Taua (Pedro Teixeira Castelo Regional)

Pedro Teixeira Castelo Regional Airport is not merely a runway, but an aerial gateway to the very heart of the Brazilian sertão, the arid and distinctive lands of the state of Ceará. Located in the city of Taua, it serves as an important transport hub for local residents and those travellers keen to explore the non-tourist corners of Brazil. This small yet functional airport ensures connectivity with larger cities and plays a key role in the region's logistics.

The main feature of Pedro Teixeira Castelo Airport is its strategic importance for the region. For an area remote from major metropolises, it performs a vital function by ensuring the rapid transport of passengers and cargo. For tourists, this is a rare opportunity to access an authentic corner of Brazil, bypassing long hours of overland travel. Although the airport cannot boast the scale and variety of services found at international hubs, its primary merit is its compactness, simplicity, and speed of service, which is particularly valued in business and private travel.

Below is the main contact information for Pedro Teixeira Castelo Regional Airport (JTA) in the city of Taua. It is important to note that this is a small regional airport, and some communication channels customary for major hubs may be unavailable.

• Official Website: Currently, Taua Airport does not have a separate official website. Management and basic information regarding regional airports in the state of Ceará are generally under the jurisdiction of state infrastructure bodies.
• Information Desk Phone: You can contact the airport administration by phone at +55 (88) 3437-1834. It is recommended to use this number for general enquiries about the terminal's operation.
• Airport Address: Rodovia CE-176, s/n - Km 02, Tauá, State of Ceará, CEP 63660-000, Brazil.
• Email: A dedicated email for passenger enquiries is not provided. It is recommended to use the telephone for communication.
• Social Media: Official social media accounts for the airport are not maintained.
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues related to lost or damaged luggage, you should contact the airline you travelled with directly. If personal items were left within the terminal building, information can be clarified with the airport administration.
• Passenger Support Contacts: All questions regarding bookings, ticket changes, flight schedules, and carriage regulations must be addressed directly to your air carrier.

Taua Airport (Pedro Teixeira Castelo Regional Airport) is located in close proximity to the city limits, making the journey there quick and uncomplicated. Since Taua is a relatively small city in the state of Ceará, the transport infrastructure here is not as saturated as in metropolises, but the main methods of transport operate reliably.

The most convenient and common way to get to the terminal is by taxi. Local taxi services operate in the city and can be called by phone or found at stands in the centre. Also popular in the region are mototaxis (motorcycle taxis) — a fast and budget-friendly option for passengers without large luggage. The trip from the city centre to the airport usually takes just 10–15 minutes. The fare by car is generally low and often fixed for trips within city limits, but it is best to clarify the price with the driver in advance.

Regarding public transport, there are no specialised express buses or metro in Taua. Regular city bus routes may pass near the airport area, but they are rarely used by tourists due to the lack of a convenient schedule and space for luggage. If you prefer comfort, it is better to exclude this option.

For those planning to travel around the region independently, car rental is available. Rental points are most often located in the city itself rather than in the terminal building, so the car should be booked in advance with delivery to the flight. There is a small parking area near the airport where you can leave a car. Usually, this is an open lot, so it is not recommended to leave valuables inside the vehicle for long periods.

It is important to consider that Taua Airport mainly serves private aviation and small regional flights. If you are planning a long-distance journey, it makes sense to consider larger transport hubs nearby. The nearest significant airport is Orlando Bezerra de Menezes Airport in the city of Juazeiro do Norte (about 182 km away). Also, for international and major domestic flights, travellers often choose Pinto Martins Airport in the state capital, Fortaleza, or Teresina Airport in the neighbouring state of Piauí.

For tourist routes along the coast or deeper into the continent, alternatives could be the airport in the resort village of Jericoacoara or Petrolina International Airport, although they are located at a significant distance.

The Regional Airport of Taua (JTA), also known as Pedro Teixeira Castelo Airport, is a small and very compact air hub serving domestic flights in Brazil. Its infrastructure is simple and functional, making it convenient for passengers travelling through the region.

The airport consists of one passenger terminal, which handles both arriving and departing flights. All necessary zones are combined in this small building: check-in counters, security screening area, waiting lounge, and baggage claim area. Thanks to its compact dimensions, navigation through the terminal is intuitive, and everything is within walking distance. There are no transfers between terminals, as there is only one.

Departure and arrival zones are located in the same building. After entering the terminal, passengers find themselves in a common hall where the check-in counters are located. This is followed by a security checkpoint leading to a small waiting lounge before boarding. The arrival zone usually consists of a separate exit leading to the baggage claim belt, which is also located in the main hall.

Passing through check-in and screening procedures at Taua Airport typically takes very little time due to the low passenger flow. Unlike major hubs, there are no long queues here. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport as standard — approximately 1.5 hours before your flight departure, to complete all formalities calmly without rushing. Orienting yourself here is extremely simple: all signs are clearly visible, and getting lost is practically impossible.

