๐ข Terminal Information
Dr. Leite Lopes State Airport (RAO/SBRP) operates as a significant regional aviation hub serving Ribeirรฃo Preto and the interior of Sรฃo Paulo state, Brazil, with historical roots dating back to its opening on April 2, 1939, and dedicated in 1956 to honor Josรฉ Leite Lopes (1918โ2006), a distinguished Brazilian scientist. Strategically positioned 10 kilometers from downtown Ribeirรฃo Preto at 1,805 feet above mean sea level, the airport functions as the primary aviation gateway to one of Brazil's most important agricultural and economic regions, facilitating both business travel and connectivity to the state's vast agribusiness sector and renowned medical centers.
Infrastructure development reflects decades of strategic upgrades, featuring a 2,100-meter by 45-meter runway extended from its original 1,800-meter length during major renovations in 1996, with further width expansion completed in 2006 to accommodate larger aircraft serving the growing regional demand. The renovated and enlarged passenger terminal, completed in July 2010, spans 1,500 square meters and provides comprehensive amenities including restaurants, retail shops, banks, car rental services, cargo facilities, parking areas, and essential passenger services designed to support both business and leisure travelers.
Operational management transitioned to Rede Voa in July 2021 through Consรณrcio Voa NW e Voa SE following a public concession auction, replacing the previous state operator DAESP and bringing enhanced commercial efficiency to airport operations. Current airline services include major carriers such as Passaredo Airlines, TAM, and TRIP, offering connections to Sรฃo Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Brasรญlia, Salvador, Belo Horizonte, Curitiba, and more than 20 Brazilian cities, with the most popular routes serving Sรฃo Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Manaus, Natal, and Cuiabรก.
Economic significance extends beyond passenger services, supporting the region's position as a major agricultural production center and home to internationally recognized medical facilities, while providing essential connectivity for business travelers, agricultural professionals, and patients seeking specialized healthcare services. The airport's comprehensive ground support infrastructure includes modern apron facilities capable of accommodating multiple aircraft simultaneously, advanced maintenance capabilities, and strategic positioning to serve the broader economic activities of interior Sรฃo Paulo state.
๐ Connection Tips
Official taxis are also available 24/7 at a designated stand; these use meters, and a trip to the center usually costs between R$ 40โ60. If you are connecting to other cities in Sรฃo Paulo state, a short Uber or taxi ride will take you to the Terminal Rodoviรกrio de Ribeirรฃo Preto for frequent coach services to Sรฃo Paulo and Campinas.
Ribeirรฃo Preto Airport (Leite Lopes) is located about 5โ10 km from the city center, and ride-sharing apps like Uber and 99 are the most popular and convenient transport options. For those visiting the surrounding agribusiness hubs, car rental desks for Localiza, Movida, and Unidas are located in the arrivals hall; booking online in advance is recommended for better rates.
The airport offers free Wi-Fi, making it easy to request a ride immediately upon landingRibeiro Preto's airport is the business and medical gateway for one of Brazils richest inland regions, so the road into the city and the surrounding sugarcane belt is the normal continuation of the trip. The airport exists to keep the metropolitan area moving without the scale of a mega-hub. That is why a taxi, rideshare, or booked coach is the normal finish for most Ribeiro Preto trips.