BH Airport breaks new records with passenger traffic above the national average and growth in cargo

The Brazilian air sector accelerated in the first half of 2025, registering a 10% growth in passenger traffic compared to the same period of the previous year. At BH Airport, the increase was even more significant: 6.2 million passengers passed through the terminal between January and June, a jump of almost 15% over 2024. The number of landings and takeoffs also rose, with approximately 57,000 operations—a growth of 11% compared to the first semester of last year.

BH Airport’s COO, Rodrigo Côrtes, highlights that the growth stems from two pillars: the gradual recovery of the economy and the strategic work carried out by the international terminal in Minas Gerais over recent years. According to him, the impacts of the pandemic were deep and required time for recovery across the entire tourism chain, but the current scenario already allows for consistent advances.

“We are living through a cycle of reconstruction, driven both by economic improvement and our commitment to providing ever-greater connectivity. While surpassing pre-pandemic numbers, we have continuously invested in infrastructure, operational efficiency, and experiences that make BH Airport more attractive and functional for those who arrive and depart,” he states.

In the semester’s cumulative data, the most sought-after domestic destinations were São Paulo, Brasília, Campinas, and Rio de Janeiro. As for international routes with higher demand, Portugal, Panama, and the United States stood out. The destination with the highest volume of extra flights was Porto Seguro, which continues to be a frequent choice among passengers during extended holidays and school breaks.

Among the first quarter’s new developments is the launch of the BH–Bariloche route. Operated by Azul Linhas Aéreas using Airbus A320 aircraft, which accommodate up to 174 passengers, tickets have been on sale since February. In total, there will be 34 operations, with departures from Belo Horizonte on Wednesdays and Sundays during the June–August season.

Logistics also on the rise

In addition to the growth in passenger traffic, BH Airport's Multimodal Logistics Hub also showed impressive performance in the first half of the year. Between January and June 2025, 10.6 thousand tons of cargo were handled—combining import and export operations—which represents an 18% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

Moreover, the value of the cargo passing through the terminal increased significantly. While in the first half of 2024 it totaled around R$7.6 billion, in the first six months of 2025 it rose to R$9.6 billion, a 26% leap that highlights the terminal’s potential for handling high-value-added cargo.

BH Airport’s Commercial Manager, Geovane Medina, emphasizes that the hub has been driven by the creation of customized solutions tailored to market demands. According to him, the launch of innovative products has strengthened the airport’s logistics operations. “We are attentive to the needs of importers and continue to expand our solutions focused on competitiveness and efficiency. One example is the new international road route that connects Brazil to South America by land, offering exclusive conditions and attractive rates, opening new possibilities for companies that operate with the South American continent,” he says.

BH’s Multimodal Logistics Hub is the only customs bonded area in Minas Gerais with 24-hour inspection. It comprises 12,000 m² of bonded area, 300 m² of hazardous cargo warehouse; 3,131 m² of cold chambers with a customized setup ranging from -18°C to +22°C and thermal qualification; and 11 positions for cargo aircraft parking.

The terminal receives cargo from various countries worldwide, with the most representative origins being the United States, China, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and France. Among the sectors with the highest demand are Life Sciences, with cargo such as vaccines and medicines, Mining, and Automotive. In 2024, the terminal received more than 30,000 import cargo operations, an 8% increase compared to the previous year.

BH Airport inaugurates BRT Lounges’ VIP room, the first accessible before boarding

Waiting for a flight at BH Airport is now even more comfortable and relaxing: the airport has just inaugurated the second BRT Lounges VIP room in the terminal, strategically located in front of Domestic Boarding on the second floor. With 270 square meters and capacity for 86 passengers, the new space operates 24 hours a day and offers a complete range of services, along with architecture designed for the comfort of those who need or wish to spend more time at the airport. With this inauguration, BH Airport now has six VIP lounges in the terminal.

