Piracicaba Airport

As an important hub for business and training aviation in the heart of the state of São Paulo, Piracicaba Airport plays a key role in the life of its region. It serves not so much for mass tourism as it does for supporting local industry, agriculture, and the training of a new generation of pilots. For those who value time and convenience, arriving here is the fastest way to be at the centre of events in one of the dynamically developing cities of Brazil.

The main feature of Piracicaba Airport lies in its specialisation. It is not a bustling international hub, but rather a key centre for business and private aviation. Numerous flying clubs and flight schools are based here, making it one of the most important pilot training centres in the country. For business travellers, the airport offers air taxi services, allowing quick access to necessary locations within the state of São Paulo.

One of the airport's main advantages is its exceptionally convenient location. Situated just a few kilometres from the city centre, it provides quick access to the main business districts, hotels, and attractions of Piracicaba. This allows for significant time savings, which is particularly valuable for business trips.

For your convenience, we have compiled the essential contact information for Piracicaba Airport (QHB). It is recommended to verify the currency of this data on official resources before your trip.

• Official Website: The most accurate and up-to-date information regarding airport operations, flight schedules, and available services can be found on the website of the management company, Voa SP, which services Piracicaba Airport.
• Information Desk Phone: For enquiries, you may call: +55 (19) 3426-3001. Please note that for calls from outside Brazil, the international dialling code is required.
• Airport Address: Rodovia Dr. João Lázaro de Almeida Prado, s/n - Itaperu, Piracicaba - SP, 13404-743, Brasil. To plan the optimal route, we advise using online maps or a navigation system.
• Email: Generally, a dedicated contact form on the official website is used to communicate with the airport administration rather than a direct email address.
• Social Media: You can follow news and operational updates on the pages of the management company, Voa SP, on popular social networks.
• Lost Luggage Information: If you encounter an issue with lost or damaged luggage, please contact your airline's counter at the airport first. Additional information can be obtained via the general information desk phone number.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For all questions related to your stay at the airport, you may contact staff at the information desks in the terminal or via the main airport telephone number.

Reaching Piracicaba Airport, located near the city of the same name in Brazil, is possible via several methods. The choice of the optimal option depends on your budget, time, and comfort preferences. On average, a trip from the city centre of Piracicaba to the terminal takes about 20-30 minutes by car, though this may vary depending on traffic conditions.

The most budget-friendly way to get to the airport is via public transport. Local bus routes connect the airport with key points in the city. This option is excellent for travellers without a large amount of luggage. It is recommended to check the schedule and route numbers in advance, as they may change. Although this is the cheapest method, it may require more time.

A more convenient and faster alternative is taxis or ride-hailing services (such as Uber). A car can be ordered via a mobile app or found at designated stands in the city. This is the ideal choice if you are travelling with family, heavy luggage, or simply value comfort and speed. The cost of the trip will be higher than the bus, but a fixed fare or upfront calculation in the app helps avoid surprises.

For those planning to move actively around the region, the best solution would be car rental. Car rental offices are located both in the city itself and near the airport. By booking a car in advance, you can pick it up immediately upon arrival and not depend on public transport schedules. Piracicaba Airport is conveniently located relative to major road arteries, which simplifies further travel.

If you are arriving at the airport in your own or a rented vehicle, parking is at your disposal. Options are usually available for both short-term stops (for dropping off or picking up passengers) and long-term storage of the vehicle for the duration of your trip. The cost depends on the duration of parking.

Thus, when planning your trip, you can choose between an economical bus, a convenient taxi, or flexible car rental. It is also worth noting that Piracicaba Airport serves mainly local flights. For international flights, travellers often use larger air hubs, such as the international airport Viracopos (VCP), located just 60 km away. Among other nearby options are Jundiaí (Comandante Rolim Adolfo Amaro), Botucatu Airport, São Paulo Catarina Airport, and the airport of the city of Araraquara.

Piracicaba Airport (QHB) is a compact regional aviation hub distinguished by a simple and passenger-friendly structure. Its main advantage is the absence of complex navigation and long walks, making the journey more comfortable.

The airport consists of one small passenger terminal that handles all flights. This building combines all necessary zones: check-in counters, security screening area, a small waiting hall, and boarding gates. Thanks to the compact size, the departure and arrival zones are in close proximity to each other, allowing even first-time visitors to orient themselves easily.

Check-in and security procedures at Piracicaba Airport are significantly faster than at major international hubs. The absence of long queues allows passengers to arrive at the airport shortly before departure, saving their time. Transfers between terminals are not required, as all infrastructure is concentrated in one building.

To navigate the terminal, it is sufficient to follow simple signs. The entire path from the building entrance to the boarding gate is intuitive and takes just a few minutes. This makes Piracicaba Airport an excellent choice for those who value speed and simplicity in travel.

The history of Piracicaba Airport (QHB), officially known as Aeroporto de Piracicaba / Pedro Morganti, is closely tied to enthusiasm and a love for aviation. The airport was inaugurated on September 13, 1942, largely thanks to the efforts of local pilot and entrepreneur Pedro Morganti, after whom it was named. Initially, it was created as a base for the Piracicaba Flying Club (Aeroclube de Piracicaba), becoming a cradle for many generations of pilots.

