Uniao da Vitoria

Aeroporto de União da Vitória, also known as José Cleto Airport, is a welcoming air gateway to the picturesque Iguaçu River valley. Located in the south of the state of Paraná, it serves the unique conurbation of "twin cities": União da Vitória and Porto União, situated on the border of two states. This compact regional airport is ideal for those who value time and wish to quickly reach this colourful corner of Brazil, bypassing long overland journeys.

Despite its modest size, the airport plays a significant role in the region's transport accessibility, connecting it with the state capital, Curitiba. A calm and homely atmosphere prevails here, typical of small airfields, free from the noise and bustle of major international hubs. Arrival here is often accompanied by beautiful views of the winding Iguaçu River, which becomes the first vivid impression of the trip.

Airport Features and Advantages:

• Exceptional proximity to the city: The airport is located practically within the city limits, in the São Cristóvão district. The journey to the centre takes just a few minutes by taxi or car, which is a huge advantage for business travellers and tourists.
• Scenic landing approaches: Thanks to its location in the valley, passengers can enjoy breathtaking views of green hills and the Iguaçu River channel during take-off and landing.
• No queues: Due to the low passenger flow, all pre-flight formalities are completed as quickly as possible and without stress.
• Access to two states: Arriving here, you effectively find yourself on the threshold of two Brazilian states at once — Paraná and Santa Catarina, as the border runs directly along the city limits.

José Cleto Airport is a small regional airfield managed by municipal authorities. Consequently, it does not have a 24-hour hotline or a large-scale information service typical of major international hubs. For communication, it is recommended to use the city administration contacts or reach out directly to the air carrier.

• Airport Address: Av. Paula Freitas, s/n - São Cristóvão, União da Vitória - PR, 84600-000, Brazil.
• Official Airport Website: There is no dedicated website. Official information is published on the City Hall portal (Prefeitura Municipal de União da Vitória).
• Information Service Phone: +55 (42) 3521-1200 (General number for the city administration; direct connection to the terminal may not be available).
• Email: There is no public address for passenger enquiries.
• Airport Social Media: Separate accounts are absent; news can be tracked on the municipality's social networks.
• Lost Luggage Information: Tracing items is carried out through the representative of the airline operating the flight (e.g., Azul Conecta), directly in the arrival area.
• Passenger Support Contacts: Assistance is provided by airport and airline staff at check-in counters exclusively during terminal operating hours (during flight arrivals and departures).

Thanks to the airport being located practically within the city limits, in the São Cristóvão district, getting to it or travelling to the centre is incredibly simple. The distance to the central square and main hotels is only about 2–3 kilometres. Unlike in megacities, here you will not have to spend hours in traffic jams on the way to your flight.

Taxi and Transfer

This is the most convenient and popular method of transport. Given the short distance, the trip will be quite inexpensive.

• Travel Time: From the city centre (União da Vitória or neighbouring Porto União), the journey will take just 5–10 minutes.
• Services: Popular taxi-hailing apps operate in the city (e.g., Uber or 99); however, in small regions, car waiting times may vary. A reliable alternative is official city taxis (Ponto de Táxi), which can be found at stands in the centre or called by phone.
• Cost: The estimated price of the trip is between 15 and 25 Brazilian Reals (BRL), depending on the time of day and departure point.

Public Transport

There are no specialised airport express trains, metro, or rail services in the city. However, since the airport is within city limits, regular municipal buses pass by it.

• Buses: Routes passing along Av. Paula Freitas stop within walking distance of the terminal. This is the most budget-friendly option (a ticket costs about 4–5 BRL), but it is not recommended for passengers with bulky luggage, as buses may be crowded with local residents.

Car Rental and Parking

If you plan to travel around the region by car, it is worth considering the specifics of local service.