BH Airport’s Commercial Manager, Geovane Medina, explains that this is the first VIP lounge located in the public area of the airport (before boarding) and, therefore, can benefit both domestic and international passengers. “This is the second BRT Lounges facility in our terminal and we are very happy with this partnership, which reinforces our commitment to offering passengers an increasingly diverse commercial mix that makes their journey even more pleasant. The location of this lounge is a highlight because it's right in front of domestic boarding, and the space is very beautiful and cozy,” he says.

BRT Lounges CEO, André Luiz Macias, also celebrates the expansion. “The new VIP lounge was carefully designed to meet the different profiles of travelers, with modern environments, a welcoming structure, and excellent service — all trademarks of BRT Lounges. In partnership with BH Airport, we reaffirm our mission to enhance the experience of our passengers, helping Belo Horizonte International Airport continue to establish itself as one of the country’s main airport hubs,” he states.

Structure and Services The BRT Lounges VIP room offers a spacious setup, including a workstation — for those who need to use airport time to work — plus a rest area with comfortable sofas and a dining space with tables and chairs. The lounge also has six bathrooms, including one with a shower, providing more convenience for passengers seeking wellness before boarding.

The buffet offers full meals, including traditional dishes from Minas Gerais such as chicken with okra and “feijão tropeiro.” On Wednesdays, the lounge serves fish moqueca. There are also plenty of snack options including pasta, cold cuts, fruits, breads, desserts, and freshly made tapioca available 24/7. Refrigerators are stocked with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for passengers.

Access to the lounge is available through the Dragon Pass program or via travel agencies and partnered cards. Passengers may also pay for access by the hour.

Safe Holidays: BH Airport alerts about kite flying near the terminal

July holidays have arrived, and while many set off for rest, others enjoy their free time at home. Children of all ages take advantage of the opportunity to play outdoors and, when the wind cooperates, the kite becomes the main attraction. But the fun can turn into a risk when it happens in areas near the airport. In June of this year, BH Airport recorded the presence of three kites in the airport grounds. Although they did not cause any incidents, they raise an alert, especially with the arrival of school recess.

BH Airport's Operations, Safety, and Passenger Experience Manager, Fabiano Reis, emphasizes that the terminal conducts constant monitoring to prevent any threat to operations. He explains that, since the airport is strategically located in an area far from large urban centers, the terminal does not often face problems with kite sightings, but when they are reported, it is necessary to reinforce the warning. “We had very windy days in June, which may have encouraged the activity. Now, with the arrival of the holidays, it is possible that the play becomes more frequent. That's why guidance is necessary,” he says.

According to the manager, although they may seem harmless, when kites invade the airspace, they can hit moving aircraft, get tangled in sensitive equipment, or even be sucked into engines. When kite lines are coated with ‘cerol’ (a mix of glue and glass), the risks of structural damage and accidents become more serious.

It is important to remember that flying kites in risk areas may constitute a crime, as provided for in the Penal Code. Acts that compromise the safety of air navigation carry a penalty of two to five years in prison. “Safety is a permanent commitment of BH Airport. We continue investing in technology, monitoring, and awareness actions to maintain a safe environment for everyone, and this is only possible with the support of the entire community,” concludes Fabiano.

BH Airport reinforces guidelines for boarding with children

With increased traffic during the month of July, driven by school holidays, BH Airport emphasizes the importance of paying attention to the documentation required for boarding children and teenagers. More than one million people are expected to pass through the terminal this month, many of them families taking advantage of the school recess to travel with their little ones. To enjoy this much-anticipated moment with peace of mind, it's essential to bring the correct documents—which may vary depending on the type of flight, the age of the passenger, and who is accompanying them.

“July is a month filled with boardings—whether for family trips, school groups, or friends traveling together. We’re prepared for this rise in demand, with reinforced teams and an efficient structure to ensure agility and safety. But part of a smooth boarding experience depends on the passenger themselves, especially when it comes to documentation for children and teenagers. Our guidance is to plan ahead to avoid any setbacks,” says Fabiano Reis, Head of Operations, Security, and Passenger Experience at BH Airport.

