BH Airport reopens Arrivals 1 with a new layout and technology to enhance the passenger experience

Tomorrow, the 25th, BH Airport reopens Arrivals 1, fully renovated, to offer customers a more modern, comfortable, and efficient airport experience.

The new infrastructure increases convenience, security, and agility in circulation, solidifying the airport as a benchmark in technological and architectural innovation.

Modernized and More Functional Space

At 2,000 square meters, the new Arrivals 1 features a revamped layout and several improvements. Major improvements include:

- Five additional baggage carousels

- Two new restrooms (male, female, priority, and changing table)

- State-of-the-art surveillance cameras and electronic systems

- Improvements to air conditioning, wayfinding, elevators, escalators, and baggage cart areas

New airline operational configuration

The reopening also redefines airline operations. From now on, Arrivals 1 will be dedicated exclusively to Azul, while Arrivals 2 will now serve Gol and Latam.

BH Airport recommends paying attention to the changes and signage. If passengers exit through a different lounge than the one designated for their flight, they may experience disruptions when retrieving their baggage, such as having to go to the correct lounge.

It's worth noting that passengers without checked baggage can disembark through any of the lounges.

Minas Gerais Management and Hospitality

"We are ready to welcome passengers to the new arrivals area, with all the hospitality that reflects our Minas Gerais style of transforming arrivals and departures into welcoming, efficient, and pleasant experiences," said Rodrigo Côrtes, COO of BH Airport.

The week leading up to the reopening of Arrivals 1 was marked by operational simulations, as part of the Operational Management and Transition Program (ORAT), an international methodology used in large airport projects.

"The program ensures the safety and efficiency of all processes, systems, facilities, and services prior to opening. Furthermore, we will have a reinforced team to guide passengers during the first days of operation," added Rodrigo Côrtes.

Investments and Construction Responsibility

The construction of Arrivals 1, which is the responsibility of the government, involved an investment of approximately R$15 million from BH Airport, with reimbursement expected from Infraero.

The project is part of a set of remaining projects, estimated at R$250 million, originally planned to prepare the airport for the World Cup.

"The modernizations include improvements to the passenger terminal, new commercial options, modernization of the facade, electrical and electronic systems, air conditioning, baggage handling and inspection, as well as the completion of work on the aircraft apron," explains BH Airport CEO Daniel Miranda.

11 Years of Concession and Over R$1.3 Billion Invested

Since the concession began 11 years ago, BH Airport has invested approximately R$1.3 billion in infrastructure. Major deliveries include:

- Construction of Passenger Terminal 2, which increased annual capacity from 10 to 32 million people

- Road improvements, terminal renovations, runway improvements, and expansion of the runway to 3,600 meters, the third-longest in Brazil

The investments also drove technological innovations, such as the automated service and boarding system and the e-gate, a device that allows electronic passport checks in just a few seconds.

Growth and International Connectivity

- Comparing the pre-pandemic period (2019) with 2025, BH Airport recorded a 20% increase in passenger traffic, while the national average was 9%.

- From January to September 2025, more than 9 million passengers passed through the terminal, representing an increase of approximately 10% compared to the same period in 2024.

BH Airport's international air capacity is recognized with the Tourism Excellence Award

Committed to offering the best airport experience to its customers and promoting Minas Gerais' connectivity with Brazil and the world, BH Airport continues to evolve, seeking to develop new routes and promote the expansion of the international air network. The most recent recognition of the Minas Gerais terminal's strategic efforts to shorten distances and connect destinations is the Tourism Excellence Award, in the International Air Capacity Growth category, sponsored by The Data Appeal Company and Almawave, during the Brazilian Association of Travel Agencies' trade show, ABAV Expo.

Between 2023 and 2024, BH Airport recorded a nearly 50% increase in the number of international landings and departures, in line with the growth in passenger movement entering and leaving the country: a variation of over 40%. This increase demonstrates the growing demand for connections between the capital of Minas Gerais and the international terminal's role as a departure and arrival point. BH Airport is the third-most-served airport in Brazil and the second-most-served airport in domestic destinations.

Between 2021 and 2022, international destinations were limited to Lisbon and Panama City. The historic evolution began in 2023, with new routes to Bogotá, Curaçao, and Santiago, Chile, as well as the resumption of flights to Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, in the US. In 2024, highlights included the resumption of flights to Buenos Aires and the new Sky service to the Chilean capital, totaling seven new flights during that period. Currently, the international network includes routes to Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

By September 2025, international passenger traffic at BH Airport had already surpassed 420,000, a 1.5% increase compared to the same period in 2024 and a 55% increase compared to 2023. It's worth noting the historic record reached in July 2025, when 31,116 international passengers disembarked at the terminal and 31,237 departed abroad, totaling 62,353 passengers. This is the first time BH Airport has reached this level of international traffic in a single month since the concession began, surpassing the previous high, when 62,143 passengers disembarked or departed abroad in January 2018.

"We are a connecting hub prepared to meet growing passenger demands," notes BH Airport COO Rodrigo Côrtes. "The Tourism Excellence Award is the result of consistent efforts to capture new routes," he adds. "Minas Gerais is a destination of opportunities. We are drivers of growth and development in the state, boosting tourism, fostering the economy, promoting Minas Gerais culture, and reinforcing our commitment to expanding BH Airport's connectivity and increasingly projecting our state on the national and international stage," she emphasizes.

"This award demonstrates that Minas Gerais is increasingly connected to the world," declares Bárbara Botega, Secretary of Culture and Tourism of Minas Gerais. "The joint work between BH Airport and the Minas Gerais State Government expands our opportunities to welcome tourists, generate business, and promote Minas Gerais culture in new markets. It is a breakthrough that reinforces the role of tourism as a driver of development for the state," she celebrates.

