Presidente Itamar Franco Airport (IZA)

Presidente Itamar Franco Airport (IZA), also widely known as Zona da Mata Regional Airport, is a significant aviation facility located in Goianá, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Serving the major industrial and educational hub of Juiz de Fora and the broader Zona da Mata region, the airport acts as a critical link for the state's economic development. The facility operates from a modern, single-story passenger terminal inaugurated in 2011, which was designed to provide a comfortable and efficient entry point for travelers moving through this culturally rich part of Southeastern Brazil. The technical infrastructure at Presidente Itamar Franco is robust, featuring a single asphalt runway (08/26) that measures 2,525 meters (8,284 feet) in length. This runway is one of the longest in the state, allowing the airport to handle medium-sized commercial jet aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 models operated by major Brazilian carriers like LATAM, Gol, and Azul. The airfield is equipped with modern landing systems and serves as a critical reliever for the congested airspace of Minas Gerais, supporting a growing network of domestic flights to major hubs like São Paulo and Belo Horizonte. Recent improvements have focused on maintaining high safety standards and enhancing the cargo processing capabilities of the facility. Passenger amenities within the IZA terminal are focused on modern convenience and local charm. The building includes a selection of waiting areas with free Wi-Fi, two coffee shops offering local Minas Gerais snacks, and artisan stores showcasing the region's traditional handicrafts. Essential services such as check-in counters, baggage claim, and assistance for differently-abled passengers are well-integrated into the layout. Despite its relatively compact size, the terminal ensures a streamlined transit experience with minimal walking distances. Its strategic location on the MG-353 highway ensures that arriving passengers can reach central Juiz de Fora or the neighboring town of Rio Novo in about 45 to 60 minutes via a well-organized ground transport network.