Tabatinga International Airport

Tabatinga Airport, known as the "Garden Airport of the Amazon," is not merely a transport hub but a strategic gateway into the very heart of South America. Located at the unique junction of three borders — Brazil, Colombia, and Peru — it serves as a starting point for Amazon explorers and a vital link for local communities. Despite its compact size, the airport plays a key role in connecting this remote region with the rest of the world, catering to both civil and military aviation.

The main feature of Tabatinga Airport is its exceptional geographical position. It serves not only the Brazilian city but also the Colombian city of Leticia, which can be reached in just a few minutes, making it a key transport hub for tourists travelling through the "Três Fronteiras" (Three Frontiers) region. The airport provides regular air connections to the state capital of Amazonas, Manaus, linking this exotic corner of the country with the rest of Brazil. The terminal infrastructure is simple and functional, offering passengers all the essentials for a comfortable start or end to their journey along the majestic Amazon.

For the most up-to-date information regarding the operations of Tabatinga Airport (TBT), it is recommended to consult official sources. Below are the main contact details.

• Official Website: The airport is managed by Vinci Airports. All information regarding flights, services, and regulations can be found on the official portal: aeroportos.vinci-airports.com.br.
• Information Desk Phone: Phone numbers are subject to change. It is recommended to check the current contact number in the contacts section of the airport's official website.
• Airport Address: Av. da Amizade, s/n - Vila Militar, Tabatinga - AM, 69640-000, Brasil.
• Email: To contact the airport administration or various services, a dedicated contact form on the official website is typically used.
• Social Media: News and updates about Vinci Airports in Brazil are published on their official social media pages (e.g., Instagram, LinkedIn). Separate accounts for Tabatinga Airport are usually not maintained.
• Lost Luggage Information: If you have lost luggage or personal items within the terminal, please contact the "Achados e Perdidos" (Lost and Found) section on the airport website. For luggage lost during a flight, please contact the airline directly.
• Customer Support Contacts: Information desks are located within the airport terminal. Additionally, for general enquiries, you can use the feedback form on the official Vinci Airports operator website.

Getting to Tabatinga International Airport (TBT) from the city centre is straightforward, as it is located very close to the main urban area. This airport serves the unique "Three Frontiers" region, situated at the junction of Brazil, Colombia, and Peru, so transport routes here are simple and oriented towards local traffic, including the cross-border flow of passengers from neighbouring Colombia.

Taxis and Mototaxis are the most popular and convenient ways to get to the airport. The mototaxi, a very common mode of transport in this region, is the fastest and most affordable option for a solo traveller with light luggage. A regular taxi offers more comfort and is suitable for groups or passengers with bulky suitcases. The trip from the city centre or the Colombian border takes just 5–15 minutes. It is strongly recommended to agree on the fare with the driver in advance, as taximeters are rarely used.

Public Transport in Tabatinga is not well-developed, and there are no dedicated regular bus routes to the airport. The main ways to get around the city are by taxi, mototaxi, or walking for short distances.

Car Rental and Parking. Several local car rental agencies can be found in the city. This option is convenient if you plan independent trips around the region, but for a simple transfer to the airport, it is unnecessary. The airport has a small outdoor car park where you can leave your vehicle while waiting for a flight.

Features and Recommendations. The main feature of Tabatinga is its merger with the Colombian city of Leticia. The border between them is virtually non-existent, and movement is free. Many travellers use Tabatinga Airport while residing or staying in Leticia. Taxi drivers will have no trouble taking you from any point in either city directly to the terminal. It is also worth noting that just a few kilometres away, on the Colombian side, is General Alfredo Vásquez Cobo International Airport (LET), creating a unique situation with two airports within walking distance of each other.

Tabatinga Airport (TBT) is a small regional airport, so its structure is extremely simple and easy for passengers to navigate. There is one passenger terminal in operation here, which handles all domestic flights. Thanks to its compact size, finding your way around is very easy, and all necessary zones are within walking distance of each other.

The terminal layout is intuitive. Immediately after entering the building, you find yourself in the public area where the airline check-in counters are located. After checking in and dropping off luggage, passengers proceed to pre-flight security screening, followed by a small waiting lounge with a boarding gate. The Arrivals and Departures zones are effectively in the same building, just in different parts of it. The arrivals area includes a baggage claim belt and an exit to the city. Due to the existence of only one terminal, there is no need for transfers between terminals.

Check-in and security procedures at Tabatinga Airport usually proceed quite quickly due to the low passenger volume. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 1.5–2 hours before departure to complete all formalities without rushing. The terminal offers a basic set of amenities necessary for a comfortable wait for your flight.

Navigating the airport requires no special effort. All signs are clear and lead passengers along a standard route: entrance → check-in counters → security → waiting lounge → boarding gate. Since everything is located on one level in a compact space, getting lost here is practically impossible. Simply follow the flow of other passengers or the signs, and you will easily find everything you need.

The history of Tabatinga International Airport (TBT) is inextricably linked to its strategic position in the heart of the Amazon, on the border of three nations. The airport was officially opened on 29 June 1981, becoming a key element for integrating this remote region with the rest of Brazil. Its construction was dictated by the need to ensure reliable transport connections for the city of Tabatinga and to strengthen the state's presence in this unique border area.

From the very beginning of its existence, the airport has fulfilled a dual function: civil and military. It became a vital transport hub for the local population, for whom river travel is often the only, albeit very slow, alternative. Simultaneously, the airport serves as a base for the Brazilian Air Force, playing an important role in protecting national interests, border control, and supporting operations against illegal activities in the region. Its development has always kept pace with the growing needs of both civil transport and military missions.