Throughout its history, the airport has served primarily as a centre for general and business aviation, as well as a flight school. In the 1970s, attempts were made to establish regular commercial air services, but QHB never became a major passenger hub, ceding this role to neighbouring, larger airports. Nevertheless, its importance to the regional economy has always been significant, as it served the needs of the agro-industrial complex and the business community.

In the 21st century, a new era in the airport's development began. Understanding its strategic importance for one of the most developed regions of the state of São Paulo, authorities initiated modernisation projects. A key event was the transfer of airport management to private hands under a concession agreement in 2022. The new operator began plans for runway reconstruction, terminal renovation, and infrastructure improvements to attract more business aviation flights and potentially resume regional passenger transport.

An interesting fact: Piracicaba Airport is a vivid example of how a flying club can grow into an important infrastructure facility. It cannot boast passenger traffic records, but its achievement is decades of uninterrupted operation as a key pilot training centre and an important platform for business aviation in Brazil.

Piracicaba Airport (QHB), being a small regional air station, offers passengers a basic set of services and amenities necessary for a comfortable wait for a flight. The airport's infrastructure is designed to service domestic flights and does not imply the wide variety of services characteristic of major international hubs.

Dining, Shopping, and Connectivity. Within the terminal, the choice of dining establishments and shops is generally limited. Passengers may find a small café or a vending machine with snacks and beverages. For travellers' convenience, access to wireless internet (Wi-Fi) is usually provided, and power outlets for charging mobile devices may be available in the waiting hall.

Lounges and Other Services. There are no specialised VIP or business lounges at the airport. All passengers use the general waiting hall. Services such as currency exchange points, bank branches, or conference rooms are not provided here. It is recommended to handle all financial transactions in the city beforehand. For emergencies, there is a first aid point at the airport.

Services for Special Categories of Passengers. The airport is adapted to serve passengers with reduced mobility. To receive necessary assistance, for example, when boarding, you should contact representatives of your airline in advance. For travellers with small children, baby changing tables may be available in the restrooms.

Accommodation. There are no hotels directly on the grounds of Piracicaba Airport. Travellers can find numerous accommodation options in the city of Piracicaba itself, which is a few minutes' drive from the air station.

When planning a departure from Piracicaba Airport (QHB), it is important to consider that this is a small regional airport. Consequently, the selection of dining establishments here is modest, yet quite sufficient for a comfortable snack while waiting for a flight. The air station consists of a single terminal, so all available dining options are within walking distance.

The main place to eat is a small café or snack bar (called a lanchonete in Brazil), located in the general area before security control (landside). Here, travellers can find a standard set for a quick bite: sandwiches, pastries, crisps, and sweets. This is an ideal option to drink a cup of famous Brazilian coffee and eat something light.

For those wishing to try something local, it is worth looking for traditional Brazilian snacks if they are on the menu. Often in such cafés, you can find pão de queijo (airy cheese buns) or various salgados (savoury snacks), for example, `coxinhas` (chicken croquettes in dough). This is an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with Brazilian cuisine in miniature. There are generally no full-service restaurants with hot meals at the airport.

Regarding special dietary needs, choices will be extremely limited. Passengers strictly adhering to a vegan, gluten-free, or Halal diet are recommended to bring food with them. Vegetarians may find cheese pastries or meat-free sandwiches. Prices in the airport café are moderate, though slightly higher than in the city. Opening hours are usually synchronised with flight schedules, so do not count on 24-hour service.

Piracicaba Airport is primarily a centre for business and private aviation. To ensure your journey from this airport in Brazil goes flawlessly, it is important to understand its specifics. These tips will help you prepare for a flight on a private or charter service.

Advance Coordination is Key to Success: Unlike commercial flights, all details of your flight must be agreed in advance with the air carrier or your flight operator. This concerns departure time, baggage allowance, special equipment on board, and any other individual needs. Ensure you have a direct contact for a company representative for prompt communication.

Arrival Time and Formalities: Check-in and security control procedures at business aviation airports are significantly faster. As a rule, it is sufficient to arrive 30-45 minutes before the scheduled departure time. However, always follow the instructions provided by your flight operator — this is the most important rule.

Terminal Services: Be prepared for the fact that the terminal for private flights offers a limited set of services. You are unlikely to find large shops or restaurants here. If you need snacks or beverages, it is better to bring them with you or check the possibility of ordering catering with your carrier.

Booking Transfers: This is one of the most critical points. Ensure that you have booked a taxi or other transfer from the airport in advance. Opportunities to find a car on the spot may be severely limited, so pre-booking will ensure your comfortable and timely arrival at your destination.

What to Do if Plans Change: Private aviation schedules can be more flexible, but they are also subject to change, for example, due to weather conditions. In case of any delays or changes to the schedule, immediately contact your airline representative or broker. They will provide you with the most up-to-date information and offer alternative solutions.