São Paulo Airport Eyes International Growth, Traffic Surges
Published: October 31, 2025
Passenger Numbers Climbing at Viracopos Airport
São Paulo-Campinas Viracopos International Airport (VCP) is experiencing a importent upswing in passenger traffic. During the first six months of 2025, the Airport recorded a 6.52% increase in passengers and is on track to surpass 13 million travelers by December, marking a historic high.
This positive trend is fueled, in part, by Azul Airlines, which has designated Viracopos as its principal operational center. The airline recently introduced seasonal services to Bariloche and Mendoza in Argentina, alongside bolstering connections to Madrid-Barajas Airport and Porto Airport in Europe.
LATAM Airlines Return Boosts Domestic Connectivity
The resurgence of LATAM airlines’ passenger operations has further contributed to VCP’s success.Currently, LATAM operates 21 weekly flights, a strong indication of their confidence in the airport’s capabilities and future potential.
VCP boasts the capacity to accommodate a doubling of passenger volume, positioning it as a key player in the region’s aviation landscape.
International Expansion: A Core Strategy
Maria Fan, Chief Commercial Officer at VCP, emphasized that international network development is crucial for the airport’s long-term growth. “Viracopos possesses the greatest potential for expansion among São Paulo’s airports,” Fan stated during Routes World 2025 in Hong kong. “New international destinations are vital to realizing this potential.”
The Airport intends to forge partnerships with both established and novel airline collaborators to unlock growth possibilities, especially within the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) and Asian markets. Viracopos is actively raising its profile through its membership in routes 360, a platform designed to connect airports and airlines globally.
Fan highlighted the effectiveness of the Routes 360 platform,stating,”We joined Routes 360 last year and the platform has been exactly what we were looking for. They connect us with airlines worldwide and our profile has been consistently amongst the most viewed. We need to raise the awareness of Viracopos, and I think this platform is the quickest way to do that.”
A Strategic hub for latin America
Located just 45 minutes from São Paulo, Viracopos airport serves as a pivotal hub for Latin America.The airport caters to a broad catchment area exceeding 38 million people and offers a complete network of domestic and international routes throughout the Americas and Europe.
Did You Know? Brazil’s airport infrastructure is undergoing significant investment, with a focus on modernization and capacity expansion to accommodate growing demand.
| Metric | value |
|---|---|
| First Half of 2025 Passenger Traffic Increase | 6.52% |
| Projected Year-End Passenger Total | 13 Million |
| Catchment Area Population | Over 38 Million |
The Future of Airport Route Development
The success of Viracopos exemplifies a broader trend within the aviation industry: the strategic importance of route development. Airports are increasingly proactive in courting airlines, leveraging platforms like Routes 360 to showcase their capabilities and attract new services. Moreover,a growing emphasis is being placed on sustainability,with airports actively seeking to reduce their carbon footprint and promote environmentally responsible practices.
Pro Tip: When evaluating potential routes, airlines consider factors beyond passenger demand, including airport infrastructure, operating costs, and local tourism potential.
Do you think increased international connectivity will further boost São Paulo’s economy? What role do you see sustainable aviation playing in the future of air travel?
Frequently Asked questions about viracopos Airport
- What is the primary driver of growth at viracopos Airport? The growth is driven by increased passenger traffic from Azul Airlines and the return of LATAM Airlines.
- What are Viracopos Airport’s key regions for international expansion? The airport is targeting growth opportunities in EMEA and Asia.
- What role does the Routes 360 platform play? It connects the airport with airlines worldwide, increasing its visibility and attracting new partners.
- How far is viracopos Airport from São Paulo? The airport is located approximately 45 minutes from São Paulo.
- What is the projected passenger volume for 2025? Viracopos anticipates handling over 13 million passengers by the end of 2025.