A significant stage in the airport's recent history was its transfer to private management. In April 2021, Vinci Airports won the concession to manage Tabatinga Airport for a period of 30 years, replacing the state company Infraero. This transition marked the beginning of a new era associated with plans to modernise infrastructure, improve passenger service quality, and further develop the airport's commercial potential.

One of the most interesting facts about Tabatinga Airport is its almost international character on a daily level. It is located so close to the Colombian city of Leticia that it effectively serves both cities, and passengers and locals freely cross the invisible border between them. The airport's main achievement is not passenger traffic records, but its uninterrupted operation as a true "lifeline" for thousands of people living in one of the most isolated corners of the planet.

Tabatinga International Airport (TBT) is a compact regional airport serving as a gateway to the Brazilian Amazon. The terminal infrastructure is focused on meeting the basic needs of passengers departing from or arriving in this part of Brazil.

Dining and Shopping. The airport has a small café or snack bar where you can buy drinks, sandwiches, and light snacks before your flight. There is also a kiosk offering essential goods and local souvenirs.

Waiting Areas and Wi-Fi. A general waiting lounge is available for all passengers. There are no specialised VIP halls or business lounges at the airport. Access to Wi-Fi may be limited, so it is recommended to have alternative connectivity options. Power outlets for charging electronic devices can be found in the waiting lounge, though they are few in number.

Financial and Medical Services. An ATM may be installed within the terminal, but for full banking services or currency exchange, it is better to visit financial institutions in the city of Tabatinga. There is a first aid station at the airport for emergencies.

Services for Passengers with Reduced Mobility. The airport is equipped with basic amenities for passengers with disabilities, including ramps and accessible toilets. For assistance with boarding or moving through the terminal, it is recommended to contact your airline in advance. For passengers with small children, baby care facilities may be available in public restrooms.

Hotels and Business Services. There are no hotels directly inside the airport building, but various accommodation options can be found in the nearby city of Tabatinga, which is easily accessible by taxi. Specialised conference rooms or business centres are absent at the airport, which is consistent with its status as a small regional aviation hub.

When planning a flight through Tabatinga Airport (TBT), it is important to understand that this is a small regional air station serving a remote corner of Brazil. Therefore, the choice of dining establishments here will be modest and focused on the basic needs of travellers. Do not expect a wide variety of restaurants or a food court as found in major international hubs.

The main and usually the only option for a snack at Tabatinga Airport is a small café or snack bar (lanchonete), located in the general area before security control (landside). Here you can have a quick bite before departure or after arrival. The opening hours of such establishments are usually tied to the flight schedule, and they may be closed during quiet periods.

What you can find on the menu:

• Quick Snacks: Typically, these are classic Brazilian "salgados" — savoury pastries with various fillings, for example, coxinha (chicken croquettes) or pastel (fried pastry) with cheese or meat. Also, pão de queijo — the famous cheese bread rolls — is almost always available.
• Local Specialities: Given the location in the Amazon, there is a chance to find dishes or drinks with local ingredients, such as fresh juices from exotic fruits or an energising bowl of açaí.
• Drinks: The standard selection includes coffee, bottled water, carbonated drinks, and juices.

Regarding special dietary requirements, please note that finding certified vegan, gluten-free, or Halal dishes here is practically impossible. The choice for vegetarians will likely be limited to cheese pastries. If you have strict dietary restrictions, it is strongly recommended to bring food with you. Prices at the airport are generally slightly higher than in the city but remain affordable. This place is great for a quick snack, but for a full lunch or dinner, it is better to choose an establishment in Tabatinga itself.

To ensure your journey through the airport of Tabatinga goes smoothly and without unnecessary stress, use these proven tips. A little preparation will help save time, money, and nerves, making the start or end of your trip around Brazil as comfortable as possible.

Arrival Time at the Airport. Although Tabatinga Airport is not among the largest, it is recommended to arrive in advance. For domestic flights, allow 1.5-2 hours before departure, and for international flights (if applicable via connections), at least 2-3 hours. This will give you enough time to complete all formalities without rushing.

Check-in and Security Control. To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides this option. Have your passport, visa (if necessary), and boarding pass ready. When going through security, be prepared to remove laptops and other large electronics from your hand luggage, as well as liquids in a separate container.

Choosing a Seat on the Plane. If it is possible to choose a seat during check-in, consider your preferences. A window seat will offer beautiful views during take-off and landing, especially given the picturesque landscapes of the Amazon. An aisle seat will allow you to stand up freely and stretch your legs without disturbing neighbours. Seats at emergency exits often offer more legroom but may have restrictions.

Hand Luggage Rules. Standard international rules usually apply here as well. Liquids (gels, aerosols) can be carried in containers with a volume of no more than 100 ml, packed in a single transparent bag. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited. Always check the exact norms and restrictions on weight and size of hand luggage on your airline's website.

Passengers with Connections. If you have a connecting flight, check in advance whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage. Follow the "Transit" or "Connections" signs. Given Tabatinga's border location, international connections may require passing through passport and customs control, so allow enough time between flights.

Customs Control. When entering Brazil from another country, be prepared to fill out a customs declaration and present goods subject to declaration for inspection (for example, large sums of cash or expensive purchases). When departing, check the rules for exporting souvenirs, especially if they are made from natural materials.

Saving Time and Money. Book flight tickets and transfers from the airport in advance. Bring an empty water bottle to fill after passing security control. Instead of expensive souvenirs at the airport, buy them beforehand in the city. Use the airport Wi-Fi to call a taxi via an app, which may be cheaper than the services of private drivers at the exit.

In Case of Flight Delay. First of all, contact your airline representative for information on the flight status and possible options (rebooking, provision of meals or a hotel during a long delay). Keep all receipts for unforeseen expenses — they may be needed to receive compensation from the airline or through travel insurance.