Best international airport: Guarulhos, Sao Paulo

Latin Trade, Feb, 2004

Travelers arriving for the first time at busy Guarulhos International Airport in Sao Paulo may expect a sprawling, hard-to-navigate facility. They'd be wrong; this airport shines for its simplicity. And that may be what prompted LATIN TRADE readers to vote it the best airport in the region, beating out last year's winner, the Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport in Santiago, Chile.

Known locally as Cumbica Airport, after the neighborhood where it is located, Sao Paulo's airstrip was praised by our readers for its easy-to-reach location, just 25 kilometers northeast of Brazil's largest city. Built 14 years ago, its two existing terminals (of four planned) operate nearly at capacity, although their flight traffic concentrates on domestic routes and Mercosur destinations. This airport's functional setup, its efficiency and, above all, the integrated designs of its interior spaces, make it a standout--and a facility that executives are happy to frequent.

Guarulhos bursts with helpful services, from the currency exchange offices and banks to a 24-hour post office in Terminal

1. The airport is designed to be executive-friendly with phone, fax, computers with Internet access, and a selection of executive lounges. It also has two meeting rooms with a capacity of 80 to 100 people, available to executives. On the second floor of both airport terminals, telecommunications offices make it easy to make long-distance calls.

Guarulhos fans expect soon the opening of a third terminal, designed to include a fitness center, boutiques, movies, first-class restaurants and a huge bookstore. The current terminal has waiting areas with televisions, shops and a glass veranda where passengers can watch the comings and goings on the airstrip, surrounded by a lush landscape.