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Tres Lagoas (Plinio Alarcom)

About the Airport

Tres Lagoas (Plinio Alarcom). Source: Kupi.com Binoculars

Três Lagoas Airport (Plínio Alarcão) is the aerial gateway to one of the key industrial centres of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul. Located in the city of Três Lagoas, it serves as a vital transport hub for both business travellers and tourists. This small yet modern airport provides direct connections to major cities in Brazil, eliminating the need for long bus journeys. Its compactness and well-thought-out organisation allow passengers to complete all pre-flight formalities quickly and without unnecessary fuss.

IATA Code TJL
ICAO Code SSTL
City Três Lagoas
Distance to Centre About 6 km.
Status Domestic.
Annual Passengers Over 14,000 (2022).
Popular Airlines Azul Linhas Aéreas, VoePass Linhas Aéreas
Schedule online flight status "Três Lagoas (Plínio Alarcão)"

The main advantage of Plínio Alarcão Airport is its efficiency and passenger convenience. Due to its small size, there are practically no long queues here, and navigation through the terminal is intuitive. The airport plays a key role in the economic life of the region, which is considered one of the world's centres for the pulp and paper industry, ensuring mobility for specialists and business people. For tourists, it is the starting point for exploring the nature and culture of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, offering a comfortable start to their journey.

Contact Information

Planning your route through Plínio Alarcão Airport? Below you will find contact information to help you orient yourself and resolve any potential issues.

  • Official Website: At the moment, Três Lagoas Airport does not have a separate official website. We recommend checking up-to-date information on flights and services on the websites of the airlines operating flights to this airport, such as Azul Linhas Aéreas.
  • Inquiry Service Phone: For general questions related to airport operations, you can contact the administration by phone: +55 (67) 3522-7901.
  • Airport Address: Aeroporto Municipal Plínio Alarcão, Rodovia BR-262, km 4, Três Lagoas, MS, 79640-300, Brazil.
  • Email: An official public email address for contacting the airport administration is not provided. It is recommended to use the telephone for communication.
  • Social Media: The airport does not have official pages on social networks. News related to air traffic is sometimes published on the official resources of the Municipality of Três Lagoas.
  • Lost Luggage Information: If you have lost items within the terminal building, contact the airport administration at the phone number listed above. For questions regarding lost or damaged checked baggage, please contact your airline's representative directly.
  • Passenger Support Contacts: For assistance with general matters at the airport, please contact the administration by phone. If your question concerns tickets, flight check-in, or special services (such as assistance for reduced mobility), please contact your airline's support service.

How to Get to the Airport

Três Lagoas Airport named after Plínio Alarcão (TJL) is located quite close to the city centre of Três Lagoas, just a few kilometres away, so getting there is quick and straightforward. Depending on your budget and preferences, you can choose one of several convenient methods.

The simplest and most popular option is taxi or transfer. The trip from the city centre to the terminal will take approximately 10–15 minutes depending on traffic conditions. You can use the services of local taxi companies or book a car via popular ride-hailing apps in Brazil. This is the most comfortable method, especially if you are travelling with luggage. The cost of the trip will be moderate, but it is recommended to clarify the price with the driver before starting the journey.

As for public transport, there is generally no direct express bus to the airport. However, city bus routes may pass nearby. This option is the most budget-friendly but may not be the most convenient: you might have to transfer and walk part of the way. Before your trip, it is worth studying the current maps and schedules of local transport in advance.

For those who value independence in movement, car rental is an excellent solution. Both local and international rental agencies operate in the city of Três Lagoas. You can rent a car in the centre and return it upon arrival at the airport if the company has a representative office there. Next to the terminal, there is parking where you can leave a car for both short and long periods if you arrived at the airport in your own vehicle.

Terminals and Map

Três Lagoas Airport (Plínio Alarcão) is a compact regional aviation hub that serves domestic flights. Its infrastructure is simple and intuitive, making your stay here comfortable and eliminating the stress typical of large airports.

The airport structure includes one passenger terminal, which simultaneously serves both departing and arriving passengers. The terminal building is a single space where all main zones are located within walking distance of each other. Thanks to this, transfers between zones are not required—everything is under one roof.

Upon entering the terminal, you immediately find yourself in the general area where the airline check-in counters are located. Directly behind them is the security screening zone, leading to a small departure lounge with a boarding gate. The arrival zone is also located in the same building and has a separate exit to the general area, where you can meet arriving passengers or take a taxi.

Check-in and security procedures at Três Lagoas Airport usually proceed very quickly. Typically, this takes no more than 20–30 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 1.5 hours before departure to complete all formalities without rushing. It is practically impossible to get lost here, as all navigation is reduced to moving within a single small hall.

Airport History

The airport of Três Lagoas, bearing the name of the city's former mayor Plínio Alarcão, officially opened its doors on 15 October 1993. Its construction was an important milestone for the region, as it was intended to replace an older, more modest airfield and stimulate economic growth associated with the developing industry.

Initially, the airport served mainly private and business aviation. A key stage in its history began in 2013 with the launch of a large-scale modernisation programme. During the reconstruction, the passenger terminal was significantly expanded and updated, the runway was improved, and modern lighting and navigation equipment was installed. The main goal of these transformations was to prepare the airport to receive regular commercial flights and larger aircraft.

