Rondonopolis Airport

Rondonopolis Airport, named after Maestro Marinho Franco, serves as the air gateway to one of the key agribusiness hubs in the state of Mato Grosso. Despite its modest size, it plays a vital role in the region's transport system, providing connections to the largest cities in Brazil. This compact and functional airport serves as a starting point for business travellers and tourists wishing to explore the dynamically developing heart of the country. Its convenient location and simple navigation make the beginning and end of your journey as comfortable as possible.

Rondonopolis Airport is a typical regional aviation hub focused on domestic flights. Its main advantage is its simplicity and the absence of the hustle and bustle characteristic of major airports. Passengers have access to basic amenities necessary for a comfortable wait. The infrastructure includes check-in counters, a small departure lounge, and passenger service points. The main scheduled carrier is Azul Brazilian Airlines, which connects Rondonopolis with the major hub of Campinas (VCP), opening up opportunities for flights throughout the country. Other airlines, such as VoePass and LATAM Brasil, also operate flights, including code-share services. Transport connections to the city are primarily provided by taxi, with the journey to the centre taking about 20-30 minutes.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Rondonopolis Airport (ROO). We recommend checking the official resources for the most up-to-date data before your trip.

• Official Website: You can find current information on flights, services, and regulations on the website of the managing company, Centro-Oeste Airports (COA): www.centroeste-airports.com.br
• Information Desk Phone: For general enquiries, you can contact the airport operator's information service: +55 (65) 3614-2500.
• Airport Address: Rodovia BR-364, km 204, Rondonopolis, State of Mato Grosso, Brazil.
• Email: A direct email address is not published. It is recommended to use the contact form on the official website for communication.
• Lost and Found Information: If items were lost within the terminal building, please contact the airport administration. For issues regarding luggage left on board the aircraft, you must contact your airline representatives directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For assistance and consultations, you can approach the staff at the information desk directly inside the terminal building.

Getting to Rondonopolis Airport (Maestro Marinho Franco Airport) from the city centre of Rondonopolis is straightforward, although the choice of transport is not as extensive as in the metropolises of Brazil. The airport is located approximately 15-20 kilometres from the centre, and the trip usually takes about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic conditions. The main ways to reach the terminal are by taxi, transfer service, or rental car.

Taxis and ride-hailing services (such as Uber) are the most popular and convenient options. A car can be found anywhere in the city or ordered via an app. This is the fastest way to get to the airport without unnecessary transfers. The cost of the trip is generally moderate. For added peace of mind, you can pre-book a private transfer, especially if you are travelling with a lot of luggage or in a group. The driver will meet you at the designated location and take you directly to the terminal entrance.

Regarding public transport, direct and regular bus services between the city centre and the airport may not exist, or they may operate with long intervals. This option is the most budget-friendly but the least predictable. If you plan to use the bus, it is strongly recommended to verify the current schedule and route at the local bus station or with local residents in advance.

Car Rental is an excellent choice for those who plan not only to get to the airport but also to travel around the state of Mato Grosso. Both local and chain rental agencies operate in Rondonopolis. You can rent a car in the city and return it to the company's representative at the airport before departure. Rondonopolis Airport has parking facilities where you can leave a vehicle for a short or long term. This is convenient if you arrive in your own transport.

When planning your trip, consider that for many long-haul and international flights, travellers from this region often use the larger Marechal Rondon International Airport in Cuiaba, located approximately 180 km away. However, for local flights, Rondonopolis Airport is a convenient starting point. Always allow extra time for the journey to avoid rushing before your flight.

Rondonopolis Airport (ROO) is a small and modern regional airport characterized by a simple and clear structure. Travellers need not worry about complex navigation: everything here is designed for maximum passenger convenience.

The airport consists of one passenger terminal that handles both departing and arriving flights. Thanks to the compact size of the building, all key zones are within walking distance of each other, making movement through the airport quick and intuitive. It is virtually impossible to get lost here.

The terminal layout is very simple:

• Check-in Zone and Main Hall: Immediately upon entering the terminal, you find yourself in the main hall where the airline check-in counters are located.
• Departure Zone: After check-in, passengers pass through a single security screening point, beyond which lies a small but comfortable departure lounge with several boarding gates.
• Arrival Zone: The arrival hall is a separate section with a baggage claim belt. It is located near the main airport exit, from where you can easily reach the taxi stand or parking lot.

Since there is only one terminal, there are no transfers between terminals. Completing all pre-flight formalities, including check-in and security screening, usually takes significantly less time than in major airports. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before departure to go through all procedures without haste.

The main recommendation for navigation is simply to follow the signs. All important areas, such as check-in counters, security screening, departure lounge, and baggage claim, are located logically and sequentially. Airport staff are always ready to assist if you have any questions.

The history of Rondonopolis Airport (ROO), also known as Maestro Marinho Franco Airport, is relatively short but closely linked to the region's rapid economic growth. The official opening took place on 10 December 2003. The new airport was built to replace the old airfield, which was located too close to the expanding city and could no longer cope with growing demands.

From the very beginning, the airport's main task was not so much serving tourists as supporting the powerful agro-industrial complex of the Mato Grosso state. The air harbour became a key logistical hub for business flights and the transport of urgent cargo, which contributed to the further development of Rondonopolis as one of the centres of Brazilian agribusiness. In its early years, the airport was managed by the state-owned company Infraero.

