GIG is the Rio de Janeiro/Galeão International Airport’s airport code in Brazil. This three-letter code helps travellers and airlines quickly identify the airport for bookings, luggage tags, and flight information.
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Galeão International Airport (GIG) Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| ICAO | SBGL |
| IATA | GIG |
| Suitable for Private Aircraft and Charter Flights | Yes |
| In-flight Catering | Available through approved service providers. |
| Slots | Required; coordinate with the airport’s slot office in advance. |
| Landing Permit | Mandatory for private and charter flights; must be obtained from Brazilian aviation authorities. |
| CIQ (Customs, Immigration, Quarantine) | Available for international arrivals and departures. |
| FBO (Fixed Base Operator) | Required: coordinate with the airport’s slot office in advance. |
| VIP Lounge | Available; accessible through FBOs or specific airline services. |
| Visas | Required depending on nationality; consult a Brazilian consulate or embassy for specifics. |
| Parking | Check the latest NOTAMs and ATC advisories through official channels before flight planning. |
| Hangar | Available through selected FBOs for aircraft storage and maintenance. |
| Airside Access | Restricted; requires proper credentials and permissions. |
| Fuel Availability | Yes, including AvGas and Jet A-1, provided by FBOs. |
| Noise Abatement Procedure at Night | Enforced; includes restrictions on flight paths, altitudes, and aircraft types during certain hours. |
| ATC Restrictions or Significant NOTAMs | Yes, multiple FBOs provide fueling, maintenance, and concierge support services. |
Rio de Janeiro/Galeão–Antônio Carlos Jobim International Airport, commonly known as Galeão Airport, is the leading international gateway to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Located approximately 20 kilometers north of downtown Rio, this airport is named in honor of Antônio Carlos Jobim, the bossa nova legend behind “The Girl from Ipanema.”
As Brazil’s second-busiest airport, GIG handles over 15 million passengers annually and connects travelers to 48 destinations across 17 countries. The airport’s codes—GIG (IATA) for tickets and baggage, and SBGL (ICAO) for aviation—are used for operations and logistics.
Why GIG Matters
Built in 1941 as a military airbase, Galeão became South America’s central aviation hub. Its two long runways (4,000 m and 3,180 m) accommodate wide-body jets and heavy traffic. Upgrades for the 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympics brought modern infrastructure and enhanced services.
GIG is served by leading airlines like LATAM Brasil, Gol, American Airlines, Emirates, and Air France, making it a crucial bridge to global destinations.
Arriving at GIG
- Immigration & Customs: Terminal 2 handles all international arrivals. Brazil allows visa-free entry for many nationalities for stays up to 90 days. Keep documents handy to speed up processing.
- Language Tip: Staff usually speak English, but basic Portuguese like Obrigado/a (thank you) or Onde é o táxi? (Where is the taxi?) is appreciated.
Getting to and from GIG
- Taxis & Rideshares: Licensed cabs and apps like Uber and 99 operate at Terminal 2. A ride to Copacabana or Ipanema ranges from R$60–80 (~$10–15 USD).
- Public Transit: The BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) links the airport to the Rio Metro at Vicente de Carvalho. Premium “Frescão” shuttles connect to popular areas for around R$20.
- Car Rentals: Major companies such as Avis, Hertz, and Localiza have desks in Terminal 2. Parking is available for both short and long stays.
Airport Amenities
- Dining: Local flavors at Casa do Pão de Queijo and global brands like Starbucks.
- Shopping: Duty-free stores sell Brazilian products like Havaianas flip-flops and cachaça.
- Lounges: GOL Premium Lounge and Plaza Premium Lounge offer Wi-Fi, snacks, and showers (around R$150/day).
- Wi-Fi & SIM Cards: 1 hour of free Wi-Fi available. SIM cards from Vivo and Claro cost around R$30 for 1GB.
- Other Services: Currency exchange, ATMs, luggage storage, and 24/7 information desks.
Best Times to Travel
- High Season: December to February and during Carnival (February/March). Book early.
- Low Season: April and September offer fewer crowds and mild weather.
Airport Infrastructure
- There are two terminals: Terminal 1 (domestic) and Terminal 2 (international). A free shuttle connects both.
- Runways: Two runways—4,000 m and 3,180 m—suitable for all-weather, wide-body operations.
- Cargo: Handles around 378,000 tons annually. The facility includes maintenance hangars and fuel infrastructure.
Airlines and Destinations
- Domestic: LATAM, Gol, and Azul link Rio to São Paulo, Brasília, and Foz do Iguaçu.
- International: Carriers like American Airlines (Miami, NY), Emirates (Dubai), Air France (Paris), and TAP Air Portugal (Lisbon) operate regularly.
- Regional: Avianca and Sky Airline serve Santiago, Buenos Aires, and other South American cities.
Exploring Rio from GIG
- Copacabana & Ipanema Beaches: 25–30 minutes by car.
- Christ the Redeemer: About 40 minutes. Best visited early in the morning.
- Maracanã Stadium: 20 minutes. Offers tours and football match access.
Pro Tip: For Carnival, book hotels and flights months in advance.
Fun Facts About GIG
- Namesake: Honors Antônio Carlos Jobim, icon of bossa nova.
- Olympic Legacy: Terminal 2 was revamped in 2016 to meet modern travel standards.
- Scenic Approaches: Flights often pass over Guanabara Bay—keep a window seat for views.
Frequently Asked Questions – GIG Airport
Q: What’s the official name of the GIG airport?
A: Antônio Carlos Jobim International Airport (Galeão International).
Q: How can I find a terminal map?
A: Visit the Rio Galeão website for updated maps and gate info.
Q: What are the key amenities?
A: Dining, duty-free shopping, lounges, ATMs, free Wi-Fi (1 hour), luggage storage, and 24/7 help desks.
Q: Are there other airports in Rio?
A: Yes. Santos Dumont Airport (SDU) serves mostly domestic traffic near downtown Rio.
Q: How early should I arrive for an international flight?
A: At least 3 hours in advance for security and check-in procedures.
Q: What transport is available to the city?
A: Taxis, Uber/99, BRT buses, “Frescão” shuttle, and rental cars via major highways.