Pedro Teixeira Castelo Regional Airport (JTA) in the city of Taua is a relatively modern aviation hub, the history of which is closely linked to the development of the interior regions of Brazil. The airport was inaugurated on 25 April 2013. Its construction was an important step within the framework of a government programme to improve transport accessibility and stimulate the economy in the state of Ceará.

The main objective of creating the airport was to serve the vast territories of Sertão de Crateús and Sertão dos Inhamuns. The infrastructure was initially designed to accommodate medium-haul aircraft, such as the ATR 72, which are frequently used on regional routes. A runway of 1600 metres in length and a modern passenger terminal were built to ensure flight comfort and safety, marking a significant stage in the development of the local transport network.

Since its opening, the airport has played a key role in meeting the needs of business and medical aviation, serving as a base for private flights and medical evacuations. Although the airport's history does not abound with loud records, its main achievement is its very existence, which has opened new opportunities for integrating remote areas and become a symbol of hope for the region's future economic prosperity.

Interesting fact: the airport is named after Pedro Teixeira Castelo, a former federal deputy and influential political figure from this region. This name is a tribute to his contribution to the development of the state of Ceará. The history of the airport in Taua is, above all, a history of strategic investment in the future and the desire to make every corner of the country more accessible.

Pedro Teixeira Castelo Regional Airport (JTA) is a compact air hub serving the city of Taua and its surroundings in Brazil. Given its size, the range of services here is basic but sufficient for a comfortable wait for a flight. Passengers can settle in the common waiting hall, and a small cafe or snack bar is available for refreshments. The choice of shops is usually limited to a kiosk where one can purchase press, beverages, and travel goods.

The availability of a Wi-Fi connection is recommended to be checked on-site, as it may be unstable or absent. A limited number of power outlets for charging gadgets are available in the waiting hall. It is worth noting that full-service bank branches and currency exchange points are absent at the airport. It is better to perform all financial transactions, including currency exchange, in the city in advance.

The airport is equipped to serve passengers with reduced mobility — ramps and necessary assistance during boarding and disembarking are provided. Specialised services for passengers with children, such as playrooms, may not be provided. In case of necessity, basic first aid can be obtained at the airport.

Specialised VIP lounges, business centres, and conference rooms are absent at Taua Airport. Passengers requiring overnight accommodation should consider options in hotels and guesthouses directly in the city of Taua, which is located not far from the airport.

When planning a departure from Pedro Teixeira Castelo Regional Airport (JTA), it is important to consider that this is a small airport serving predominantly local flights. Consequently, the choice of dining establishments here is quite limited, and typically only one or two small venues in the format of a cafe or snack bar operate on the premises.

Usually, such establishments are located in the common hall before security control (landside), making them accessible to both departing passengers and those meeting them. One should not count on full-service restaurants with extensive menus. The main assortment will likely consist of quick snacks and beverages. Here you can buy coffee, juices, water, sandwiches, pastries, and popular snacks in Brazil, such as pão de queijo (cheese buns) or salgados (small fried pies with various fillings).

Regarding special dietary needs, finding vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or Halal dishes at Taua airport will be extremely difficult. Passengers with specific dietary requirements are strongly advised to bring food with them. Cafe opening hours are usually tied to the flight schedule, and prices may be slightly higher than in the city.

Our advice: if you have time before departure, it is best to have a full lunch or dinner at one of the restaurants in the city of Taua itself. The airport is more suitable for having a cup of coffee or buying a light snack immediately before boarding the plane.

Travelling through the airport of Taua is an example of how simple and fast air travel can be. Since this is a small regional airport serving mainly private and charter flights, you will not have to face the queues and bustle of major aviation hubs. It is recommended to arrive approximately 45-60 minutes before departure. This time is more than sufficient to complete all formalities without haste.

Registration and screening procedures here are maximally simplified. Forget about long lines at counters — checking in for a flight usually involves a quick verification of documents with a representative of your charter company or directly with the pilot. Security control is conducted in accordance with general aviation rules but proceeds very quickly. Nevertheless, be ready to present documents and personal items for inspection.

One of the advantages of flying on small aircraft is the wonderful views. Practically any seat ends up being by a window, so you can enjoy panoramas of Brazil from above. The choice of a specific seat can often be discussed right before boarding, which adds a personal touch to the journey.

When preparing luggage, pay special attention to its weight and dimensions. For small aircraft, these parameters are critically important, so be sure to check the allowable limits with your air carrier. Standard restrictions on carrying liquids (in containers up to 100 ml) and the ban on sharp objects also apply, so it is better to observe them by default.

If you are using an air taxi from Taua to reach a major airport for a further connection, factor a significant time buffer into your itinerary. Although departure from the regional airport will be quick, this will help avoid problems in case of unforeseen delays at any stage of the journey.

To save a little, take light snacks and an empty reusable water bottle with you, which can be filled after passing security. The main saving when flying from such an airport is your time and nerves, as the entire process from arrival to boarding the plane takes mere minutes.

In case of a flight delay or cancellation, immediately contact a representative of your carrier company or the pilot. They will provide the most up-to-date information and explain the further course of action. Since this involves charter transport, resolving issues usually happens much faster and in a more personal manner than with major airlines.