Uberaba Airport

Uberaba - Mário de Almeida Franco Airport (IATA: UBA) serves as the air gateway to one of the key cities in the state of Minas Gerais in Brazil. Located in the Triângulo Mineiro region, internationally renowned as the world capital of Zebu cattle, the airport plays a vital role in serving business travellers, agricultural exhibition participants, and tourists. Despite its modest size, it is an important transport hub connecting Uberaba with the country's largest cities. Since 2023, the airport has been managed by Aena Brasil, promising further development of its infrastructure.

The main advantage of Uberaba Airport is its exceptional location — just a few kilometres from the city centre, allowing you to reach your hotel or business meeting in 10–15 minutes. The airport handles only domestic flights but ensures stable connections with major transport hubs in Brazil, such as Belo Horizonte and São Paulo. In a terminal spanning over 2,000 square metres, passengers have access to basic services, including small cafes and car rental desks, ensuring comfort upon arrival and departure.

For your convenience, we have compiled the essential contact information for Uberaba - Mário de Almeida Franco Airport (UBA).

• Official Website: www.aenabrasil.com.br (Aena Brasil operator website)
• Information Desk Phone: +55 (34) 3319-9600
• Airport Address: Praça Bagatelle, 200 - Santos Dumont, Uberaba - MG, 38050-510, Brazil
• Email: It is recommended to use the "Fale Conosco" (Contact Us) form on the official airport website for enquiries.
• Social Media: Current information can be found on the official social media pages of the operator, Aena Brasil.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage is lost, you should first contact your airline's representative office. For items left within the terminal building, please contact the airport administration via the main phone number.
• Passenger Support Contacts: Assistance and consultation can be obtained by calling the information desk or visiting the information point within the terminal building.

Uberaba Airport (Mário de Almeida Franco Airport) is conveniently located just a few kilometres from the city centre of Uberaba. Thanks to this, it can be reached quickly via several methods, including public transport, taxis, and rental cars. The travel time rarely exceeds 15-20 minutes, making the terminal easily accessible for travellers.

The most budget-friendly way to get to the airport is by using city buses. Although there may not be a direct express route, several city lines pass near the terminal. It is recommended to check the current route numbers and schedules on the local transport authority's website in advance. This option is ideal for tourists without large amounts of luggage who wish to save money.

A trip by taxi or ride-hailing app (such as Uber) is the most popular and convenient way to reach the airport. The journey from the city centre will take just 10-15 minutes depending on traffic conditions. The cost of the trip will be low due to the short distance. This is the optimal choice for those who value comfort, are travelling with luggage, or simply prefer not to navigate the public transport system.

If you plan to move actively around the city and its surroundings in Brazil, renting a car is an excellent solution. Several car rental company desks are present at Uberaba Airport. You can pick up a car immediately upon arrival or, conversely, return it before departure. This ensures maximum flexibility and independence during your journey.

For those arriving at the airport in their own or a rented vehicle, parking is provided. Options for both short-term and long-term parking are usually available. Rates may vary, so it is worth visiting the airport's official website before your trip to familiarise yourself with current prices and conditions.

Uberaba Airport (UBA), serving the city of Uberaba in Brazil, is a small regional aviation hub. Its infrastructure is simple and passenger-friendly, making navigation intuitively clear.

The airport structure includes one passenger terminal that handles all domestic flights — both departures and arrivals. Due to its compact size, all key zones are within walking distance of each other. You will not have to worry about transfers between terminals, as all operations are concentrated in a single building.

Departure and arrival zones are located in the same building. Upon entering the terminal, you find yourself in a general hall where airline check-in counters are located. After receiving a boarding pass and checking in luggage, passengers pass through the single security screening point, which leads to a small departure lounge with a few boarding gates. The arrival zone is equally simple: after disembarking the aircraft, passengers enter the baggage claim area with one or two belts and then exit into the main terminal hall, where they can be met.

Check-in and screening procedures at Uberaba Airport usually proceed quite quickly due to the low passenger volume. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport as standard — 1.5-2 hours before departure — to complete all formalities without rushing, especially if you are travelling during peak times.

Navigating the airport requires no special effort. All signs are clear, and staff are always ready to help. The main advice is to follow the standard signs for "Departure" (Embarque) and "Arrival" (Desembarque). All main services, including airline ticket offices, small cafes, and car rental desks, are located in the main hall of the terminal or directly at the exit.

Uberaba - Mário de Almeida Franco Airport (UBA) is not just a transport hub, but an important part of the history of the city of Uberaba and the entire Triângulo Mineiro region in Brazil. Named after an influential local entrepreneur and politician, it has served as the main air gateway for decades, contributing to the economic and social development of this part of the country.

The history of the airport began in 1935 with the opening of the first airfield. At that time, it was a modest airstrip, which nevertheless played a key role in overcoming the region's isolation. The first flights, mainly postal and passenger services on small aircraft, were a true breakthrough, linking Uberaba with major centres in Brazil.

A real leap in development occurred in the post-war years. A crucial stage was the modernisation in 1953, when the runway received a paved surface. This allowed for the reception of larger and more modern aircraft. However, the airport underwent a radical transformation in 1980 with the opening of a new, spacious passenger terminal, which forms the basis of the complex's infrastructure today.

