Santa Maria Airport

Santa Maria Airport. Source: Kupi.com AI

Santa Maria Airport (RIA), located in the heart of the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, is not merely an air gateway but a facility with a rich history, sharing its infrastructure with a Brazilian Air Force base. Opened back in 1945, today it serves as a key transport hub for the city of the same name, known for its large federal university. Despite its modest size, the airport provides residents and visitors with reliable connections to important regional centres, playing a significant role in the business and tourism sectors of the central part of the state.

One of the main features of the airport is its joint use by civil aviation and the military, which influences its operations and infrastructure. The terminal primarily serves domestic flights, and one of the main destinations is Porto Alegre, offering opportunities for connections to flights throughout Brazil and beyond. Additionally, connections to other cities, such as Florianópolis, are maintained. For travellers, it is a compact and easy-to-navigate terminal where check-in and boarding processes are quite fast, making it a convenient starting point for trips to this important educational and cultural centre.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Santa Maria Airport (RIA). Please note that the airport is managed by CCR Aeroportos, and many contact details are general for this operator's network.

• Official Website: Up-to-date information on flights, services, and airport regulations can always be found on the official website: www.ccraeroportos.com.br/santa-maria-rs.
• Information Desk Phone: For information, you can call the unified CCR Aeroportos operator number: 0800 727 4720. Contact via WhatsApp is also available: +55 (11) 94784-2972.
• Airport Address: BR-287, Km 238 - Camobi, Santa Maria - RS, 97105-030, Brazil.
• Email: A direct email address is not provided. For communication, it is recommended to use the feedback form in the "Fale Conosco" (Contact Us) section on the official website.
• Lost and Found: If you have lost items within the terminal building, please contact the "Achados e Perdidos" (Lost & Found) service via the general support phone number. In case of lost checked baggage during a flight, you must first contact your airline's representative office.
• Passenger Support Service: All questions related to service at the airport can be addressed to the information desk numbers listed above.

There are several ways to get to Santa Maria Airport (IATA: RIA) from the city centre of Santa Maria and back. The airport is located approximately 11 kilometres from the centre, so the trip does not take much time — on average 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the chosen transport and traffic conditions. The best option depends on your budget, time, and amount of luggage.

Public Transport is the most budget-friendly method. In Brazil, the urban bus system is well-developed, and special routes usually run to the airport or stops nearby. The fare is significantly lower than other options, costing around 5-7 Brazilian Reals. It is recommended to check the schedule and the bus number in advance, as intervals between buses can be long, especially on weekends. This option is excellent for travellers with light luggage.

Taxi and Transfer are the most comfortable and fastest options. You can use official taxis or book a car through apps popular in the country, such as Uber or 99. The ride provides "door-to-door" service, which is particularly convenient if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling with family. The estimated cost of a trip from the city centre to the airport is 30-50 Brazilian Reals. For greater peace of mind, you can book a private transfer in advance — the driver will meet you at the designated place and assist with luggage.

If you plan to travel around the region extensively, consider renting a car. Representatives of both local and international rental companies can be found in the city and potentially at the airport itself. Having your own vehicle gives you complete freedom of movement. For those arriving at the airport in their own or a rented car, parking is provided. Options for both short-term and long-term parking are usually available.

Sometimes it is more convenient or cheaper to fly into one of the neighbouring major airports. For example, you might consider flights to Salgado Filho Airport in Porto Alegre, which is a major international hub, or to other regional airports such as Passo Fundo Airport or Hugo Cantergiani Regional Airport, and from there reach Santa Maria by intercity bus or rental car.

Santa Maria Airport (RIA) is a small regional aviation hub with a structure that is simple and intuitive for passengers. It operates one passenger terminal, which serves all domestic flights. Due to its compact size, navigating the building presents no difficulties.

The terminal layout is very logical: all key zones are located in one building and within walking distance of each other. Immediately upon entry, you find yourself in the general hall where airline check-in counters are located. After receiving a boarding pass and checking in luggage, passengers proceed to the pre-flight security screening area, which leads directly to a small departure lounge with boarding gates. The arrivals area is also located in the same terminal and includes a baggage claim belt and an exit to the city.

Since there is only one terminal, there is no need to transfer between different buildings. Check-in and security screening processes at Santa Maria Airport usually take significantly less time than at major international hubs. Typically, all procedures take no more than 30-40 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport as standard — 1.5–2 hours before departure, to avoid rushing in case of unforeseen circumstances or queues during peak hours.

To navigate, simply follow the standard signs; it is practically impossible to get lost here. All main services — from the café to the waiting area — are located compactly, making your stay at the airport comfortable and predictable.

The history of Santa Maria Airport (RIA) is unique as it is inextricably linked with the military aviation of Brazil. Its official opening took place in 1971 not as a civil facility, but as the strategically important Santa Maria Air Force Base (Base Aérea de Santa Maria, BASM). Initially, the airport was designed exclusively for the needs of the country's Air Force, and only over time was a passenger terminal built here to serve civil flights, which defined its current status as a dual-use airport.

