Tefe Airport

Tefé Airport (TFF) is not just a runway in the middle of the jungle, but a strategically important gateway to the very heart of the Brazilian Amazon. Located in the state of Amazonas, it serves as a key transport hub for researchers, eco-tourists, and locals, providing access to unique corners of the planet. It is from here that exciting expeditions to reserves and river journeys begin, making this small but significant airport the starting point for unforgettable adventures.

The main advantage of Tefé Airport lies in its unique location. It is the primary access point to the famous Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve, which is known for its incredible biodiversity, including rare pink river dolphins and uakari monkeys. For many travellers, this airport marks the beginning of their immersion into the world of Amazonian wildlife. Despite its modest size, the airport offers all the basic services necessary for a comfortable start or end to a journey: a compact terminal, a waiting hall, and check-in counters. Its role in regional logistics and the development of eco-tourism is difficult to overestimate, as it connects remote areas with major cities such as Manaus.

You can contact Tefé Airport representatives in several ways. Below are the main contact details for passengers.

• Official website: All current information on flights, services, and regulations can be found on the official website of the operator Vinci Airports: www.aeroportosdaamazonia.com.br.
• Inquiry service phone: For immediate information, you can call: +55 (97) 3343-2300.
• Address: Estrada do Aeroporto, s/n - Aeroporto, Tefé - AM, CEP 69553-350, Brazil.
• Email: A direct email address is not published. For communication, it is recommended to use the feedback form on the airport's official website.
• Lost luggage information: If your luggage was lost during the flight, you must first contact your airline's representative office. For items left in the terminal building, please contact the information desk.
• Passenger support service: For general questions and assistance at the airport, please contact the information desk or the inquiry service phone.

Getting to Tefé Airport (TFE) from the city of the same name is quite simple, as it is located very close to the centre. Tefé is a small town in the heart of the Amazon, so the transport system here has its own peculiarities. The main ways to get to the airport are taxis, mototaxis, and, with certain caveats, public transport.

Taxis and mototaxis are the most common and convenient options. A trip from the city centre by car taxi or by mototaxi—which is more exotic for tourists—will take just 10–15 minutes. Mototaxis are generally cheaper and are a popular means of transport throughout the city. It is strongly recommended to agree on the fare with the driver in advance to avoid misunderstandings. This method offers an ideal balance between speed, convenience, and price.

Public transport in Tefé is represented by local buses, however, their routes and schedules can be irregular and not always convenient for tourists with luggage. Although this is the most budget-friendly way to get to the airport, it may require more time and patience. If you decide to use the bus, it is better to check with locals in advance for current information about the route passing by the airport.

Car rental and parking. Services of major international car rental companies in Tefé will likely be unavailable. It may be possible to arrange a rental locally through local agencies or private individuals, but this is not the most reliable option. If you are travelling in your own or a rented vehicle, the airport has a car park. Given the modest size of the terminal, finding a space is usually not a problem.

Tefé Airport (TFF) is a small regional air hub that serves as a gateway to the heart of the Brazilian Amazon. Its structure is maximally simple and functional, allowing passengers to navigate without the slightest difficulty. The airport consists of one compact terminal that handles both arriving and departing flights.

The terminal layout is intuitively clear. The building is a single space where all necessary zones are located. Immediately at the entrance, you will find the check-in counters, followed by a small security screening area. The departure and arrival zones are in close proximity to each other. The waiting hall is small, with a basic set of amenities. Since there is only one terminal, there is no issue of transferring between them — everything is within walking distance.

Check-in and security procedures at Tefé Airport usually proceed very quickly due to the low passenger flow. There are no long queues here typical of major airports. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 1.5-2 hours before a domestic flight departure to calmly drop off luggage and complete all formalities without rushing.

The main recommendation for navigation is not to worry. In this airport, it is practically impossible to get lost. All signs and services are located in plain sight in one hall. The staff, although speaking predominantly Portuguese, are friendly and ready to help. The simplicity and compactness of Tefé Airport allow you to start your journey through Brazil calmly and without unnecessary stress.

The history of Tefé Airport (TFF) is a tale of connecting a remote corner of the Amazon with the rest of the world. Initially, it was built as a military airfield for the needs of the Brazilian Air Force, fulfilling a strategic task of supporting garrisons and settlements in hard-to-reach areas of the tropical forests. For a long time, it remained primarily a departmental facility, playing a key role in logistics and ensuring regional security.

A turning point in the airport's development was 1980, when on March 31st, management was transferred to the state company Infraero. From that day, its transformation into a fully-fledged civil airport began. It became the main air bridge linking the region of the middle Solimões River with the capital of the state of Amazonas — Manaus, and, consequently, with the entire country. This opened new opportunities for residents, business, and tourism.

