Key Highlights
Here are the key things you should know about traveling through Belo Horizonte’s main airport:
- Belo Horizonte/Confins–Tancredo Neves International Airport (CNF) is the primary international airport serving Belo Horizonte.
- It is located in the municipality of Confins, about 44 km from the city center.
- The BH Airport is a major hub for Azul Brazilian Airlines and a focus city for Gol Linhas Aéreas.
- It features two modern passenger terminals with a capacity for 22 million passengers annually.
- You’ll find various services, including shopping, dining, and efficient ground transportation options.
Essential Information About Belo Horizonte Airport
Are you planning a trip to the beautiful state of Minas Gerais? Your journey will likely begin at Belo Horizonte/Confins–Tancredo Neves International Airport, the main international airport for the region. Named after former President-elect Tancredo de Almeida Neves, this airport is located in the nearby municipality of Confins and is the primary gateway for travelers visiting Belo Horizonte. It was established to reduce congestion at the older Pampulha Airport.
Operated by BH Airport S.A., this airport is recognized by its IATA code, CNF, and ICAO code, SBCF. These codes are essential for booking flights and tracking your travel plans. Since its privatization, the airport has seen significant upgrades, transforming it into a modern and efficient hub for both domestic and international passengers. Now, let’s explore more specific details about its location and services.
Location, Codes, and Terminals
Getting to and from the Tancredo Neves International Airport is straightforward, though it’s important to plan ahead. The airport is situated 44 kilometers (about 27 miles) north of downtown Belo Horizonte, in the state of Minas Gerais. This distance once posed a challenge for travelers, but infrastructure projects like the Linha Verde (Green Line) have improved the MG-10 highway, significantly cutting down travel time and making the journey smoother.
For easy reference when booking your travel, here are the essential codes and details for the Confins International Airport. Remember, the IATA code, CNF, is what you’ll most commonly use.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Belo Horizonte/Confins–Tancredo Neves International Airport |
| IATA Code | CNF |
| ICAO Code | SBCF |
| Location | Confins, Minas Gerais, Brazil |
The airport currently operates with two integrated passenger terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The construction of Terminal 2, completed in December 2016, raised the airport’s capacity to 22 million passengers a year. This expansion consolidated domestic and international flights into a single, spacious building, leading to the closure of a temporary international terminal and streamlining the passenger experience.
Major Airlines and International Connections
Confins International Airport serves as a crucial hub for some of South America’s biggest airlines. It is a primary hub for Azul Brazilian Airlines and a focus city for Gol Linhas Aéreas. Other major carriers, including LATAM, Copa Airlines, and TAP Air Portugal, also operate numerous flights, connecting Belo Horizonte to the rest of Brazil and the world.
Are you wondering if you can find direct flights to major international destinations? The answer is yes! The airport offers convenient connections to several key global cities. Some of the direct international routes available from this international airport include:
- Lisbon, Portugal (TAP Air Portugal)
- Panama City, Panama (Copa Airlines)
- Santiago, Chile (LATAM Chile)
- Orlando, USA (Azul Brazilian Airlines)
These direct flights make international travel more accessible for those starting their journey in Minas Gerais. For destinations not served directly, a quick connection through hubs like Panama City or Lisbon opens up a vast network of possibilities across North America, Europe, and beyond.
Facilities and Passenger Services at BH Airport
The experience at BH Airport is designed to be comfortable and convenient for all travelers. Following the concession to BH Airport S.A., the terminals have undergone renovations that resulted in more spacious public areas, reduced wait times, and improved overall ambiance. You will find a good selection of facilities, including shops, restaurants, and fast-food options both before and after security. Customer service is generally rated well, with helpful staff available to assist you.
For your comfort, the airport offers clean and accessible washrooms, baby changing rooms, and designated quiet areas for relaxation. While specific airport lounges are part of premium offerings, all passengers have access to free Wi-Fi, power outlets for charging devices, and children’s play areas to keep younger travelers entertained. These services ensure your time at the Tancredo Neves airport is pleasant, whether you are arriving, departing, or in transit.
Transportation, Parking, and Accessibility
Reaching your final destination from Tancredo Neves International Airport is simple, thanks to a variety of transportation options. The airport is well-connected to downtown Belo Horizonte and the surrounding region by executive shuttle buses, regular city buses, and taxis. These services offer a range of price points to suit your budget, making the 44-kilometer journey manageable and efficient.
If you plan to drive, you will find ample space in the airport’s parking lot, which was expanded to accommodate more vehicles. The accessibility of the airport has been greatly enhanced by improvements to the local highways, reducing travel time to and from the municipality of Confins. This makes driving yourself or taking a taxi a much more convenient option than in the past.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I travel between downtown Belo Horizonte and the airport?
You have several convenient options for traveling the 44 km between downtown Belo Horizonte and the Tancredo Neves International Airport. Executive airport shuttles offer comfortable, direct service, while regular buses provide a more economical choice. Taxis and rideshare services are also readily available for a more personalized transportation experience.
What ground transportation options are available at the airport?
At Confins International Airport, you can find a variety of ground transportation services to suit your needs. These include official airport taxis, app-based rideshare services, and executive buses that connect to key points in Belo Horizonte. Regular public bus lines also serve the airport, offering an affordable transit option.
Are there direct international flights from Belo Horizonte?
Yes, you can fly directly to several international destinations from Confins International Airport (CNF). Airlines like TAP Air Portugal, Copa Airlines, and LATAM offer direct flights to cities in Europe and the Americas, including Lisbon, Panama City, and Santiago, making it a convenient international airport for your travels.