, everything necessary is available here.

Located in the terminal building are small cafes and snack bars where you can drink a cup of Brazilian coffee, have a sandwich, or purchase drinks and snacks for the journey. There are also kiosks selling newspapers and souvenirs where you can find something to remember your trip by.

For passengers who need to stay connected, Wi-Fi access is provided within the airport territory. Waiting lounges are equipped with zones featuring power outlets for charging mobile phones and other gadgets. Regarding financial services, ATMs are installed in the terminal where cash can be withdrawn. There are generally no specialised currency exchange points at the airport.

The airport cares for the comfort of all categories of travellers. For passengers with small children, a mother and child room is provided. For people with reduced mobility, a barrier-free environment has been created: there are ramps and specially equipped toilets, and staff are ready to assist with boarding and disembarking. For emergencies, a first aid station operates at the airport.

There are no hotels or specialised business centres within the airport itself. However, many accommodation options can be found in the city of Pelotas, located just a few kilometres from the airport. For business travellers, the ability to work is ensured by internet access and charging points in the general waiting hall.

Pelotas Airport (PET) is a regional aviation hub, so the selection of dining establishments here is quite compact and designed primarily for passengers to have a quick snack before departure or drink a coffee. Do not expect a large variety of restaurants here as in major international airports; however, the basic needs of travellers will be met.

Most establishments are concentrated in the main hall of the terminal, in the public access area (before passing security control). Typically, these are small cafes and snack bars. Here you can buy sandwiches, pastries, crisps, chocolate, as well as hot and cold drinks. The opening hours of these points are usually tied to the flight schedule: they open shortly before the first departure and close after the last one departs.

Although there are no full-service restaurants with local cuisine at the airport, be sure to look out for traditional Brazilian snacks. Try the famous pão de queijo (cheese buns) — this is an excellent option for a quick bite. Pelotas is famous as the "national capital of sweets", so in local cafes, you can find delicious desserts and pastries that will make a wonderful souvenir or a final touch to your journey through Brazil.

For travellers with special dietary needs (vegan, gluten-free, or Halal food), the selection will be extremely limited. It is recommended to bring food with you or check for suitable dishes in advance. At best, you can count on fruit or simple salads. The price range in airport establishments, as elsewhere, is higher than the city average but remains within reasonable limits for a quick snack.

Recommendations:

• For a quick snack: a cup of coffee with a cheese bun or a local sweet is the ideal choice.
• For a full meal: it is better to have lunch in the city before travelling to the airport, as options here are limited mainly to sandwiches and light snacks.

To ensure your journey through the airport of Pelotas goes as smoothly as possible, make use of these tips. Since the airport serves domestic flights within Brazil, all procedures here are quite fast. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at least 2 hours before departure. This will give you enough time to complete check-in and security screening without rushing. To save time, complete online check-in for your flight if your airline provides this option.

The security screening procedure at the airport is standard. Prepare all liquids in advance (in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag) and electronic devices to present them quickly at control. Ensure there are no prohibited items in your hand luggage, such as sharp objects or flammable substances. When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences: window seats will offer you beautiful views during takeoff and landing, whilst aisle seats ensure more freedom of movement during the flight.

If you have a transfer at another airport, study its layout in advance and check with the airline whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage. To save money, bring an empty water bottle that can be filled after passing security, as well as light snacks. Prices for food and drinks at airports are usually above average.

In case of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline's counter. Depending on the length of the delay, you may be provided with drinks, meals, or even hotel accommodation. Keep all receipts for unforeseen expenses — they may be needed to claim compensation from the air carrier.