Sepe Tiaraju

Sepe Tiaraju Airport serves as the air gateway to the city of Santo Ângelo and the surrounding region in Brazil. It is named in honour of Sepé Tiaraju, a famous Guarani warrior, highlighting the rich history of these lands. The airport plays a key role in the transport system of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, providing connections to the country's major cities, such as São Paulo and Porto Alegre. In 2023, it served a record number of passengers, confirming its status as an important regional transport hub. The airport is managed by Infraero.

Despite its modest size, Sepe Tiaraju Airport is a crucial element of the infrastructure for the economic and tourism development of the region. It offers passengers basic amenities, including small cafés and waiting lounges, making the journey comfortable. Thanks to regular flights to major transport hubs, it is easy to reach any point in Brazil from here or plan a connection to international destinations. This makes the airport a convenient starting point for exploring the culture and natural beauty of the country's south.

Below you will find contact information for Sepe Tiaraju Airport (GEL), which will help you plan your trip and resolve any potential issues.

• Official Website: Current information on flights, services, and airport regulations can be found on the official page on the Infraero operator portal: www4.infraero.gov.br.
• Information Desk Phone: For general information, you can call: +55 (55) 3313-7901.
• Airport Address: Rodovia ERS 344, km 97, Santo Ângelo - RS, 98801-970, Brazil.
• Email: A direct email address for general inquiries is not published. It is recommended to contact them by phone or via the feedback form on the Infraero website.
• Social Media: The airport does not have its own social media pages. You can follow news on the official accounts of the management company, Infraero.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage was lost during the flight, you should first contact your airline's representative. For items left in the airport terminal, you can contact the Lost and Found service (Achados e Perdidos) at +55 (55) 3313-7901 during working hours (Monday to Friday).
• Passenger Support Contacts: The main channel for passenger support is the information desk phone: +55 (55) 3313-7901.

Sepe Tiaraju Airport (GEL) is located just a few kilometres from the city centre of Santo Ângelo, making the journey there quick and convenient. The simplest and most popular way to reach the terminal is by taxi or a pre-booked transfer. The trip from the city centre usually takes no more than 15–20 minutes depending on traffic conditions. This is a reliable option, especially if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling at an inconvenient time. The cost of the trip will be higher than public transport, but the comfort and speed compensate for this.

Public transport options in small cities in Brazil are often limited. Although Santo Ângelo has a city bus system, there may not be direct routes to the airport. Most likely, the nearest stop is some distance from the terminal, which would require an additional walk. It is recommended to check schedules and routes in advance on local information resources or with residents, as this method is more suitable for budget travellers without heavy luggage.

For those who value independence and plan to explore the region, car rental is an excellent solution. Counters for several rental companies can be found both at the airport and in the city itself. With a rented car, you can easily reach the airport and move freely around the surroundings. Sepe Tiaraju Airport has parking facilities where you can leave a car for both short and long periods. This is a convenient option for those arriving and departing in their own or rented transport.

To summarise, the choice of transport depends on your budget and preferences. Taxi is the fastest and most comfortable method, ideal for tourists with luggage. Car rental offers maximum freedom of movement around the region. Public transport is the most budget-friendly but least predictable option. Given the short distance to the city, most travellers choose a taxi to guarantee arriving for their flight without unnecessary hassle.

It is also worth noting that Sepe Tiaraju Airport mainly serves domestic flights. If you are looking for more flight options, you might consider larger airports in the region, such as Chapecó Airport (XAP) or Passo Fundo Airport (PFB). However, remember that the journey to them from Santo Ângelo will take several hours by bus or car.

Sepe Tiaraju Airport (GEL) is a small regional air terminal with a simple and clear structure. There is one passenger terminal operating here, which serves all domestic flights. Thanks to its compact size, navigating the building causes no difficulties even for those visiting for the first time.

The terminal layout is extremely logical. Immediately upon entry, you find yourself in the general hall where airline check-in counters are located. The departure and arrival zones are in the same building but are functionally separated. After check-in and baggage drop, passengers pass through pre-flight security and enter a small departure lounge where the boarding gate is located. The arrival zone is situated in another part of the terminal and includes the baggage claim belt and the exit to the city.

Since there is only one terminal at the airport, there is no need for transfers between different buildings. All key points — from check-in counters to the boarding gate — are within a few minutes' walk of each other. This makes the process of moving through the airport fast and comfortable.

Check-in and security screening at Sepe Tiaraju Airport usually take minimal time. Due to the low passenger traffic, there are rarely long queues here. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 1.5 hours before departure to complete all formalities without rushing, especially if you are travelling with luggage.

The history of Sepe Tiaraju Airport (GEL) is inextricably linked with the development of the Missões region in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The air harbour, bearing the name of the legendary 18th-century Guarani warrior, was officially opened in 1955. Initially, it was a modest airfield with a dirt runway, intended to improve transport accessibility for Santo Ângelo and its surroundings.

Over the decades, the airport gradually developed. An important stage was the paving of the runway, which allowed it to accommodate more modern types of aircraft. In different years, the airport served flights of various regional airlines, playing a key role in the business and tourism connections of the region. However, a real breakthrough in its history occurred quite recently.

