Poços de Caldas - Embaixador Walther Moreira Salles Airport (POO)

Poços de Caldas Airport (POO), officially known as Embaixador Walther Moreira Salles Airport, is a primary executive and general aviation facility serving the southern region of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The airport is noted for its unique 'Mexican-style' historic passenger terminal building, a well-preserved heritage site that covers approximately 120 square meters. It acts as a critical infrastructure link for the city's significant business and tourism sectors, situated approximately 5 miles (8 km) from the downtown area and serving as a key gateway for private jets and corporate charters.

The terminal infrastructure provides basic essential amenities for travelers and flight crews, including a functional waiting hall and administrative modules managed by Infraero. Travelers have access to a small landside snack bar offering local refreshments, alongside clean restroom facilities and a dedicated flight information station (EPTA) that provide meteorological and navigation data. While the facility currently lacks large-scale commercial retail, its compact and high-efficiency layout ensures exceptionally rapid processing for private aviation users transitioning to the city's famous thermal spas and resorts.

Operationally, the airport is one of the highest in Brazil, situated at a significant elevation of 4,134 feet (1,260 meters) above sea level on a volcanic plateau. This high-altitude environment requires pilots to be mindful of density altitude and performance requirements for the 4,970-foot asphalt runway. Ground transportation to central Poços de Caldas is well-supported by local taxi ranks situated directly outside the terminal exit, with the journey typically taking 15 minutes. As of early 2026, the facility is part of a major federal modernization plan designed to eventually restore regular scheduled commercial services to the region.