GIG is the airport code for Rio de Janeiro/Galeão International Airport in Brazil. This three-letter code helps travellers and airlines quickly identify the airport for bookings, luggage tags, and flight information.
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) | Yes, multiple FBOs provide services including fueling, maintenance, and concierge support. |
| VIP Lounge | Available; accessible through FBOs or specific airline services. |
| Visas | Required depending on nationality; consult a Brazilian consulate or embassy for specifics. |
| Parking | Secure parking available for vehicles and aircraft, with various pricing tiers. |
| 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 | Check latest NOTAMs and ATC advisories through official channels before flight planning. |
Contact Information
- Airport Authority: Infraero
- Website: www.infraero.com.br
- Phone: +55 (21) 3347-4000
Galeão International Airport is the main gateway for international flights to Rio de Janeiro, one of Brazil’s most famous cities. The airport’s full name is Rio de Janeiro/Galeão-Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport, but it’s often called Galeão Airport for short.
Travelers heading to Rio for its beaches, Carnival, or the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue will likely fly into GIG. The airport code is used on tickets, flight boards, and baggage tags to make sure people and luggage end up in the right place. Knowing the code can help visitors plan their trips and navigate the airport more easily.
Overview of Rio de Janeiro’s Galeão International Airport: GIG Airport Code
Galeão International Airport is the main gateway to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It handles millions of passengers yearly and serves as a key hub for South American travel.
Location and Significance
Galeão International Airport sits on Governador Island in Rio de Janeiro. It’s Brazil’s second-busiest international airport. The airport plays a vital role in connecting Rio to other parts of the world.
Built in 1941, it started as an air force base. Today, it’s a modern facility with two terminals. The airport can handle large aircraft and many passengers at once.
Its location near the city center makes it easy for travelers to reach Rio’s famous spots. Tourists and business people alike find it a convenient entry point to Brazil.
Airport Codes and Identifiers
The airport has two main codes. GIG is its IATA code, used on tickets and luggage tags. SBGL is its ICAO code, used by pilots and air traffic control.
Its full name is Galeão – Antônio Carlos Jobim International Airport. This honors a famous Brazilian musician. Many still call it simply Galeão Airport.
The airport sits at an elevation of 28 feet above sea level. Its exact location is 22°48’36” S latitude and 43°15’2″ W longitude.
These codes and details help travelers and aviation professionals identify and locate the airport easily.
Airport Infrastructure
Rio de Janeiro/Galeão International Airport boasts extensive facilities to handle passenger and cargo traffic. The airport’s layout includes multiple terminals, runways, and specialized areas for various aviation operations.
Terminals and Capacity
The airport has two main passenger terminals. Terminal 1 serves domestic flights, while Terminal 2 handles international traffic. Together, these terminals can process up to 37 million passengers annually.
Terminal 2 underwent major renovations for the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics. It now features modern amenities and expanded capacity.
A free shuttle bus connects the terminals, making transfers easy for travelers.
Runways and Elevation
Galeão Airport has two parallel runways. The longer runway measures 4,000 meters (13,123 feet), allowing it to accommodate large aircraft.
The airport sits at an elevation of 28 feet above sea level. This low elevation helps with takeoffs and landings, especially for heavily loaded planes.
Both runways have advanced lighting and navigation systems for safe operations in various weather conditions.
Cargo and Maintenance Facilities
The airport houses a dedicated cargo terminal. This facility can handle over 378,000 tons of cargo per year.
Several maintenance hangars support aircraft servicing. These include facilities operated by major Brazilian airlines.
The former Galeão Air Force Base, located on-site, provides additional infrastructure. Some of its facilities have been repurposed for civilian use.
A fuel farm ensures a steady supply of aviation fuel for all operations. This helps minimize delays due to refueling issues.
Airlines and Destinations
Rio de Janeiro’s Galeão International Airport serves as a major hub for air travel in Latin America. It offers a wide range of flights to both domestic and international destinations, connecting RJ to cities across Brazil and around the world.
National and International Airlines
Galeão Airport hosts many Brazilian and foreign airlines. LATAM Airlines, Gol, and Azul are key Brazilian carriers operating from GIG. These airlines provide extensive domestic coverage, linking Rio to major cities like São Paulo, Brasília, and Salvador.
International carriers include American Airlines, Air France, and Emirates. These airlines connect Rio directly to global hubs in North America, Europe, and the Middle East. Delta Air Lines and United Airlines offer non-stop flights to the United States.
Regional carriers like Avianca Brasil and Sky Airline also use GIG as a base for flights to nearby South American countries.
Popular Flight Routes
GIG airport offers direct flights to 48 destinations across 17 countries. Popular domestic routes include flights to São Paulo, Belo Horizonte, and Porto Alegre.
For international travel, frequent routes connect Rio to major cities like:
- New York
- Miami
- Lisbon
- Paris
- London
Flights to Buenos Aires and Santiago are common for South American travel. The airport also serves as a gateway to popular Brazilian tourist destinations like Foz do Iguaçu and Fernando de Noronha.
During peak seasons, airlines often increase flight frequencies to meet demand. This is especially true for routes to and from Europe and North America.
Airport Services and Amenities
Rio de Janeiro’s Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport offers a range of services for travelers. The airport strives to meet passenger needs and provide easy access options.
Passenger Services
The airport has information desks open 24/7 in both terminals. These help travelers with questions and directions. Shops and restaurants are available for food and last-minute purchases. Free WiFi keeps passengers connected.
Lounges give a quiet space to relax before flights. Mobile charging points let people power up devices. For luggage, the airport provides storage lockers.
Currency exchange and ATMs help with money needs. The airport also has medical facilities for emergencies.
Airport Accessibility and Transit Options
The airport sits 20 km north of Rio de Janeiro. Taxis and ride-sharing services offer door-to-door transport. A cheaper option is the airport bus to popular areas.
For public transit, the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) connects to the subway system. This gives budget-friendly access to the city center.
Car rental companies have desks at the airport. Parking lots provide short and long-term options for those driving.
The airport layout includes ramps and elevators for easy movement. Staff can assist passengers with mobility needs.
Frequently Asked Questions: GIG Airport Code
Rio de Janeiro’s GIG airport offers many services for travelers. The airport has multiple terminals and handles both domestic and international flights.
What is the official name of the airport designated by the GIG code?
The official name of the airport with the GIG code is Antônio Carlos Jobim International Airport. It is often called Galeão International Airport.
How can I find the map for GIG airport?
Airport maps are available on the official Rio Galeão website. These maps show terminal layouts, gates, and facilities.
What amenities are available at Rio de Janeiro’s main international airport?
GIG airport has shops, restaurants, and lounges. It also offers free Wi-Fi, currency exchange, and lost and found services.
Is there more than one airport serving Rio de Janeiro?
Yes, Rio de Janeiro has two main airports. GIG is the primary international airport, while Santos Dumont Airport serves domestic flights.
How does GIG airport facilitate international check-ins?
GIG has dedicated areas for international check-ins. These areas have airline counters and self-service kiosks for passenger convenience.
What are the transportation options to and from GIG airport?
Travelers can use taxis, buses, or car rentals to get to and from GIG. The airport is connected to Rio de Janeiro by major highways.
