โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
60
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Antรดnio Correia Pinto de Macedo Airport (LAJ), identified by its ICAO code SULB (formerly SBLJ), is a regional aviation facility located in the highlands of Santa Catarina, Brazil, serving the city of Lages. The airport is currently undergoing a significant R$ 2.3 million infrastructure upgrade, scheduled for completion in May 2025, which includes a full renovation of the passenger terminal roof and the installation of a new 2.4-meter high perimeter fence to meet rigorous ANAC safety standards. While regular scheduled commercial services for the region have primarily migrated to the neighboring Correia Pinto Airport (EEA), Lages remains a critical node for executive aviation and regional logistics.
The terminal building provides a functional environment tailored for non-commercial flight operations, managing approximately 70 rotations per month. Inside, the facility serves as a primary hub for specialized services including organ transport, aeromedical evacuations, and public safety flights for the Santa Catarina military police. Travelers utilizing the airport for private charters or business aviation will find essential waiting areas and administrative support, with the facility's design emphasizing rapid processing and high security for its niche operational focus.
Infrastructure at Lages is centered around a 1,530-meter asphalt runway (16/34) equipped for both night operations and instrument landings (IFR). Ground transportation is well-supported by its proximity to the city center, situated just 6 kilometers from downtown Lages, providing a significantly faster connection than the 30-kilometer journey required for commercial jet services at Correia Pinto. As of 2026, the facility continues to play a vital role in supporting the region's prominent cattle ranching and timber industries, maintaining its status as a critical emergency and business aviation link for the Serra Catarinense highlands.
๐ Connection Tips
Allow ample time for transfers and check current terminal info. The facility maintains flexible scheduling to accommodate weather-related delays common in the region. Ground transportation options include rental vehicles and taxi services, though advance booking is recommended. Seasonal weather patterns significantly impact flight operations, requiring travelers to maintain flexible schedules. The airport's strategic location serves multiple communities across the surrounding region. Emergency services and medical evacuation capabilities are maintained year-round for community safety. Local aviation services include flight training, aircraft maintenance, and specialized charter operations. Weather monitoring systems provide essential data for safe flight operations in challenging conditions. The facility coordinates closely with regional air traffic control for optimal flight routing. Baggage handling procedures are streamlined due to the airport's focused operational scope.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Arraias Airport (AAI), officially Deputado Joaquim d'Abreu Coelho Airport, serves the municipality of Arraias in the southeastern region of Tocantins, Brazil. The airport's infrastructure is modern, having been completed in 2013, but it functions primarily as a general aviation airfield with no scheduled commercial airline services. The terminal building is small and functional, designed to accommodate the low volume of traffic from private planes, air taxis, and government aircraft. It includes a basic lounge area and parking facilities, providing essential services for those operating private flights into this remote part of the country.
The layout of the airport is very simple, consisting of a single runway and a small apron for aircraft parking. As there are no commercial flights, the usual passenger processing facilities such as check-in desks, security screening areas, and baggage claim carousels are not present. Operations are managed on a smaller scale, typically coordinated directly between pilots and the local airport administration. The environment is exceptionally quiet, with flight activity being intermittent and generally restricted to daylight hours due to the lack of advanced lighting systems.
Despite its new infrastructure, the airport remains uncertified by the Department of Airspace Control (as of late 2023), which limits its potential for future scheduled routes. For now, it remains a critical piece of local infrastructure, providing a vital connection for business in the region's agricultural sector and for private travel, significantly reducing travel time compared to the long overland journeys from major cities like Palmas or Brasรญlia.
๐ Connection Tips
Connections at Arraias Airport are not available in the commercial airline sense, as the airport exclusively serves general aviation and private charters. Any travel to or from AAI must be arranged through air taxi services or private aircraft operators. If your travel plan involves connecting from a private flight at Arraias to a commercial airline, you must arrange for ground transportation to a larger regional hub. The nearest major airports with extensive scheduled services are Palmas (PMW) and Brasรญlia (BSB), both of which are a significant distance away by road, requiring several hours of driving.\n\nPilots and passengers planning to use Arraias Airport must perform thorough pre-flight planning. It is crucial to confirm the airport's operational status and any potential restrictions with the local aviation authorities in Tocantins, as the airfield is not continuously staffed and lacks some standard services. There are no on-site refueling or extensive maintenance facilities, meaning all aircraft must be self-sufficient for their planned journey. Fuel stops must be scheduled at larger airports en route to or from Arraias.\n\nGround transportation is a key logistical challenge that must be solved in advance. The airport is located approximately 15 kilometers from the town of Arraias, and there are no taxis, rental cars, or public transport services waiting at the terminal. All vehicle transport must be pre-booked with local providers in Arraias. For travelers unfamiliar with the region, it is highly recommended to have a local contact or host coordinate the pickup to ensure a smooth transition from the airfield to your final destination in this remote part of Brazil.
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