Edu Chaves Field (GUJ)

Edu Chaves Field, identified by the IATA code GUJ and ICAO code SBGW, is a significant joint civil-military aviation facility serving the city of Guaratinguetá in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Located just 1.5 kilometers from the city center, the airport stands as a critical pillar of the Vale do Paraíba region, uniquely recognized as the "Vale da Fé" (Valley of Faith). It serves as a vital gateway for the region's robust religious tourism sector, providing essential air access for high-level delegations and private pilots visiting the nearby National Sanctuary of Our Lady of Aparecida. The airport features a functional passenger terminal area designed to support domestic general aviation and military transport missions. Technical infrastructure at the site is anchored by a 1,551-meter asphalt runway equipped for both day and night operations under Visual and Instrument flight rules. The facility is strategically adjacent to the School of Aeronautics Specialists (EEAR) of the Brazilian Air Force, reflecting its deep military heritage and its role as a premier center for aeronautical education. While the terminal is modest compared to the capital's international hubs, it provides essential support services for visiting pilots and is managed by the regional operator Rede VOA. Flight operations at Edu Chaves Field are primarily focused on military logistics, private executive travel, and recreational aviation through the local flight club. While there are no scheduled commercial passenger airline services at this location, the airport remains a bustling hub for government missions and specialized religious tourism charters. Ground transportation is highly efficient, with the terminal providing rapid access to downtown Guaratinguetá and the neighboring pilgrimage city of Aparecida via the region's well-developed road network. The facility remains a cornerstone of the state's transport infrastructure, ensuring that this important cultural and industrial corridor remains globally accessible for specialized aviation.