For decades, the base in Santa Maria played a key role in the air security system of the southern region of the country. Various squadrons were based here, ranging from fighter to reconnaissance aviation. The airfield regularly became a venue for major national and international exercises, confirming its high status and developed infrastructure capable of accommodating even heavy military transport aircraft.

The development of the airport's civil sector proceeded in parallel with its military function. The passenger terminal was gradually expanded and modernized to meet the region's air travel needs. A crucial stage in the airport's recent history was in 2022, when the management of its civil section was transferred under concession to a private operator. This step marked the beginning of a new era for RIA, opening prospects for significant investment in terminal modernization, service improvement, and route network expansion.

One of the most interesting facts about the airport is that many passengers, upon arriving here, do not even suspect that they are landing on the territory of an active military base. However, this feature does not prevent the airport from successfully fulfilling its dual mission: being an important transport hub for residents and visitors of the region, while simultaneously remaining a significant facility in the national security system.

Santa Maria Airport (RIA), being an important regional transport hub, provides passengers with all necessary basic services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its compact size, the terminal is designed to ensure convenience before departure or after arrival.

For those wishing to have a snack, there is a café in the airport where you can order light refreshments, sandwiches, and beverages. The selection of shops is limited, but you can find a kiosk with newspapers, souvenirs, and travel essentials. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and charging stations for electronic devices are provided in the waiting lounges, allowing you to stay connected.

The airport is equipped with standard waiting areas. For financial matters, passengers can use ATMs located in the public zone. Currency exchange offices are usually absent in regional airports, so it is recommended to exchange money in advance.

For passengers with children, there are mother-and-child rooms where you can take care of little ones in a quiet environment. The airport is also equipped to serve travellers with reduced mobility: ramps and specially adapted restrooms are available. Passengers requiring special assistance are advised to notify their airline in advance to organize accompaniment.

Although there are no hotels within the airport grounds, many accommodation options can be found in the city of Santa Maria, located a few minutes' drive away. Specialized business centres or conference rooms are absent in the terminal, as the airport is primarily focused on servicing passenger transport.

At Santa Maria Airport (RIA), travellers can find a few basic options for a snack to pass the time comfortably while waiting for a flight. Given that this is a small regional airport, the choice of establishments is modest but sufficient to grab a coffee and eat something filling before flying.

The few food outlets are located in the main terminal. Before the security checkpoint (landside), there is typically a snack bar or small café operating where you can order beverages and fresh pastries. The main establishments are located in the secure zone (airside), after passing security control. Here, passengers can find a cafeteria with a wider assortment of snacks and drinks.

To experience the local taste of Brazil, look out for traditional snacks. Besides the famous cheese bread rolls pão de queijo, local cafés often offer coxinhas (teardrop-shaped chicken croquettes) and pastéis (crispy fried pastries with various fillings). For those seeking a more substantial meal, ready-made sandwiches and salads are usually available. There are typically no full-service restaurants with hot meals at the airport.

Passengers with specific dietary preferences should be aware that choices will be extremely limited. Vegetarians may find cheese or vegetable-based options; however, vegan, gluten-free, or certified Halal options are almost certainly likely to be unavailable, so it is best to bring food with you. Prices at the airport are traditionally higher than in the city. Opening hours are tied to the flight schedule, but for very early departures or late arrivals, it is safer to eat beforehand.

To ensure your journey through Santa Maria Airport is as comfortable and hassle-free as possible, make use of our tips. These recommendations will help you orient yourself on-site and save both time and nerves.

Arrival Time and Check-in. For domestic flights within Brazil, we advise arriving at the airport at least 2 hours before departure. This will give you enough time to calmly check in luggage, pass security control, and reach the boarding gate. To save time, check in for your flight online via your airline's website or app.

Security Checks and Seat Selection. The screening procedure at Santa Maria Airport is standard. Be prepared to remove laptops, tablets, and liquid containers from your hand luggage in advance. If you want to enjoy the views during the flight, choose a window seat. If comfort and the ability to stand up and stretch easily are important to you, it is better to choose an aisle seat.

Hand Luggage and Baggage. Remember the general rules for carrying liquids: you can take containers of no more than 100 ml each in hand luggage, packed in a single transparent bag. Power banks, electronic cigarettes, and laptops must always be carried in hand luggage. Be sure to check your airline's weight and size regulations for baggage to avoid excess weight fees.

Transfer Passengers and Customs. If you have a connecting flight, check with the carrier in advance whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage. Customs control is only undergone by passengers of international flights upon their first entry into Brazil. If you are flying to Santa Maria from another Brazilian city, you will not have to go through customs again.

Saving Money at the Airport. Prices for food and beverages at airports are usually higher than in the city. To save money, bring a light snack and an empty water bottle, which can be filled at drinking fountains after the security checkpoint.

What to do in case of flight delay? In the event of a flight delay or cancellation, remain calm. First, contact your airline's counter for information and instructions. In Brazil, air passenger rights are protected by law, and 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.