To meet growing needs, Tefé Airport went through several stages of modernisation. The most significant reconstruction was carried out in the period from 2005 to 2007. During this time, a new, more modern passenger terminal was built, the runway surface was renewed, and the aircraft apron was expanded. In 2011, the terminal was improved again, which allowed for better passenger service quality.

An interesting fact from the airport's history is its vital social role. It serves not only for commercial flights but also for emergency medical evacuation, support of scientific expeditions to the famous Mamirauá Reserve, and delivery of humanitarian cargo to isolated indigenous communities. A new chapter in history began in April 2021, when the airport was transferred under concession to the international operator Vinci Airports for 30 years, promising further investment and development for this important Amazonian air harbour.

Tefé Airport (TFF) is a small regional air hub serving as an important gateway to the heart of the Brazilian Amazon. Given its size and purpose, the set of services here is basic and aimed at satisfying the essential needs of passengers before departure or immediately after arrival.

For passengers, the terminal has several small cafes and eateries where you can buy drinks, sandwiches, and local snacks. The selection is not very large but sufficient to have a bite while waiting for a flight. There are also several kiosks offering essential goods and souvenirs.

Wi-Fi may be available at the airport, but its stability is not always guaranteed, so it is recommended to have a local SIM card for reliable internet access. The number of charging stations for electronic devices is limited, so it is better to bring a portable power bank. Specialised waiting lounges or VIP lounges are generally absent; a general waiting hall is provided for all passengers.

Financial services are minimal. There may be an ATM in the airport building, but one should not count on full bank branches or currency exchange points. It is recommended to exchange money in advance in larger cities of Brazil. For first aid, the airport has a basic medical point.

For passengers with children, diaper changing tables may be available in the restrooms, but there are no dedicated play areas. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with assistance during boarding and disembarking, but the airline should be notified in advance of the need for such a service. The airport is equipped with ramps for ease of movement.

There are no hotels within the airport territory itself, however, various accommodation options can be found in the city of Tefé, located nearby. Business centres and conference halls are absent at Tefé Airport.

Tefé Airport (TFF) is a small regional air terminal, so the choice of dining establishments here is quite limited. Travellers should plan their meals in advance, especially if they have specific dietary requirements or are counting on a full lunch or dinner.

Typically, all available food outlets are located in the main public hall (before the security checkpoint). The airport operates one small terminal, so finding a cafe will not be difficult. Usually, it is a modest snack bar or, as they say in Brazil, a lanchonete. Here you can have a quick bite before departure.

The assortment usually includes:

• Drinks: coffee, soft drinks, bottled water, and fresh juices. Sometimes you can find juices from local Amazonian fruits such as açaí or cupuaçu.
• Snacks: classic Brazilian `salgados` — savoury pastries like cheese bread `pão de queijo`, chicken croquettes `coxinha`, or `esfiha`.
• Light meals: simple cheese and ham sandwiches.

One should not expect full hot meals, à la carte restaurants, or a wide selection of local cuisine. To explore Amazonian gastronomy, it is better to visit establishments in the city of Tefé itself. Options for vegetarians, vegans, or passengers with gluten intolerance are practically absent. If you have strict dietary restrictions, it is strongly recommended to bring food with you.

The opening hours of such cafes are usually tied to the flight schedule — they open a few hours before departure and close after the last plane departs. Prices, as in most airports, are slightly higher than in the city but remain within reasonable limits.

Travelling through Tefé Airport, the gateway to the heart of the Amazon, will be more comfortable if you familiarise yourself with its features in advance. This is a small regional airport, so many procedures here are faster than in major hubs, but preparation is still important.

Arrival and check-in: For domestic flights within Brazil, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before departure. This time is usually sufficient to check in at the counter and drop off luggage. To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides such an option. Security control is standard, but due to the small size of the airport, queues here are generally minimal.

Seat selection and hand luggage: When flying from Tefé, try to get a window seat. You may be treated to stunning views of the endless expanses of the rainforest and winding riverbeds. Be sure to pack all valuables, documents, electronics, and necessary medications in your hand luggage. Remember the standard restrictions on carrying liquids: no more than 100 ml in one container, packed in a transparent bag.

Transfers and customs: Most flights from Tefé are domestic, most often to Manaus. If you have a connecting flight planned, ensure you have enough time between flights (at least 2 hours). Customs control is only for passengers on international flights, so when flying from Tefé to another Brazilian city, you will not encounter it. This significantly simplifies and speeds up the process.

Saving money and flight delays: In small airports, there is usually a limited selection of cafes and shops, and prices may be higher. To save money, bring a light snack and an empty water bottle, which can be filled after passing security control. In case of a flight delay, follow the information on the departure board and in the airline's app. Do not hesitate to ask the carrier's representatives for information about your rights, including the provision of drinks or meals during long waits.