Major-Brigadeiro Trompowsky Airport

Welcome to Major-Brigadeiro Trompowsky Airport, the aerial gateway to one of the most mysterious and aromatic regions of Brazil. Located in the city of Varginha, known as one of the country's coffee industry capitals, this airport serves as a starting point for journeys through the southern part of the state of Minas Gerais. Named after a Marshal of the Brazilian Air Force, it is an important transport hub connecting this picturesque corner with the rest of the country and the world, inviting tourists to discover local coffee plantations and urban legends.

Despite its modest size, Major-Brigadeiro Trompowsky Airport plays a key role in the region's economy and tourism. It provides convenient access for business people visiting for coffee industry matters, and for tourists wishing to explore the natural beauty and cultural heritage of southern Minas Gerais. The airport offers basic amenities for passengers, making the start and end of a journey through this distinctive Brazilian region comfortable and simple.

• Official website: Currently, the airport does not have a dedicated official website. It is recommended to check flight status information on airline websites or regional travel portals.
• Information desk phone: +55 (35) 3221-8282
• Address: Alameda Otávio Tostes, s/n, Bairro Aeroporto, Varginha, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, CEP 37031-080
• Email: A public email address for passenger communication is not provided. It is recommended to use the telephone for all inquiries.
• Social media: The airport does not maintain official pages on social networks.
• Lost luggage information: For issues related to lost or damaged luggage, please contact the airline you flew with directly. Airport staff do not handle luggage tracing.
• Passenger support contacts: For general information and assistance at the airport, you may contact the main information desk phone number.

Major-Brigadeiro Trompowsky Airport (VAG) is located just a few kilometres from the city centre of Varginha, making the journey there quick and convenient. Travellers can choose from several ways to reach the terminal, depending on their budget and preferences.

Public Transport. The most economical way to get to the airport is to use city buses. Although there may not be a direct express route, several local bus lines pass near the airport. This option is ideal for travellers without large luggage. It is recommended to check route numbers and schedules in advance at the local bus station or online. The trip from the city centre usually takes about 30-40 minutes, taking stops into account.

Taxi and Transfer. For maximum convenience and speed, a taxi or ride-sharing service (such as Uber), which are widely used in Brazil, is the best option. A taxi ride from the centre of Varginha to the airport will take just 10-15 minutes depending on traffic conditions. This is the ideal choice if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling with family. The cost will be higher than the bus, but the comfort and speed justify the difference.

Car Rental and Parking. If you plan to travel extensively around the region, renting a car can be an excellent solution. You can rent a car both in the city and upon arrival at the airport, where rental company counters may be present. For those arriving in their own or rented vehicle, parking is available on the airport grounds. It offers spaces for both short-term and long-term parking, which is convenient if you are flying away for a few days.

Major-Brigadeiro Trompowsky Airport (VAG) in the city of Varginha is a small and very passenger-friendly aviation hub. Its main feature is one compact passenger terminal that handles all flights. Thanks to this, navigation through the airport is intuitive and causes no difficulties even for those visiting for the first time.

The terminal layout is extremely simple. All necessary zones are located in one building: several check-in counters, a small waiting area for departing passengers, a security screening zone, and a baggage claim belt for arrivals. The departure and arrival zones are located in close proximity to each other, making movement through the airport quick and comfortable. It is impossible to get lost here — all key points are within sight.

Since there is only one terminal, there is no need for transfers between buildings. All procedures, from check-in to boarding the aircraft, take place within a single space. Inside the terminal, basic amenities are available that are sufficient for a comfortable wait for your flight: a small café, restrooms, and car rental company counters.

Completing all pre-flight formalities at Varginha Airport usually takes significantly less time than at major aviation hubs. Check-in and security screening proceed quickly, without long queues. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 1-1.5 hours before a domestic flight departure to check in luggage and go through all procedures without rushing.

The history of Major-Brigadeiro Trompowsky Airport (VAG) is closely linked to the economic development of the southern part of Minas Gerais state. The official opening of the air harbour in the city of Varginha took place on 19 March 1950. The airport received its name in honour of Armando Figueira Trompowsky de Almeida — a distinguished officer and one of the pioneers of military aviation in Brazil, underscoring its significance to the country's aviation history.

For decades, the airport functioned as a small regional hub, serving primarily private and small-scale commercial flights. A key stage in its development was a large-scale reconstruction completed in 2005. During the modernisation, the runway was expanded and lengthened, a new passenger terminal was built, and infrastructure was improved. These changes allowed the airport to accommodate larger aircraft, such as the Boeing 737, and significantly increase passenger traffic, strengthening its role as an important gateway for the entire region, known as a world leader in coffee production.