In recent history, the airport has continued to develop. In 1996, it was officially named Mário de Almeida Franco in tribute to his contribution. For a long time, the airport was managed by the state company Infraero, which carried out planned renovations and maintained its operation. A recent significant event was the transfer of management to the private operator Aena Brasil, opening new prospects for modernisation and expansion in the future.

One interesting fact is the airport's close connection with the main asset of Uberaba, known as the world capital of Zebu. Air transport significantly simplified logistics for livestock breeders and business people arriving for international exhibitions and auctions. Today, Uberaba Airport continues to be a vital artery, supporting business ties and opening the region to tourists.

Uberaba - Mário de Almeida Franco Airport (UBA) is a regional aviation hub providing passengers with all essential amenities for a comfortable wait. Despite its compact size, the terminal is well-organised and offers a range of necessary services for travellers arriving in or departing from Uberaba.

For those wishing to have a snack, several cafes and snack bars operate in the airport, where you can order Brazilian coffee, pastries, sandwiches, and soft drinks. The selection of shops is limited; mainly consisting of kiosks selling newspapers, souvenirs, and essential items. Regarding financial services, ATMs are installed in the terminal, though specialised currency exchange bureaus may be absent, so it is better to arrange currency exchange in advance.

Passengers can stay connected thanks to Wi-Fi access throughout the terminal. There are also designated spots for charging electronic devices. The airport does not have separate VIP lounges, but the general waiting areas are quite comfortable. For travellers with special needs, ramps and adapted restrooms are provided, and staff are ready to offer necessary assistance. Families with children can make use of the mother and child room.

In case of illness, there is a medical post at the airport for first aid. There are no hotels directly inside the terminal building, but many accommodation options can be found in the city itself, which is easily accessible by taxi in 10-15 minutes. Specialised conference halls or business centres are absent at the airport, as it is primarily oriented towards serving passenger transport.

Uberaba Airport (UBA), being a regional hub, offers passengers basic but convenient options for a snack while waiting for a flight. Do not expect a wide variety of fine dining restaurants here as you might in large international hubs. The main focus is on cafes and snack bars offering quick and quality service.

In the main terminal, usually in the public area (before security control), there are small cafes and lanchonetes — traditional Brazilian snack bars. Here you can try classic local fast food. Be sure to order a cup of aromatic Brazilian coffee with fresh pão de queijo (cheese bread buns). Also popular are various salgados — savoury pastries, for example, coxinha (chicken croquette) or esfiha (meat pie).

For a more substantial snack, you can find sandwiches or simple ready-made meals, but it is better to plan a full lunch or dinner in the city of Uberaba itself. After passing security control (in the sterile area), the selection is usually more limited and may be reduced to a small kiosk with drinks and packaged snacks.

Regarding special dietary requirements, finding specific vegan, gluten-free, or Halal menus here may be difficult. However, in most cafes, you can buy fruits, juices, water, and nuts. The price range at the airport, as elsewhere, is slightly higher than in the city but remains moderate. Opening hours of establishments are usually tied to the flight schedule and cover morning and daytime departures.

To ensure your journey through Uberaba Airport goes as smoothly as possible, take advantage of these useful tips. A little preparation will help save time, stress, and even money.

Arrival time at the airport: For domestic flights within Brazil, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 1.5-2 hours before departure. This time is usually sufficient to complete all pre-flight formalities without rushing. If you are flying on an international itinerary (even with a transfer in another Brazilian city), it is better to allow about 3 hours.

Check-in and security control: The fastest way to check in for a flight is via online check-in, which most airlines open 24-48 hours before departure. This will allow you to avoid queues at the counters. When going through security, prepare your boarding pass and documents in advance, and remove laptops, tablets, and liquids from your hand luggage into a separate tray.

Seat selection: Do you want to admire the views from the window? Choose a window seat. If the ability to stand up and leave freely without disturbing neighbours is important to you, your choice is an aisle seat. Bear in mind that many airlines charge an additional fee for selecting a specific seat, especially those with extra legroom.

Hand luggage: You are permitted to take documents, money, gadgets, necessary medicines, and a small set of personal items in your hand luggage. Remember the rule for liquids: all must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in a single transparent bag. It is strictly forbidden to carry weapons, sharp objects, explosives, and flammable substances in the cabin.

Passengers with transfers: If you have a connecting flight, clarify at check-in whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage at the transfer point. Study the map of the transit airport in advance to quickly find your next boarding gate. Keep all boarding passes close at hand.

Customs control: When entering the country, be ready to present your passport and, if necessary, a visa. If you are carrying goods subject to declaration, fill out a customs declaration form. To avoid delays, familiarise yourself with the customs regulations of Brazil in advance.

Saving time and money: To save money, buy tickets in advance, watch for airline promotions, and avoid excess baggage fees by weighing your luggage at home. To avoid spending extra at the airport, bring an empty water bottle with you (it can be filled after security) and light snacks.

In case of flight delay: First, contact your airline representative for information on the flight status and further actions. The airline is obliged to provide passengers with food and drinks during long delays. Remain calm and monitor announcements and information on the departure boards.