In the early 2020s, Sepe Tiaraju Airport underwent a massive reconstruction and modernisation. The works, completed in 2022, included the construction of a new, more spacious and comfortable passenger terminal, the lengthening and widening of the runway, and the installation of modern navigation equipment. This modernisation allowed the airport to receive medium-haul aircraft, such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737.

The result of the reconstruction was the attraction of major Brazilian airlines, which significantly increased the number of flights and destinations. Passenger traffic grew several times over, setting a record for the airport and giving a powerful boost to the development of tourism and the economy of the entire Missões region. Today, the renovated Sepe Tiaraju Airport is a symbol of growth and a modern air gateway, proudly bearing the name of a historical hero.

Sepe Tiaraju Airport (GEL) is a compact regional aviation hub that provides passengers with all basic amenities for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its small size, everything necessary for travellers is available here.

Dining and Shops: A small café operates in the terminal, where you can order light snacks, sandwiches, pastries, and drinks. There is also a small shop offering souvenirs and travel essentials. The selection here is modest, so for full shopping or dining, it is better to use establishments in the city.

Lounges and Internet: A general waiting hall is available for passengers. There are no specialised VIP lounges or business lounges at the airport. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and electrical sockets are provided in the waiting hall for charging gadgets.

Financial and Other Services: ATMs are installed in the airport building for cash withdrawals. However, there are no currency exchange bureaux, so it is worth taking care of this in advance. For passengers with small children, a mother and baby room is equipped. In case of necessity, you can contact the medical point for first aid.

Accessibility and Accommodation: The airport is fully equipped for passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps and specially adapted toilets. To receive assistance with boarding or disembarking, it is recommended to contact the airline in advance. There are no hotels directly on the airport territory, but many accommodation options can be found in the nearby city of Santo Ângelo.

Sepe Tiaraju Airport (GEL) is a small regional air terminal, so the choice of catering establishments here is quite modest and oriented towards passengers awaiting their flight. Options for a full lunch or dinner are limited, but having a snack and a coffee before departure is certainly possible.

The main dining point at the airport is a small café or snack bar (lanchonete), located in the main and only terminal, in the public area before security control (landside). Here, passengers can purchase coffee, soft drinks, sandwiches, pastries, and traditional Brazilian snacks, such as cheese buns known as pão de queijo. This is an ideal place for a quick bite if you have time before flight check-in.

The opening hours of the local café are generally tied to the flight schedule: it opens a few hours before the first departure and closes after the last aircraft leaves. Prices here are somewhat higher than in the city, which is standard practice for airports. In the departure zone after security (airside), the choice will most likely be limited to vending machines with drinks and snacks.

Unfortunately, there are no specialised restaurants at Sepe Tiaraju Airport offering vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or Halal dishes. Passengers with strict dietary requirements are recommended to bring food with them. For a more substantial lunch or dinner, it is better to visit one of the establishments in the city of Santo Ângelo before travelling to the airport.

Travelling through Sepe Tiaraju Airport in the city of Santo Ângelo can be simple and convenient if you know a few useful tips. To ensure your journey through Brazil starts without unnecessary stress, make use of our recommendations.

Arrival Time at the Airport. Sepe Tiaraju Airport mainly serves domestic flights. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 1.5-2 hours before departure. This time is sufficient to calmly drop off luggage, pass through security control, and reach the boarding gate. Always check your airline's recommendations, as they may differ.

Check-in and Security. To save time, use online check-in on your airline's website. This will allow you to avoid queues at the counters. Security control here is standard. Be prepared to present your boarding pass and identification, as well as remove laptops, tablets, and liquids from your hand luggage.

Seat Selection. If you have the opportunity to choose a seat during check-in, consider your preferences. Window seats will offer you beautiful views during take-off and landing, especially if you are flying over picturesque landscapes. Aisle seats are convenient if you plan to get up during the flight or want to exit the aircraft faster upon arrival.

Hand Luggage. Remember the general rules: liquids can be carried in containers with a volume of no more than 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag. Sharp objects, flammable substances, and other dangerous items are prohibited. Always check the current hand luggage and baggage allowances on your airline's website, as weight and size requirements may vary.

Connecting Passengers. If you have a connecting flight, check when purchasing the ticket whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage at the intermediate airport. Allow enough time between flights, especially if you are flying with different airlines — at least 2-3 hours.

Customs Control. Since the airport primarily serves domestic flights, customs control is only undergone by passengers arriving from abroad (which happens rarely). In this case, the procedure is standard: it is necessary to complete a declaration if you are carrying goods subject to declaration.

Saving Time and Money. Book a taxi or transfer from the airport in advance to avoid inflated prices on the spot. Take an empty water bottle with you to fill it after passing security control, and light snacks — this will help save on purchases at the airport.

Flight Delays. In the event of a flight delay or cancellation, remain calm. Contact your airline representative for information on the flight status and your rights as a passenger (for example, regarding the provision of drinks, meals, or hotel accommodation). Keep a portable charger, a book, or other entertainment handy in your hand luggage to pass the waiting time.