A key stage in the airport's development was 2019, when it was transferred under concession to a private operator — the consortium Centro-Oeste Airports (COA). This step opened a new chapter in the history of the air harbour, launching a process of large-scale modernisation. The new operator began actively investing in improving infrastructure, flight safety, and passenger service quality.

The most significant reconstruction took place quite recently. In December 2023, for its 20th anniversary, the airport received a completely new, modern, and more spacious passenger terminal. Work was also carried out to upgrade the runway and navigation equipment. These improvements allowed for increased capacity and the ability to accommodate larger aircraft, strengthening the airport's status as an important regional gateway.

An interesting fact: the airport is named after Maestro Marinho Franco, a respected local musician and cultural figure, which is a tribute not only to the economic but also to the cultural heritage of the city. Thus, the history of Rondonopolis Airport is a vivid example of how modern infrastructure can become an engine of progress for an entire region.

Rondonopolis Airport (ROO) is a small regional aviation hub providing passengers with a basic set of services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Although the infrastructure here is not as extensive as in the major international airports of Brazil, you will find all the essentials.

For passengers, there are several small cafes and snack bars in the terminal where you can have coffee, sandwiches, or local pastries. The range of shops is limited; these are mainly kiosks with newspapers, souvenirs, and travel goods. For those who need to stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and power outlets for charging electronic devices can be found in the waiting lounge.

Standard waiting areas are equipped with seating for all passengers. Specialized VIP lounges or business lounges are generally absent at this airport. ATMs of local banks are installed for financial matters; however, currency exchange points are difficult to find here — it is better to perform this operation in advance in the city of Rondonopolis.

The airport is equipped to receive passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps and specially equipped restrooms. Families with small children can use the mother and child room for infant care. In case first aid is required, a medical station operates within the airport grounds.

There are no hotels directly within the terminal building, but the nearest hotels can be found in Rondonopolis itself, which is easily accessible by taxi. Services for renting conference rooms or business centres are not provided at the airport; for these purposes, it is worth considering business centres or hotels in the city.

When planning a flight through Rondonopolis Airport (ROO), it is important to consider that this is a small regional airport. The choice of dining establishments here is not very large, but quite sufficient for a comfortable snack before departure or upon arrival.

In the main airport building, in the public area (before security control), there are several small cafe-snack bars, or "lanchonetes" as they are called in Brazil. Here, passengers and greeters can purchase beverages, light snacks, and fresh pastries. There are no full-service restaurants with a menu and a wide selection of dishes at the airport, so for a substantial meal, it is better to plan a visit to one of the restaurants in Rondonopolis.

While waiting for your flight, be sure to try classic Brazilian snacks. You will be offered freshly brewed coffee, refreshing drinks, and, of course, the famous "salgados". Particularly popular are pão de queijo (airy cheese breads), coxinha (chicken croquettes in the shape of a teardrop), and various pies. This is an excellent option for a quick and filling snack.

Regarding dietary preferences, the choice may be limited. Vegetarians will easily find cheese breads pão de queijo and pastries with cheese filling. A pleasant bonus: pão de queijo are traditionally made from tapioca flour, so they are gluten-free. For vegans, the choice will likely be limited to fresh juices or a bowl of açaí (it is recommended to check the ingredients to ensure honey has not been added). Specialized Halal or Kosher meals are not available.

Prices in the airport cafes are moderate, although slightly higher than in city establishments. The opening hours of local cafes are directly tied to the flight schedule: they open shortly before the first departure and close after the last aircraft departs. Local cafes are ideal for a quick snack, but if you are counting on a full lunch, it is better to do so in the city beforehand.

To ensure your journey through Rondonopolis airport goes smoothly, we recommend arriving in advance. For domestic flights, which make up the bulk of the schedule, arriving 1.5–2 hours before departure is sufficient. This time is enough to check in luggage without rushing, pass through security control, and reach the boarding gate.

Save time by completing online check-in for your flight on your airline's website. This will allow you to head straight to baggage drop-off or, if you are travelling light, to the security screening zone. The security control procedure here is standard: be prepared to remove electronics, liquids, and metal items from your carry-on luggage. Although this is not the largest airport in Brazil, small queues are possible during peak hours.

When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by your preferences. Window seats will give you the opportunity to admire the views during takeoff and landing. Aisle seats are convenient if you want the ability to stand up without disturbing neighbours or plan to leave the cabin quickly upon arrival. Seats in the front of the aircraft are usually the quietest and allow you to disembark first.

In carry-on luggage, liquids are allowed in containers of no more than 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited. Power banks and other batteries should only be carried in hand luggage. Always check the current rules on your airline's website, as they may differ slightly.

If you have a connecting flight, check in advance whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage in Rondonopolis. Usually, when flying with the same airline, luggage is checked through to the final destination. Leave enough time between flights to avoid stress in case of a slight delay on the first leg of the journey.

Customs control is mainly relevant for international flights. When entering Brazil through international hubs, standard "green" and "red" channel rules apply. If you have no goods to declare, proceed through the "green" channel. Otherwise, you must fill out a declaration. Rondonopolis Airport handles primarily domestic flights, so customs control is rarely encountered here.

A few simple tips for saving money: use online check-in to avoid queues at counters. Bring an empty water bottle to fill after passing security control — this is cheaper than buying water at inflated prices. It is better to book an airport transfer online in advance or use official taxi services to avoid overpriced fares.

In case of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative. Depending on the length of the wait, you may be provided with vouchers for food, drinks, or even hotel accommodation. Keep all receipts for unforeseen expenses — they may be needed to claim compensation.