GIG Growth Accelerates On Southern Cone Demand, Policy Support

Aviation Week
David Casey
26 Feb 2026

Rio de Janeiro Galeão International Airport (GIG) is positioning itself for sustained international expansion after handling nearly 18 million passengers in 2025, driven by rapid Southern Cone growth and strengthened domestic connectivity.

Domestic traffic reached 12.2 million passengers, up 24.3% year on year, while international volumes climbed 22% to 5.7 million.

A key structural factor underpinning the rebound has been the coordinated capacity policy between GIG and centrally located Santos Dumont Airport (SDU).

The federal government recently reversed a prior decision that would have expanded operational flexibility at SDU, reaffirming the coordinated airport model. The move provides regulatory clarity as GIG prepares for a key ownership transition...

GIG Growth Accelerates On Southern Cone Demand, Policy Support | Aviation Week Network | 26 Feb 2026