• Car Rental: Counters for major international rental companies may be absent directly inside the tiny airport terminal. It is recommended to book a car in advance for delivery to your flight or to visit rental offices in the city centre.
• Parking: There is a small open car park in front of the terminal building. As a rule, in such regional airports, it is either free or costs a nominal amount, but spaces are not guarded, so do not leave valuables in the cabin.

Alternative Airports Nearby

Since the local airport accepts a limited number of light aviation flights, many tourists prefer to fly into larger hubs and travel to União da Vitória by ground transport (bus or rental car).

The nearest major hub is Afonso Pena International Airport in Curitiba (about 205 km), from where regular bus services connect to the city. The journey by car will take about 3–3.5 hours.

You can also consider other options in the neighbouring state of Santa Catarina:

• Correia Pinto Regional Airport (170 km) — the closest, but with a limited flight map.
• Chapecó Airport (187 km) — an important regional hub.
• Joinville-Lauro Carneiro de Loyola Airport (226 km) — convenient for those combining the trip with a visit to the coast.
• Navegantes Airport (251 km) — a popular resort airport.

The terminal complex of União da Vitória Airport (UVI) is notable for its maximum compactness and simplicity. Unlike major aviation hubs, there is no complex navigation system, multiple levels, or confusing passageways here. The airport consists of a single passenger terminal located in a small single-storey building.

The structure of the terminal is intuitively understandable at first glance. The passenger's entire journey — from the entrance door to the aircraft steps — takes just a few minutes and covers only a few dozen metres. Thanks to the intimate atmosphere, the risk of getting lost here is completely eliminated.

Functional Zones of the Terminal:

• Check-in Zone: Located immediately at the entrance. Here you will find airline counters (usually Azul Conecta), where document checks and luggage weighing take place. Queues here are a rarity.
• Waiting Hall: A small space with seats where passengers wait for the boarding call. The infrastructure is minimalist: there are restrooms, but no shops, cafes, or business lounges. We recommend arranging snacks and water in advance, while still in the city.
• Departure and Arrival Zone: There is no separation into floors in the terminal. Boarding is accessed through a door leading directly onto the apron. There are no jet bridges: passengers walk to the aircraft across the airfield, allowing for a close-up view of the plane. Upon arrival, luggage collection happens almost immediately — it is often handed out manually or placed on a small counter.

Time and Procedures

The main advantage of the UVI terminal is the speed of service. Check-in and pre-flight security procedures (if required for the specific flight type) are conducted very efficiently.

• It is recommended to arrive at the airport 40–60 minutes before departure. This time is more than sufficient to calmly complete all formalities.
• Because flights are operated on small aircraft (e.g., Cessna Grand Caravan with a capacity of up to 9–12 passengers), boarding and disembarking take only 5–10 minutes.

The terminal of José Cleto Airport is an example of rational minimalism, where everything is arranged so that the traveller can continue their journey as quickly as possible, enjoying the beauty of the flight over the Iguaçu Valley rather than wasting time in queues.

The history of União da Vitória Airport (UVI), officially bearing the name José Cleto (Aeroporto José Cleto), is inextricably linked to the economic development of the region, known for its timber industry and yerba mate production. Although the air harbour cannot boast a centuries-old history or the status of an aviation giant, its past is a chronicle of the struggle for transport accessibility in remote corners of the state of Paraná.

Foundation and Early Years

The airport was founded in the mid-20th century, when the development of roads in Brazil had not yet reached modern levels, and light aviation was vital for connecting with the state centre. Initially, it was a simple dirt strip serving local aero club enthusiasts, postal planes, and rare private flights for businessmen. An important milestone was the naming of the airport after José Cleto — a tribute to a local figure who contributed to the development of the municipality.

Era of Change and Modernisation

For a long time, the airport remained exclusively a hub for general aviation. However, with the growth of the twin cities of União da Vitória and Porto União, a need for regular connections arose. The airport's history knows periods of quiet when commercial flights were completely absent.

