Gateway to Brazil's southernmost major metropolis.
Opened
1940
Location
Porto Alegre, Brazil
Porto Alegre-Salgado Filho International Airport (IATA: POA, ICAO: SBPA) is the main commercial airport serving Porto Alegre, capital of the state of Rio Grande do Sul in southern Brazil. Named after Getúlio Vargas's aviation minister Salgado Filho, the airport has long been one of the busiest in Brazil, connecting the southern region to domestic hubs and international destinations.
The airport suffered catastrophic damage in May 2024 when historic flooding across Rio Grande do Sul inundated its runways and terminal facilities, forcing an extended closure and major recovery operation. Prior to the floods, it handled millions of passengers annually and served as an important hub for domestic carriers including LATAM Airlines Brasil and Gol Linhas Aéreas.
Recovery and reconstruction efforts began following the 2024 flood disaster, with Brazilian authorities and airport operator Fraport Brasil working to restore operations. The airport's resilience and rebuilding process became a significant story in Brazilian aviation and infrastructure news.
Terminals
The airport operates a single integrated passenger terminal handling both domestic and international flights.
Getting to & from
The airport is connected to Porto Alegre's city center by taxi, rideshare services, and city bus routes, with the Trensurb metro line accessible nearby.
Airlines here
Major carriers operating here include LATAM Airlines Brasil and Gol Linhas Aéreas, with limited international service from airlines such as Aerolíneas Argentinas and Copa Airlines.
Notable facts
- ›Named after Joaquim Pedro Salgado Filho, Brazil's first Minister of Aeronautics.
- ›Severely flooded in May 2024 during Rio Grande do Sul's historic climate disaster, forcing extended closure.
- ›Operated under concession by Fraport Brasil since 2017.
- ›Located approximately 8 km from Porto Alegre's city center.
- ›Served as one of Brazil's top ten busiest airports by passenger volume before the 2024 floods.
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
