Natal Airport Sets Unprecedented First-Half Record, and Rio Grande do Norte Registers Highest Passenger Traffic in 24 Years.
Natal International Airport, located in São Gonçalo do Amarante, closed the first half of 2026 with the highest passenger traffic since its inauguration in 2014. A total of 1,387,440 passengers traveled through the airport, including arrivals and departures, during the first six months of the year, representing an 18% increase compared to the same period in 2025. The figures were released by Zurich Airport Brasil, the concessionaire of Natal Airport.
In addition, the airport recorded a historic milestone for Rio Grande do Norte: it achieved the highest passenger traffic in the first half of the year at any airport in the state since 2002, according to data from Brazil's National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC).
Domestic traffic reached 1,286,949 passengers during the first six months of 2026, an increase of 15% year over year. International traffic totaled 100,491 passengers, representing a remarkable 92% growth. According to the semiannual report, April, May, and June recorded the highest passenger volumes ever registered for those months since the airport began operations in São Gonçalo do Amarante, as well as the strongest results since 2002.
The increase in passenger numbers at Natal Airport reflects several contributing factors, including destination promotion efforts, the state's aviation fuel (Jet A1) tax policy, and ongoing cooperation between Zurich Airport Brasil, public authorities, and the tourism industry to attract flights and develop new routes.
Additionally, since December 2025, Natal Airport has welcomed a new airline to its portfolio: JetSMART. The carrier launched direct flights to Buenos Aires, operating daily services between late December 2025 and March 2026. Currently, Argentina's capital is also served by GOL Airlines.
Another enhancement to the airport's route network in 2026 was the launch of the Natal–Montevideo route, introduced seasonally by GOL in March, expanding the number of direct international destinations available from the airport. Natal Airport also maintains weekly flights to Lisbon, Portugal, operated by TAP Air Portugal.
“Our airport has experienced a significant increase in flights and passengers throughout 2026, and this scenario is the result of work developed over recent years, supported by effective fiscal policies and destination promotion efforts. We have seen additional operations, new destinations, and increased seat capacity for 2026, reinforcing Rio Grande do Norte's leading role in tourism across Northeast Brazil and the country as a whole,” said André Lima, Natal Airport Manager.
Flight Operations
The number of flights also showed significant growth during the first half of 2026. In total, 9,268 aircraft movements were recorded at Natal Airport, an increase of 16% compared to the same period in 2025.
- Domestic flights: 8,552 (+13%)
- International flights: 716 (+66%)
The figures include both arrivals and departures.
Since taking over management of Natal Airport in February 2024, Zurich Airport Brasil has invested approximately R$59 million in the airport's infrastructure. Improvements include:
- Modernization of the air-conditioning system
- High-speed complimentary Wi-Fi
- Installation of a multisensory room
- Pet-friendly facilities
- New airport signage
- Opening of VIP lounges
In the area of sustainability, a major highlight is the installation of a solar power plant with 11,000 panels, an initiative that will make the airport self-sufficient in energy production.
Natal Airport Traffic Performance | H1 2026
Passengers
- Total Passengers: 1,387,440 (+18%)
- Domestic Passengers: 1,286,949 (+15%)
- International Passengers: 100,491 (+92%)
Monthly Passenger Traffic
- January: 281,000
- February: 234,000
- March: 228,000
- April: 217,000
- May: 215,000
- June: 212,000
Flights
- Total Flights: 9,268 (+16%)
- Domestic Flights: 8,552 (+13%)
- International Flights: 716 (+66%)
Passenger and flight figures include both arrivals and departures.