Helmuth Baungarten Airport (LOI)

Helmuth Baungarten Airport (LOI), also known as Lontras Airport, is a small regional aviation facility situated in the municipality of Lontras, in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Serving as the primary aviation link for the Rio do Sul region, the airport acts as a hub for general aviation, private charters, and regional aeroclub operations. The facility operates from a single, basic passenger terminal building designed to handle low-volume regional traffic with essential administrative and transit services. Infrastructure at the Lontras terminal is minimalist and focused on providing functional support for private pilots and local residents. As there is currently no regular scheduled commercial airline service at LOI, the terminal lacks the standard metropolitan amenities found at larger Brazilian hubs, such as diverse food courts, professional lounges, or retail shops. The facility provides essential waiting areas and check-in counters for travelers utilizing private or chartered flights, with processing typically handled directly by the Aeroclube de Blumenau or local staff. Ground transportation to and from the terminal is primarily managed via local taxis and private vehicles, given the airport's location in Lontras. The airfield features a single 1,100-meter asphalt runway (07/25) and typically operates during daylight hours under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). For travelers seeking major commercial airline connections in the region, Navegantes International Airport (NVT) remains the nearest large-scale hub, located approximately 100 kilometers to the east. Travelers utilizing the LOI facility are advised to coordinate their arrival directly with the local airfield management to ensure a smooth transition through this regional outpost.