The result of the modernisation was the transformation of the airport into a fully-fledged regional transport hub. A significant event was the commencement of regular flights by airlines linking Três Lagoas with major aviation hubs in Brazil. This not only simplified travel for local residents but also played a decisive role in supporting the city's status as the "world pulp capital," providing convenient connections for engineers, investors, and business people.

Today, the history of Plínio Alarcão Airport is an example of successful infrastructure development in response to economic needs. From a small site for light aircraft, it has turned into a modern aerial gateway, which is a vital element for the prosperity of one of the key industrial centres of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul.

Services and Amenities

Três Lagoas Airport named after Plínio Alarcão (TJL), serving the eponymous city in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, is a regional aviation hub in Brazil. Like most small airports, it offers a basic set of amenities to make waiting for your flight comfortable. The terminal is compact, so all services are within walking distance.

For passengers, there is a small café operating in the airport where you can buy snacks, sandwiches, pastries, and beverages. The selection is limited, so for a full meal, it is better to eat in the city beforehand. A small kiosk with souvenirs and essential items may also be available.

Free Wi-Fi is usually available in the terminal building, and there are power outlets in the waiting lounge for charging electronic devices. Regarding financial services, there are no VIP lounges or specialised currency exchange points at the airport. You can use ATMs to withdraw cash, but it is recommended to exchange currency in advance at major banks.

The airport is equipped to serve passengers with special needs: there are ramps and specially equipped restrooms. Assistance with boarding and disembarking is provided upon prior request via the airline. For passengers with small children, a mother and child room is provided. In case first aid is required, please contact airport staff, who will summon medical personnel.

There are no hotels or business centres on the territory of Três Lagoas Airport. The nearest hotels are located in the city of Três Lagoas, which can be reached by taxi in 15–20 minutes. Conference rooms and other business services can also be found there.

Where to Eat

Três Lagoas Airport (Plínio Alarcão) is a small regional aviation hub, so dining options here are quite modest and designed mainly for a quick snack before departure. It is important to understand that you will not find the variety of restaurants and cafés typical of large international airports here.

The main and, as a rule, the only place for food is a small café or snack bar (in Brazil they are called lanchonete), located in the main hall of the terminal, in the public area before security control. This makes it convenient for both departing passengers and those meeting them. The opening hours of such an establishment are usually tied to the flight schedule—it opens a few hours before departure and closes after the last plane departs.

The assortment here is standard for Brazilian snack bars:

  • For a quick snack: We recommend trying fresh pastries, especially the famous cheese bread pão de queijo—this is a hallmark of local cuisine. Various salgados (savoury snacks) are also served here, for example, coxinhas (teardrop-shaped chicken croquettes) or esfihas (open pies with meat).
  • For a more substantial meal: You can order hot or cold sandwiches, such as misto quente (hot ham and cheese sandwich).
  • Beverages: Coffee, juices, sparkling water, and other soft drinks.

Prices at the airport are moderate but slightly higher than in the city. If you require a full lunch or dinner, it is better to do this in advance at one of the restaurants in the city of Três Lagoas. Regarding special dietary requirements (such as vegan or Halal dishes), finding them here is practically impossible. The only option for people with gluten intolerance might be pão de queijo, as it is traditionally made from tapioca flour, but please be mindful of the risk of cross-contamination. Travellers with strict dietary restrictions are advised to bring food with them.

Tips for Travellers

To ensure your journey through Três Lagoas Airport (Plínio Alarcão) is as comfortable and hassle-free as possible, take advantage of our practical tips. These recommendations will help you navigate the airport and save time and peace of mind.

Arrival Time at the Airport. For domestic flights, which are the main focus of Três Lagoas Airport, it is recommended to arrive no later than 2 hours before departure. This buffer is usually sufficient to calmly check in luggage, pass security control, and reach the boarding gate.

Check-in and Screening. To avoid queues, use online check-in on your airline's website. This will allow you to choose a seat and obtain a boarding pass in advance. At the security checkpoint, be prepared to remove laptops and other large gadgets from your carry-on luggage, and pack all liquids (in containers up to 100 ml) in a separate transparent bag.

Seat Selection. If you want to enjoy the views during takeoff and landing, choose a window seat. For those who value freedom of movement, prefer to disembark among the first, or are simply tall, an aisle seat is ideal.

Carry-on Luggage. Ensure that your carry-on luggage contains no prohibited items: sharp objects, weapons, or flammable substances. Carriage rules may differ slightly between carriers, so checking the information on your airline's website before departure is advisable.

Connecting Passengers. If you have a connecting flight, upon arrival at Três Lagoas Airport, clarify whether you need to collect your luggage and check it in again. All information about the next flight, including the boarding gate number, will be available on the information screens in the arrival hall.

Customs Control. Since the airport serves primarily domestic flights within Brazil, standard customs control for arriving passengers is absent. However, random sanitary or agricultural inspection of luggage is possible.

Saving Time and Money. Book tickets in advance and travel light with only carry-on luggage to avoid paying for checked bags. Bring an empty water bottle with you—it can be filled at drinking fountains after the security zone. This will help save on purchasing drinks at the airport.

Flight Delays. In the event of a flight delay or cancellation, remain calm and contact an airline representative for information on further actions. Depending on the duration of the wait, you may be offered vouchers for food or drinks. This time can be used for resting, reading, or working.

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