Pedro Vieira Moreira Airport (CJZ)

Pedro Vieira Moreira Airport (CJZ), also known by its ICAO code SJZA and officially referred to as Aeroporto Regional de Cajazeiras, is a significant aviation facility serving the city of Cajazeiras in the state of Paraíba, Brazil. Located approximately 406 kilometers from the state capital, João Pessoa, the airport acts as a vital transportation node for the 'Sertão Paraibano' region, supporting local commerce, government travel, and the region's prominent dairy and agricultural sectors. The facility is managed by the state government and is recognized for its role in decentralizing air travel in Paraíba. The airport features a modern and functional passenger terminal that was officially inaugurated in August 2011. This compact terminal is designed for ease of use, with all passenger services including check-in, security, and arrivals integrated within a single-story structure. While the facility provides essential amenities such as a comfortable waiting hall, administrative offices, and basic restrooms, its primary focus is on the efficient processing of regional travelers. The airfield consists of a well-maintained 1,600-meter asphalt runway that is optimized for the regional turboprop aircraft, such as the Cessna Grand Caravan EX, which are the mainstays of local commercial flight operations. Currently, Pedro Vieira Moreira Airport is a major operational point for Azul Conecta, the regional subsidiary of Azul Brazilian Airlines. Regular scheduled flights connect Cajazeiras with the major hub of Recife (REC) and the neighboring city of Patos. These flights are essential for the connectivity of the Paraíba interior, providing a rapid alternative to the long overland journeys to the coast. The airport also serves as a busy hub for private general aviation and medical evacuation flights for the remote sertão communities. Ground transportation into central Cajazeiras is readily available via local taxis and private vehicle pickups, ensuring that the airfield remains a functional and efficient link in Brazil's regional aviation network.