Zurich Airport Brazil inaugurates second runway at Macaé Airport.

The ceremony was attended by the board of directors of Zurich Airport in Brazil and Latin America (ZALA), the Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filho, representatives from the National Civil Aviation Secretariat (SAC), the Government of Rio de Janeiro, the State Environmental Institute (INEA), the Municipality of Macaé, and the Bem Voar consortium, formed by the construction companies Barbosa Mello (CBM) and Engeform Engenharia, responsible for the construction.

On that occasion, the President of INEA, Renato Jordão, presented Ricardo Gesse, CEO of Zurich Airport Brasil, with the Environmental Operating License for the new runway, which authorizes the start of activities at the site and certifies compliance with the conditions and environmental control measures established in previous licenses. 

“Today’s inauguration makes us very pleased as it robustly puts into practice Zurich Airport Brazil’s mission of developing the regions where it operates. An investment like this reinforces our belief in the region’s potential,” said Gesse.

Construction began in June 2023 and was completed in December 2024, six months ahead of the two-year deadline stipulated in the concession contract. To achieve this, the Swiss concessionaire increased its investment in construction and conducted studies to optimize processes in the planning and execution of the project. In January of this year, the homologation process for the new runway with ANAC (Brazilian Civil Aviation Agency) began, concluding in April 2025.

In addition to the construction of the new runway, three taxiways were extended to connect the two runways, and the apron for rotary-wing aircraft was expanded and now has 10 new positions. The construction involved 430 professionals.

During the construction, flights of rotary-wing aircraft, such as helicopters, which are the main traffic at the airport, operated regularly without interruption. In the year and six months of construction, approximately 41,600 offshore flights passed through Macaé Airport.

Commercial flights have been temporarily suspended to allow for the construction of the new runway, and there is currently no date set for their resumption. With a 30-year concession contract, Zurich Airport Brasil reinforces its long-term strategic vision applied to improving the infrastructure of Macaé Airport. With today's inauguration, the concessionaire delivers to the region an airport ready to meet the growing potential of offshore operations in Northern Rio de Janeiro State and prepared for commercial operations that contribute to the region's tourism potential.

"Tourism, as well as economic development, is a driving force for Macaé, and this runway will provide all the conditions necessary for us to move forward significantly," stated the acting Mayor of Macaé, Fabiano Paschoal.

"With this infrastructure in place, we will work in partnership with the local government and the private sector to attract new flights, strengthen regional aviation, and expand job creation and opportunities for the population," highlighted the Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filho.

Best offshore airport in Brazil

In April of this year, Macaé Airport won first place in the land-based aerodromes category in the awards presented by the Air and Maritime Operational Excellence and Efficiency Program – PEOTRAM 2024, from Petrobras, one of the leading references in safety and efficiency in the oil and gas sector in Brazil.

The award evaluated technical and operational indicators during the year 2024. The recognition reinforces Macaé Airport's position as a benchmark in safety and operational excellence, a strategic hub for offshore operations in the Campos Basin, and for offering the best airport infrastructure in the offshore sector.