Bom Jesus da Lapa Airport (LAZ)

Bom Jesus da Lapa Airport (LAZ), which transitioned to the new Eva Ribeiro Regional Airport (SN3Y) in late 2023, is a modern aviation facility serving the "Capital of Faith" in the interior of Bahia, Brazil. Located approximately 10 kilometers from the city center via the BA-160 highway, the R$ 31 million greenfield project replaced the older urban airstrip to accommodate the region's surging demand for religious tourism, solar energy logistics, and agribusiness. The facility features a modern 600-square-meter passenger terminal and a 1,550-meter asphalt runway designed to handle aircraft with up to 70 passengers, such as the ATR-72. The terminal building provides essential amenities for travelers, including a climate-controlled waiting hall, streamlined check-in counters, and basic refreshment services. As of late 2025, the facility is undergoing a final technical upgrade with the installation of a Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) system, a mandatory requirement by ANAC to support full-scale scheduled commercial operations. The airport currently manages regular rotations to the state capital, Salvador (SSA), primarily operated by Voepass, providing a vital 1.5-hour aerial link compared to the traditional 12-hour road journey. Infrastructure at the new hub is engineered for future growth, including a dedicated aircraft parking apron and modernized night-lighting (balizamento noturno) to support 24/7 emergency and general aviation operations. Ground transportation is well-supported by local taxi ranks and pre-arranged shuttle services that connect the terminal to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus da Lapa, which attracts millions of pilgrims annually. As of 2026, the facility continues to be a central pillar for the region's socio-economic development, with ongoing negotiations to attract major national carriers like Azul to further expand its domestic connectivity.