Minaçu Airport (MQH)

Minaçu Airport (MQH), officially designated as José Caires de Oliveira Airport, is a vital municipal aviation facility situated approximately 6 kilometers from the city center of Minaçu in the northern state of Goiás, Brazil. The airport serves as a critical logistical node for the region's industrial sector, primarily supporting the operations of the SAMA mining company—the world's third-largest chrysotile asbestos mine—and the technical staff managing the nearby Cana Brava and Serra da Mesa hydroelectric plants. Its strategic location makes it an essential entry point for business executives, government officials, and specialized contractors who drive the local economy. The passenger terminal is a modest, single-story structure designed for efficiency and functional use rather than high-volume commercial traffic. Inside, the facility offers basic amenities for travelers and pilots, including a small waiting area and administrative offices for airport management. While the airport has historically hosted scheduled regional flights, its current operational focus is on general aviation, private charters, and executive transport. The technical infrastructure includes a 1,340-meter asphalt runway equipped with low-intensity lighting, allowing for limited night operations and the accommodation of light to medium-sized turboprop aircraft. Ground transportation to and from Minaçu is primarily managed through local taxi services and private vehicle arrangements, with the commute to the city's main hotels and business districts taking approximately 10 to 15 minutes. The airport maintains a professional environment for pilots, featuring a staging area for flight planning and basic aircraft handling. Visitors are advised to coordinate their arrivals with local contacts or charter operators, as there are currently no regularly scheduled commercial airline services operating out of the facility. The airport remains a symbols of the city's integration into the national industrial network, providing a high-speed alternative to the lengthy road journeys across the Goiás plateau.