Aena outlines modest plans for Rio Galeão, cites demand growth before expanding

Aena presented its first plans for Rio de Janeiro's Galeão airport on 13 November 2023, stating it will not launch major expansion works and will only consider reopening Terminal 1 if passenger and flight numbers increase.

The airport is projected to handle 19.4 million passengers in 2026, a 10.9% rise from the 17.5 million expected in 2025, which equals 52.4% of its declared 37 million‑passenger annual capacity. Galeão operates two runways, 58 boarding bridges and 584,700 m² of built area, and Aena aims to attract new domestic and international routes, increase existing frequencies and improve the passenger experience. Terminal 1 has not handled regular passenger operations for about ten years after flights were consolidated in Terminal 2 and the South Pier.