Perhaps the most famous event indirectly associated with the airport was the famous "Varginha Incident" in 1996. According to widespread accounts and urban legends that made the city world-famous, it was through this airport that the Brazilian military allegedly secretly transported supposed extraterrestrial beings and debris from their craft. Although there is no official confirmation of this, the story has become an integral part of local folklore and attracts tourists and ufologists from all over the world to the city.

Today, Major-Brigadeiro Trompowsky Airport is not only an important transport facility but also a kind of historical monument, reflecting both the official history of aviation and the fascinating legends that make a trip to Varginha even more intriguing. It continues to play a strategic role in logistics and business development, primarily in the coffee industry, connecting this rich region with the rest of the country.

Major-Brigadeiro Trompowsky Airport (VAG), serving the city of Varginha, offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its compact size, the terminal is designed to ensure the convenience of travellers arriving in or departing from this region of Brazil.

On the airport premises, there are small cafés and snack bars where you can have a bite to eat before departure, drink coffee, or have soft drinks. There are also shops offering souvenirs, press, and travel essentials. Comfortable waiting lounges are provided for passenger relaxation. While exclusive VIP lounges may be absent, the general areas are comfortable enough for a short stay.

Travellers can use free Wi-Fi to connect with loved ones or handle work matters. Charging stations for mobile devices are usually available in the waiting halls. Financial services are represented by ATMs. Currency exchange points are not always found in small regional airports, so it is recommended to arrange currency exchange in advance.

The airport is equipped to serve passengers with special needs: ramps and specially adapted restrooms are available. Families with small children can use the mother and child room. In case of necessity, basic medical assistance can be provided to passengers at the airport medical post. Specialised business centres or conference rooms are generally absent; however, nearby hotels in the city offer such services.

Major-Brigadeiro Trompowsky Airport (VAG) is a small regional air station serving the city of Varginha. Consequently, the selection of dining establishments here is limited and corresponds to the compact size of the terminal and passenger flow. Travellers should note in advance that options for a full lunch or dinner are practically non-existent.

The main food outlet at the airport is typically a small café or snack bar located in the public area (landside), before security control. Here you can have a quick snack before departure, drink a cup of the famous coffee for which Brazil is so renowned, and try local pastries, such as traditional cheese buns known as pão de queijo. The assortment usually includes sandwiches, snacks, sweets, and soft drinks.

Specialised menus, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or Halal meals, are likely not represented at VAG Airport. Travellers with strict dietary requirements are strongly recommended to bring food with them. Café opening hours are usually tied to the flight schedule and may be limited. The price range, as in most airports, is somewhat higher than in city establishments.

For a full lunch or dinner, restaurants and cafés in the city of Varginha itself are best suited, where you can explore the cuisine of Minas Gerais state. When planning your trip, the optimal solution would be to eat in the city before heading to the airport, leaving the local café for purchasing drinks or a light snack immediately before departure.

To ensure your journey through Major-Brigadeiro Trompowsky Airport in the city of Varginha goes as smoothly as possible, make use of these practical tips. Proper planning will help avoid stress and save your time and nerves, allowing you to focus on pleasant impressions from your trip to Brazil.

Arrival Time and Check-in. For domestic flights, which this airport mainly serves, it is recommended to arrive 1.5–2 hours before departure. This time is sufficient to go through all procedures without rushing. To save time, use online check-in on your airline's website. This will allow you to head straight to baggage drop or, if you are travelling light, to the security screening zone.

Security Screening. At the security control point, be ready to present your boarding pass and passport. Remove laptops and other large electronics from your hand luggage in advance. All liquids must be in containers up to 100 ml and packed in a transparent bag. Although the airport in Varginha is small and queues here are usually shorter, it is better not to leave security screening until the last moment.

What to Take in Hand Luggage. It is prohibited to bring sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances into the aircraft cabin. Besides the mentioned restrictions on liquids, ensure that your power banks and batteries are in your hand luggage, not in checked baggage. It is always useful to have a change of clothes, basic medication, and chargers with you in case of a flight delay.

Seat Selection. Want to admire the views during takeoff and landing? Choose a window seat. Prefer the ability to stand up freely and stretch your legs without disturbing neighbours? Your choice is an aisle seat. Seats in emergency rows offer more legroom but require the passenger to be ready to assist the crew in an emergency situation.

Transfers and Customs Control. If you are flying to Varginha from abroad with a transfer in another Brazilian city, you will need to go through passport and customs control at the first airport of arrival in Brazil. For domestic flights, the procedure is significantly simpler — usually, it is enough to simply proceed to the required boarding gate, following the signs.

Tips for Saving. Pack light luggage to avoid excess weight charges. Take an empty reusable water bottle with you — it can be filled after passing security screening. Prices for food and drinks at airports are often inflated, so a light snack brought from home will help save money.

If the Flight is Delayed. In case of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative for information. Remain calm and clarify your rights: depending on the length of the delay, you may be provided with drinks, meals, or even hotel accommodation. Ensure your phone is charged and all important documents are at hand.