โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Planalto Serrano Regional Airport (EEA) is a modern aviation facility serving the mountainous region of Santa Catarina, Brazil, located near the town of Correia Pinto and approximately 25 kilometers from Lages. Inaugurated for regular commercial operations in 2022, the airport was designed to improve connectivity for the regional timber, paper, and agribusiness sectors. It features an 1,800-meter paved runway and acts as a more reliable alternative to the older Lages Airport, which is frequently affected by low visibility and limited infrastructure.
The passenger terminal is a sleek, single-story building that provides a comfortable and efficient environment for domestic travelers. Despite its regional focus, the facility offers modern amenities including a spacious waiting lounge, streamlined check-in counters, and a centralized security screening area. Within the terminal, passengers can find a cafรฉ serving local snacks and coffee, along with basic retail points for travel essentials. The airport is managed by Infracea, which has implemented high standards for safety and passenger service, including free Wi-Fi and updated restroom facilities throughout the terminal.
Commercial services at EEA are primarily provided by Azul Linhas Aรฉreas, which offers regular links to its major international hub in Campinas (VCP), enabling connections to over 100 destinations across Brazil and abroad. GOL Linhas Aรฉreas also connects the region with Sรฃo PauloโCongonhas (CGH). Ground transportation is served by local taxis and pre-arranged shuttle services, with the drive to Lages taking about 30 minutes. Travelers should be aware that the region is prone to sudden fog, especially in the early mornings, and it is highly recommended to confirm flight statuses before departing for the airport.
๐ Connection Tips
Planalto Serrano Regional Airport (EEA), located in Correia Pinto, is the primary aviation gateway to the scenic Santa Catarina highlands and the city of Lages. For travelers connecting through EEA, the most important tip is to account for the region's unique weather; frequent mountain fog and low cloud cover, particularly during the winter months (June to August), often lead to sudden flight delays or diversions. It is wise to build a significant buffer into your travel itinerary. Ground transportation to Correia Pinto (approx.6 km) or Lages (approx. 25 km) is primarily handled by local taxis.
A taxi ride to Lages typically takes 25 to 30 minutes; it is recommended to confirm the fare with the driver beforehand as meters are not always used for intercity trips. Public transit is limited; while some intercity buses on the BR-116 highway pass near the airport entrance, it is a long walk to the terminal with luggage, so pre-arranging a private shuttle through your hotel is a much more reliable tip. The airport operates from a modern, single-level terminal that was significantly upgraded in 2020, featuring efficient check-in and security processing. Amenities include a small cafรฉ and a comfortable waiting area.
Arriving at least 90 minutes before your domestic flight to Campinas (VCP) or Curitiba (CWB) is recommended. For those visiting the local apple orchards or the Snow Mountain region, EEA offers a professional and remarkably low-traffic alternative to the busier coastal hubs of Florianรณpolis (FLN). Lastly, carry sufficient Brazilian Reais in cash for local transport, as international card acceptance can be limited at the terminal's smaller kiosks.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Romeu Zema Airport (AAX) is a domestic airport located in Araxรก, Minas Gerais, Brazil, serving the city and its surrounding region. The airport operates a single, compact passenger terminal designed for efficient processing of domestic arrivals and departures. Its straightforward layout ensures that all key areas, including check-in counters, security screening, and departure gates, are easily accessible within the same building, making navigation intuitive for travelers.
Despite its modest size, the terminal provides essential facilities for passengers. While there are no extensive luxury lounges, a basic lounge area with comfortable seating is available for travelers awaiting their flights. Dining options are modest, typically limited to one or two small cafes or snack bars (lanchonetes) located in the public area before security. These offer refreshments and light meals.
The airport prioritizes efficiency, and pre-flight formalities, including check-in and security screening, are generally quick. This allows for a more relaxed experience compared to larger, busier airports. The airport does not handle international flights directly, so all international processes for connecting travelers would occur at larger Brazilian international airports.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through Romeu Zema Airport serves Brazil's thermal spa tourism market with Azul's specialized route network linking Araxรก to Sรฃo Paulo Guarulhos and Belo Horizonte Confins airports using Embraer E190 aircraft. The airport, located 4 kilometers from Araxรก city center, operates as a wellness tourism gateway with Azul providing Monday and Friday direct service to Guarulhos in partnership with the iconic Grande Hotel Termas de Araxรก, while daily connections via Belo Horizonte enable access to Azul's broader domestic network serving 14 cities across Minas Gerais state.
Domestic connections require coordination through Brazil's hub system, with Belo Horizonte offering the most comprehensive onward routing including Azul's international services to Curaรงao and Fort Lauderdale launched in 2023, while Guarulhos provides extensive domestic and international connectivity through multiple carriers. The compact terminal processes passengers efficiently with minimal connection times, though travelers must account for longer transfer periods at destination airports where security rescreening and potential terminal changes can extend connection requirements to 90-120 minutes during peak spa tourism seasons from May through September.
Azul has increased Araxรก's weekly capacity from 63 to 280 seats, reflecting growing thermal wellness tourism that drives passenger traffic to the region's famous therapeutic mineral waters and mud treatments. Weather patterns during Brazil's wet season (December-March) can occasionally impact operations at this VFR-dependent regional airport, requiring flexible scheduling particularly for connecting flights during afternoon thunderstorm periods. Ground transportation coordination is essential for spa guests, with the 15-minute drive to Grande Hotel's thermal facilities requiring pre-arranged transfers, while the airport's strategic position in the Triรขngulo Mineiro region enables access to multiple therapeutic resorts and wellness centers that form the foundation of Araxรก's tourism-dependent aviation market.
โ Back to Planalto Serrano Regional Airport