Congonhas Airport, managed by Aena, has begun expansion and modernization work. The cornerstone ceremony for the works was held this Wednesday (11). With an investment of R$2,4 billion, the airfield in the capital of São Paulo will gain a new enger terminal more than twice its current size, new boarding bridges and several improvements for operational efficiency. The airport will also have 20 m² dedicated to commercial areas. After the works, São Paulo will have a more comfortable, safe, ecological and spacious airport for arrivals and departures.
In addition to the expansion of operational areas, new equipment, technologies and modern systems will also be acquired, promoting increased operational efficiency. Another new feature is the aircraft stopping points adapted to receive larger capacity models, such as the Airbus A321neo and the Boeing 737 Max 10.
“The expansion and modernization of Congonhas reflects Aena’s global mission to provide excellent airport infrastructure, connecting people and promoting sustainable development. This project reaffirms our confidence in Brazil and our commitment to delivering innovative solutions for air transportation,” said Aena’s CEO, Maurici Lucena, who was present at the ceremony.
“This milestone symbolizes Aena’s commitment to transforming Congonhas into an example of modernity, sustainability and efficiency. With significant investments, we are creating a more comfortable and safe environment for our engers, while respecting the rich history of this iconic airport in the city of São Paulo,” said Santiago Yus, CEO of Aena Brazil.
In addition to the senior management of Aena from Spain and Brazil, the ceremony on Wednesday was attended by the Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filho, the National Secretary of Civil Aviation, Tomé Franca, the Vice-Governor of São Paulo, Felicio Ramuth, the Secretary of Urban Planning and Licensing of the City of São Paulo, Elisabete França, federal deputy Celso Russomano, the Committee on Ports and Airports of the Federal Chamber, among other authorities, representatives of airlines and groups interested in the air transport sector.
Responsible construction company
Aena announced that HTB will be the construction company responsible for the works. The expected completion date is June 2028, when the new terminal should begin boarding engers. To minimize impacts on operations, the works will be carried out in stages. The first will include the demolition of structures, installation of construction sites, interventions in the aircraft apron and improvements to the taxiways. In the second, the airlines will be transferred to the new hangars, beginning the construction of the new terminal's pier and works on the listed hangar.
The third phase will see the installation of boarding bridges on the new pier and the baggage control and processing system. The final stages will include the completion of the enger terminal, with the delivery of new bridges, baggage systems and retrofitting of the current terminal.
“We are honored to have been chosen by Aena to execute this grand project. With solid expertise in the airport sector, we have, in recent years, carried out interventions in more than 20 airports throughout the country. This new contract is the culmination of our successful strategy and we will apply all our experience and knowledge to carry out yet another excellent project, and thus also contribute to its success,” says Detlef Dralle, CEO of the construction company.
Terminal will be twice its current size
Once the construction work is completed, the arrivals and departures area will double in size, reaching over 100 m². The project includes the preservation and revitalization of spaces listed as Historic Heritage, which will be integrated into the new terminal. The new buildings will be used for departures, while the current terminal will accommodate arrivals. A new commercial concept will also be implemented, with a renewed mix of stores, new, more comfortable VIP lounges and corporate spaces, such as offices and business rooms.
The boarding terminal will have a new check-in hall with 72 large and accessible positions, which can be increased to 108, and a new pier measuring 33 meters wide and 330 meters long. There will be 19 new boarding bridges, replacing the current 12, ensuring 70% or more of direct boarding to aircraft. The listed hangar will be reused, with 10 remote boarding gates. There will also be 13 automatic boarding readers and an increase to up to 17 inspection channels.
Upon disembarking, engers will also have more comfort. A new, faster and smarter baggage processing system will be installed, with 10 carousels (there are currently three), in addition to an increase from five to seven baggage claim conveyors, totaling 228 meters in length.
Operational efficiency will also be improved with the works. With a new 215 m² apron for commercial aviation, there will be an increase from 30 to 37 aircraft parking positions, 19 on the bridges and 18 remote, with adequate distances and 100% in accordance with international standards, being suitable to receive the Airbus A321neo and the Boeing 737 Max 10 in all positions. In addition, runways and aprons will receive structural reinforcement, the construction of new taxiways, a new service road for general aviation and a quick exit when operating through the 35L threshold.
To improve traffic flow and reduce traffic on the way to the terminal, Aena will create a new pick-up area with 72 spaces for ride-hailing cars. The curb area will be increased by 250 meters for enger boarding and unboarding, and there will be direct access to the future Gold Line metro station.
In of sustainability, Congonhas Airport will have a new electricity substation, with more equipment and the use of clean energy, reducing the use of fossil fuels. Thus, there will be power supply and air conditioning for aircraft on the boarding bridges, reducing CO2 emissions. Among other improvements, the project includes the implementation of a new solid waste center, in addition to the use of efficient air conditioning in the terminal and more natural lighting.
Actions already taken
In Aena's first year managing Congonhas Airport, several improvements have already been implemented. During the year, a parking area for ride-hailing drivers and a new enger boarding area were opened, reducing waiting times for s of this system. Aena has already begun work to expand the remote boarding lounge and renovate the restrooms, which should be completed in the first quarter of 2025.
Combining sustainability and comfort, Aena has acquired ten new 100% electric buses for remote enger boarding. The model has zero emissions and noise, with a range of 270 km per battery recharge. With sustainable vehicles, there will be a reduction of 510 tons of CO2 per year.
Among other actions already carried out, there are the reorganization and expansion of the X-rays, resurfacing of the asphalt on the roads leading to the airport, revitalization of the baggage conveyor belts, increase in power points in the terminal (sockets), provision of seats in the boarding lounge, repaving of the aircraft taxiways, in addition to the opening of new stores and restaurants.
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