According to Bárbara Menucci, the Tourism Excellence Award represents recognition that the partnership between the public sector and the private sector is essential to achieving significant results in tourism. "Promoting Belo Horizonte as a destination is essential to strengthening the capital's position in the tourism landscape, directly impacting increased demand for flights. BH Airport plays an active role in this process, working alongside airlines to attract new routes and companies, generating benefits for all," he concludes.

BH Airport expects more than 400,000 passengers during the Children's Day period and offers special programming for children.

Children's Day is expected to bring a large influx of travelers to BH Airport. Around 420,000 passengers are expected to pass through the airport between October 10th and 20th. On its busiest day alone, October 20th, the terminal estimates it will surpass the 42,000 daily passenger mark, reflecting the high demand for travel during this period and the expansion of the route network.

To accommodate this additional traffic, 159 flights are scheduled, including additional operations and charters. The most popular destinations include cities such as Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Porto Seguro (BA), Maceió (AL), and Carajás (PA). This scenario reinforces BH Airport's role as a connecting hub that boosts tourism and business in Minas Gerais and throughout Brazil.

In addition to the increased traffic, the airport has prepared a special schedule to delight children and their families. From October 9th to 12th, Kids Jet, the terminal's recreation area, will host the "Fun in Motion" initiative, a partnership between BH Airport and Localiza&Co. The goal is to provide experiences that combine leisure and enchantment for children visiting the space during the holiday season.

The initiative will feature colorful balloon distribution, hopscotch games, and recreation staff to ensure children have fun in comfort and safety. Another highlight will be the appearance of the mascot, inspired by YouTuber Enaldinho, who promises to interact with families and create moments of joy in the airport lounge. There will also be the distribution of play and coloring books produced by BH Airport, reinforcing the idea of ​​transforming travel into a playful and memorable experience from the moment you board.

"Children's Day marks one of the busiest times of the year at BH Airport. We are prepared to accommodate this influx with a special operation, which includes reinforced security, customer service, and passenger support teams. We are committed to ensuring a welcoming and positive travel experience, from arrival at the airport to boarding, valuing every detail of the journey," says Rodrigo Côrtes, COO of BH Airport.

BH Airport participates in the Liga da Gide Education Festival, expanding learning opportunities for the community

BH Airport was highlighted at the Liga da Gide Education Festival – Integrated Education Management, which promoted a meeting of those who believe, practice, and drive the sector in the country, bringing together more than 12,000 participants in search of best practices to transform the current scenario and ensure an accessible future of culture, inspiration, knowledge, and connection for the learning system in Brazil.

The Liga da Gide Education Festival kicked off the month dedicated to teachers by providing opportunities for dialogue between partners and supporting companies in discussion groups about challenges, motivations, and strategic decisions. BH Airport assumed a significant role in this scenario, reinforcing its commitment to the social development of the surrounding community.

This year, the Minas Gerais international terminal, the Confins City Hall, and FdG (Gide Foundation) signed a partnership agreement to support two elementary schools: the Tavares Municipal School and the Afonso José da Silva Municipal School. With the support of BH Airport, the Integrated Education Management (GIDE) methodology is being implemented at the units. This methodology assesses the school and implements a development path with administrators to improve educational outcomes.

"For BH Airport, supporting education is a way of giving back to the community that welcomes us every day. We understand that good educational management is the foundation for children and young people to have access to real opportunities for growth," emphasizes Joelma Fraga, Communications Coordinator at BH Airport, noting that the project supported by the Minas Gerais terminal has an initial duration of 12 months.

"By strengthening the education network with diagnostic tools, goals, and monitoring, we believe we are helping to create a more equitable environment where each student can develop their potential. Our role goes beyond financial investment. We want to be partners in human and social development, because we know that a municipality with quality education also becomes stronger, more inclusive, and with better prospects for all," she reinforces.

Customer experience guarantees international recertification of BH Airport

BH Airport has just been recertified at Level 2 in the Airport Customer Experience Accreditation program, recognizing its commitment to customer satisfaction. This initiative is part of Airports Council International (ACI) World's Airport Service Quality (ASQ) program and contributes to the advancement of airport passenger experience practices. With this recertification, BH Airport remains the only airport in Brazil with Level 2 accreditation. There are 46 worldwide and 9 in Latin America.

To receive certification, airports participate in an analysis process that provides a 360° view of customer experience management in the airport environment, with a classification ranging from Level 1 to 5, assessing the maturity of passenger relationship practices. The program considers eight key aspects: customer understanding; strategy; measurement; operational improvement; governance; airport culture; service design/innovation; and airport community collaboration.

"The recertification signals that we are not only maintaining the consistency of our actions, but that we continue to evolve, striving to offer the best customer experience," notes Rodrigo Côrtes, COO of BH Airport. "We are on the right path, with a strategy that values ​​Minas Gerais as a differentiator in welcoming, supported by active and structured listening to the expectations, perceptions, and contributions of our passengers. We remain committed to rigorous monitoring and implementing improvements that reinforce our position as an airport benchmark for hospitality and quality of service," Côrtes reinforces.

In addition to Level 2 recertification under the Airport Customer Experience Accreditation program, BH Airport has been evolving over the past 11 years, earning significant recognition in its pursuit of the best airport experience offered to customers. For five consecutive years, the Minas Gerais terminal received the highest score in ANAC's Q Factor, which measures the quality of services at airports under concession, and was also selected as the best airport by the Civil Aviation Secretariat's Aviação Mais Brasil Award. most punctual among the largest airports in the country.