For domestic travel within Brazil:

Children up to 11 years and 11 months accompanied by parents, legal guardians, grandparents or relatives over 18 years old up to third degree (such as siblings or uncles/aunts) may board with a birth certificate or official photo ID (such as an RG or passport), plus documentation proving the degree of kinship with the accompanying adult.

From age 12 onward, only official photo IDs like RG or passport are accepted—birth certificates are no longer valid for national boarding at that age.

If the child or teenager is traveling alone or with someone authorized by the legal guardians, a notarized travel authorization or an Electronic Travel Authorization (AEV) is required.

For international travel:

Guardians must present the child’s valid passport.

If only one parent is accompanying the child, a notarized authorization from the other parent is required.

If traveling with a third party, authorizations from both legal guardians are mandatory.

Authorization templates are available on the websites of Brazil’s National Council of Justice (CNJ) and the Federal Police. In case of doubts, passengers can seek guidance at the Juvenile Court (Juizado da Infância e da Juventude), located on the first floor of BH Airport.

While waiting for the flight

BH Airport also offers areas designed for the comfort of travelers with children. The terminal features kids’ zones with themed toys in the departure lounge and concourse, along with a panoramic terrace overlooking the runway—a true spectacle of landings and takeoffs that captivates passengers of all ages.

High season: BH Airport enhances boarding fluidity and warns about hand luggage rules

The scene is more common than one might think: the line for boarding forms, passengers place their belongings in the trays, but something interrupts the flow. A suitcase is flagged at the X-ray machine for containing a prohibited item, which causes the process to take longer than expected. With the arrival of the July vacation and the forecast of more than 1 million passengers traveling through BH Airport, situations like this gain even more significance. To ensure safety and smooth service, the airport has reinforced teams, implemented a quick boarding process for travelers with only one item, but it also warns passengers: being aware of what can and cannot be taken on board is essential for a smooth journey.

From January to May of this year, more than 3,000 tons of items have already been collected in the inspection channels at BH Airport. These include sharp or piercing objects, such as knives and blades; explosives and flammable items, like aerosols; or blunt objects, such as hammers, gym weights, and even stones. Another very common item at BH Airport is artisanal cachaça, a typical product from Minas Gerais that is frequently taken as a souvenir from the state. However, it often does not meet ANAC criteria for domestic boarding: it must be in a sealed container, with up to 1 liter and an alcohol content between 24% and 70%. Products like cheese, for example, are allowed for national boarding.

The COO of BH Airport, Rodrigo Côrtes, emphasizes the importance of passengers knowing the list of prohibited items in carry-on luggage. This can be done by checking with the airlines or on the ANAC website. "We have been continuously working to make the passenger experience smoother and smoother. Today, 99% of our passengers go through security inspection in under 5 minutes, a performance that makes us a reference for efficiency in the country. But it is essential that passengers do their part: following the rules and properly packing their luggage is an important step to maintain this agile and safe pace,” he affirms.

He recalls that, although the process may seem rigorous to some, it is precisely these precautions that make aviation one of the safest means of transportation in the world. “Five minutes in line represent very little compared to the safety we guarantee to passengers at our terminal,” he adds. According to the COO, the fast boarding implemented at the terminal is already making a difference: the priority flow for passengers with only one item makes the process even more dynamic and reduces waiting time.

Main prohibited items in carry-on luggage

• Firearms or similar: pistols, revolvers, rifles, replicas, airsoft, paintball, crossbows, and slingshots.

• Cutting or piercing objects: knives with blades longer than 6 cm, large scissors, utility knives, razors, loose blades, swords, multifunctional tools with blades.

• Tools and blunt instruments: hammers, crowbars, drills, saws, sports bats, clubs, sticks.

• Aerosols and flammable items: sprays, torch lighters, liquids such as gasoline, ethanol, and derivatives.

• Chemical and toxic substances: bleach, chlorine, batteries with corrosive liquid, poisons, radioactive or infectious materials.

• Explosives or risky items: ammunition, fireworks, replicas of explosives, grenades, detonators, gas cylinders.