A key historical turning point in recent years was the inclusion of the airport in the state regional aviation development programme "Voe Paraná". This event gave a powerful impetus to infrastructure renewal:

• The passenger terminal was reconstructed to meet modern safety standards.
• The runway surface was improved, and the signal lighting system was updated.
• Procedures were implemented allowing the airport to be certified to receive commercial flights from Azul Conecta.

Interesting Facts and Features

There are several notable moments in the airport's history that make it a unique object on the map of Brazil:

• Strategic Geography: Historically, the airport was built taking into account its unique position on the state border. It has always served as an unspoken air bridge not only for Paraná but also for the north of the state of Santa Catarina.
• Weather Challenge: Due to its location in the Iguaçu River valley, the airport was historically considered difficult for pilots due to frequent morning fogs. This stimulated the installation of more precise navigation equipment during recent modernisations.
• Return to the Map: The resumption of regular flights in the 2020s became a real celebration for the city, as it interrupted years of isolation from rapid air links with the state capital, Curitiba.

Passengers departing from União da Vitória Airport (UVI) should note that this is a very small regional airfield. Its infrastructure is extremely ascetic and designed for travellers to spend a minimum amount of time here before boarding. The range of services here differs significantly from what can be found in major international hubs.

Dining and Shopping

Inside the terminal, there are no full-service restaurants, cafes, or shops. There is no Duty Free zone or souvenir stalls.

• Food and Drinks: We recommend having a substantial lunch or snack in the city before leaving for the airport. A water cooler or, in rare cases, a vending machine with light snacks might be available in the waiting hall, but one should not rely on this.
• Shopping: All necessary items, including press, hygiene products, or gifts, must be purchased in advance at supermarkets or pharmacies in União da Vitória.

Connectivity and Work

Opportunities for remote work or entertainment while waiting for a flight are limited:

• Wi-Fi: Stable public Wi-Fi is not guaranteed. We recommend arranging mobile internet in advance (mobile network coverage in the airport area is usually good).
• Charging Stations: There are no specialised stands for charging gadgets. A few standard power outlets can be found in the waiting hall, but their number is limited. It is advisable to carry fully charged devices or a portable charger (power bank).
• Business Services: Conference rooms, business centres, or printing/copying services are absent from the terminal.

Financial and Medical Services

• Banks and Currency Exchange: There are no ATMs or currency exchange points in the airport building. Ensure you have cash Reals (BRL) for taxis or small expenses before arriving at the airport. The nearest bank branches are in the city centre.
• Medical: There is no medical centre or pharmacy on the premises. First aid can be provided by airport staff (first aid kit available), but for serious ailments, it is necessary to call the city ambulance service.

Comfort and VIP Services

The airport does not have dedicated zones of enhanced comfort.

• VIP Lounges: There are no separate lounges for business class or premium cardholders. All passengers wait for the flight in the general hall.
• Services for Children: There are no mother-and-child rooms or play areas. Due to the short waiting time and generally calm atmosphere, staying with children usually does not cause difficulties, but it is better to bring entertainment for the child with you.

Services for Passengers with Reduced Mobility

Despite the lack of complex equipment, the airport is quite convenient for passengers with disabilities due to its compactness.

• Barrier-Free Environment: The terminal is single-storey; there are no stairs, escalators, or long walkways, which significantly facilitates movement in a wheelchair.
• Boarding the Aircraft: Since there are no jet bridges, boarding takes place from the apron. Airline and airport staff provide assistance when boarding (special ramps or staff assistance are usually used, as light aircraft have low clearance). We recommend notifying the airline of the need for assistance in advance.

Hotels Nearby

There is no hotel at the airport itself, and sleeping in the terminal is not permitted (it closes after flight operations). However, thanks to the airport's location practically within the city limits, finding accommodation is not a problem.

