Although there have been airports around the world in operation since 1911, the first airport in Brazil opened in the 1930s. In fact, its structure still exists today and is still in operation!

Furthermore, it is worth remembering that there were other airports in the country at that time. However, they were not used by civilians. In other words, they were all aimed at planes from the country's military forces.

With the growing need for modernization, it was during the Vargas government that work began on Brazil's first airport. But, after all, where is this historic building?

Well, do you want to know a little more about the oldest airport in the country and check out incredible facts about it? So continue reading and see its history, details of its construction and much more!

Firstly, you must already know this historic construction of the first civil airport in Brazil. After all, it is the postcard of the wonderful city, Rio de Janeiro. We are talking about Santos Dumont airport.

It was at the beginning of the 1930s that the search for the ideal location for an imposing airport for Rio de Janeiro began. Soon, land donated by the city council proved to be the perfect option in Guanabara Bay.

The entire structure and project of Santos Dumont airport ended up being designed by a French architect and painter Alfred Agache, and executed by his brothers Marcelo and Milton Roberto.

Thus, work began in 1934 and construction was completed in 1935. However, the official inauguration only took place on November 30, 1936 with a 700 meter long runway.

In fact, from there you can see the famous Sugarloaf Mountain, as well as the incredible view of the airport surrounded by Guanabara Bay. Furthermore, the building also has a beautiful garden designed by the famous landscaper Burle Max.

Although it is not the busiest airport in the country, Santos Dumont continues to operate today. In fact, it has the capacity to receive more than 10 million people every year.

However, it currently only operates domestic flights. In other words, international flights do not pass through it. In fact, most of them are short distances, with the Rio – São Paulo bridge being the most famous route.

After a major modernization project that ended in 2007, the airport structure now has 8 boarding bridges. Furthermore, the tracks were renovated and the entire construction in general was improved.

In addition to carrying the title of the first civil airport in Brazil, Santos Dumont has quite a story to tell! After all, it has been in operation for over 80 years and has around 10 million passengers every year.

In fact, Santos Dumont airport is among the 10 busiest in the country. Even though it only operates for domestic flights, its passenger flow is large. See below some interesting facts that are part of its history!

As we already mentioned, Santos Dumont airport officially opened in 1936. However, its construction had already been completed a year earlier! In fact, the delay was due to the first frustrated flights.

That's right, Santos Dumont's first two flights resulted in an accident where one of the aircraft almost fell into the sea. The other ended up colliding with some carts that were on the track for earthmoving.

In addition to some accidents on its very short runways, Santos Dumont airport also suffered a very serious fire in February 1998. It is believed that the cause was thermoelectric.

The fire started in the early hours of February 13 on the ground floor and soon spread to the mezzanine and other areas. The fire lasted a total of 8 hours and more than 150 firefighters were involved in extinguishing the flames.

Furthermore, the fire destroyed two-thirds of Santos Dumont airport, which had flights transferred to Galeão airport. However, it returned to operation in the same year after 6 months of renovations.

You've certainly heard of or even flown on the Rio – São Paulo flight, the most famous in the country. However, what you may not know is that its creation in 1959 inspired some international routes too!

In this sense, the airlines VASP, Varig and Cruzeiro do Sul, which operated the route between Congonhas and Santos Dumont, signed an agreement. Through it, tickets purchased were valid for all flights.

In other words, you could buy and board the flight you wanted, from any of the 3 companies. Although now extinct, this agreement inspired routes such as Paris – London and New York – Boston, for example.

If you like adrenaline, then Santos Dumont airport is certainly a great place for you! After all, its structure has one of the smallest, but most beautiful, landing strips in the world.

In fact, its initial track was already quite short for the time, with just 700 meters. After several years and many renovations and modernizations, the landing strips currently measure 1,323 meters and the auxiliary runways are only 1,260 meters long.

Adding this size to the fact that the airport is in the middle of Guanabara Bay, the landing experience can be terrifying. However, for those who like it, the left side of the aircraft provides a panoramic view.

In fact, if you are going to visit this wonderful city, have you thought about taking tours with local guides focused on your well-being? Then you need to know the Vamos tourism agency, based in Rio de Janeiro!

Winner of the 2020 Sustainable Enterprise award, the agency offers packages with a lot of contact with nature. See below how to buy through it and enjoy your vacation in a different way!