The journey to most hotels in the centres of the twin cities of União da Vitória and Porto União takes just 5–10 minutes by taxi. Among popular accommodation options in the region are:

• Hotel 10 União da Vitória: Located at the entrance to the city, convenient for those travelling by car.
• Hotel Riad: Located in the historic centre, close to attractions.
• San Rafael Hotel: Another comfortable option in the city centre with a range of standard amenities.

When planning a trip through União da Vitória Airport (UVI), it is important to consider its specifics: it is a small regional airfield where catering infrastructure is practically non-existent. Unlike large international hubs with food courts and restaurants, there are no stationary food outlets here.

Passengers are strongly advised to arrange food and drinks in advance, before arriving at the terminal. Below is detailed information on how to organise meals before departure, taking into account the location's features.

Restaurants and Cafes in the Terminal

Inside the single passenger terminal, there are no operating cafes or restaurants. The waiting area is minimally equipped and not designed for long stays.

• Departure and Arrival Zone (Airside/Landside): There are no hot food outlets in the public area or in the secure area after screening.
• Vending: Occasionally, vending machines with water, soda, or packaged snacks (crisps, biscuits) may be found in the hall, but their presence and stock levels are not guaranteed. One should not rely on them as a main source of food.

Where to Eat Before the Flight: Recommendations

Since the airport is only 2–3 kilometres (5–10 minutes drive) from the centres of União da Vitória and Porto União, the most sensible solution is to have a full lunch or snack in the city before leaving.

For a Quick Snack (Padarias):

Bakeries (padarias) are very popular in Brazil, where you can quickly and inexpensively drink coffee and eat fresh pastries. This is an excellent option before a morning or afternoon flight.

• What to try: Be sure to order pão de queijo (Brazilian cheese bread rolls) and a cup of strong coffee (cafezinho). Also popular are "coxinha" — teardrop-shaped chicken croquettes.
• Average bill: A snack with a drink will cost 10–20 BRL.
• Location: Look for the nearest bakeries in the São Cristóvão district on the way to the airport.

For a Full Lunch (Churrascarias and Buffet):

If you have time before check-in, visit one of the local restaurants in the centre.

• Local Cuisine: The region is famous for traditional Brazilian barbecue — churrasco. Skewered meat is served with side dishes of rice, beans, and salad.
• Service Format: Most establishments operate on a "buffet" system (buffet livre) or "by weight" (comida por quilo), which allows you to eat quickly and control portion size and budget yourself.
• Average bill: A full lunch will cost between 30 and 60 BRL per person.
• Opening Hours: Main restaurants are open for lunch from 11:30 to 14:00 and for dinner from 19:00.

Special and Dietary Food

Due to the lack of shops at the airport, passengers with special dietary needs must prepare in advance:

• Vegetarians and Vegans: In city buffet-style restaurants, there is always a large selection of fresh vegetables, rice, and legumes. It is better to bring fruit or nuts bought at a supermarket to the airport.
• Halal and Kosher Food: Finding certified products of this type in a small city may be difficult, and they are certainly not available at the airport. It is recommended to bring food with you.
• Gluten-Free Food: Specialised products (snacks, crispbreads) should be purchased in large pharmacies or supermarkets in the city centre before travelling to the terminal.

Drinking Water

A cooler (bebedouro) with free drinking water may be installed in the waiting hall. However, the availability of cups is not guaranteed, so experienced travellers are recommended to carry an empty reusable bottle, which can be filled before departure.

Travelling through a small regional airport like União da Vitória has its own specifics. The rules familiar to giant international hubs do not apply here. To ensure your trip goes smoothly, we have prepared a list of practical tips taking into account the features of local aviation and infrastructure.

Optimal Arrival Time

The main advice for this airport is do not arrive too early. The terminal is very compact, and there is practically nothing to do while waiting for a flight.

• Recommended Time: Arriving 45–60 minutes before departure is optimal. This is enough to check in and drop off luggage without rushing.
• Why not earlier? Check-in counters may only open an hour before the flight. Arriving 2–3 hours early, you risk spending time in front of closed doors or in an empty hall without amenities.
• Risk of Lateness: Despite the relaxed atmosphere, check-in closes strictly according to schedule (usually 20–30 minutes prior). The plane will not wait for latecomers, as the flight schedule is very tight.

Check-in and Safety: Small Aviation Specifics

Flights to União da Vitória are often operated on small turboprop aircraft (e.g., Cessna Grand Caravan). This impacts procedures:

• Weighing Passengers: Do not be surprised or alarmed if you are asked to stand on the scales together with your hand luggage at check-in. This is a standard procedure for small aircraft, necessary for calculating the correct balance of the vessel (centring).
• Documents: Keep your identification (passport or ID) to hand. Digital boarding passes are accepted, but it is more reliable to have a printed copy or a saved screenshot, as the internet may work intermittently.

Hand Luggage: What is Allowed and Not Allowed

Attention! Rules for carrying hand luggage here are stricter than on large liners due to limited space in the cabin.

• Size Matters: Hard "cabin size" suitcases (standard for Boeing or Airbus) often do not fit in the luggage racks or under the seats of small aircraft. You may be asked to hand them over to the luggage compartment at the steps (procedure Valet Bag).
• Soft Bags: The best choice for hand luggage here is a soft backpack or a small sports bag. They are easier to place in the cabin.
• Prohibited Items: Security rules are standard for Brazil. Sharp objects, aerosols, and flammable substances are strictly prohibited.

Seat Selection and Window Views

A flight to/from União da Vitória is a real aerial excursion. Planes fly at a low altitude, providing an amazing view.

• Where to Sit: In small planes, the seat configuration is often 1+1 or 1+2. Any window seat guarantees excellent views of the winding channel of the Iguaçu River and the green hills of Paraná.
• Seat Allocation: Sometimes, due to the aircraft's balance, the crew may ask you to take a specific seat or move passengers. Please follow the pilot's or ground staff's instructions — this is a matter of safety.

Tips for Transit Passengers

If União da Vitória is just the starting point of your major journey, consider the following points:

• Single Ticket: Try to buy the flight as a single booking (e.g., through Azul). In this case, if the flight from União da Vitória is delayed due to weather, the airline will rebook you on the next connecting flight for free.
• Separate Tickets: If you are flying to Curitiba and then onwards with another airline, allow at least 3–4 hours for the transfer. Morning fogs in the Iguaçu Valley can shift departure times, and the risk of missing the next flight is high.

Customs Control

The airport is exclusively domestic. There is no customs or passport control for international flights here. Upon arrival, you simply collect your luggage and exit into the city. Agricultural control between the states of Paraná and Santa Catarina is generally not conducted at this point.

Saving Time and Money

• Transfer: Do not order expensive pre-booked transfers through travel agencies. An ordinary city taxi or app (Uber/99) will cost significantly less, as the drive is only a couple of kilometres.
• Food: Be sure to eat in the city. You won't be able to buy even a sandwich at the airport, and prices for snacks from taxi drivers or random kiosks (if any) may be inflated.
• Water: Take an empty reusable bottle with you. If there is water in the cooler, you can fill it for free after passing security (liquids rules may vary, but an empty container is always allowed).

What to Do in Case of Delay or Cancellation?

The airport is located in a valley where fogs are frequent, especially in the winter period (June–August) or early in the morning. This is the main reason for delays in visual landing approaches.

Action Plan:

1. If the flight is cancelled due to weather conditions, do not panic. The airline often offers alternative transfer by ground transport to the nearest major airport (usually Curitiba) or reschedules the flight for the next day.
2. Have a "Plan B": The União da Vitória Bus Station (Rodoviária) is nearby. Buses to Curitiba run regularly and reliably; travel time is about 3–4 hours. If departure is critical, it is sometimes faster to leave by bus than to wait for the weather to improve.