Key Planning Questions

• Will general aviation be able to operate at SBGR during the maintenance period?
  Possibly, but only during a very limited window. Current guidance indicates GA arrivals and departures may only be permitted between 0100–0400 local time.
• Why are operations restricted to overnight hours?
  The restriction is tied to planned airport maintenance work, which is expected to significantly limit general aviation access during most daytime hours.
• Can operators still use SBGR for daytime arrivals or departures?
  If the restriction is implemented as expected, daytime GA movements may not be possible. Operators should plan for alternate airports if arrival or departure times fall outside the overnight window.
• What airports should operators consider instead?
  The most practical alternatives for business aviation are Viracopos (SBKP) and São Paulo Catarina Executive Airport (SBJH).

Maintenance Work Driving the Restrictions

Authorities are preparing for planned maintenance at São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport (SBGR) that is expected to significantly limit general aviation access.

Based on current operational guidance circulating locally:

• GA operations suspended: 0400–0100 local time
• GA operations permitted: 0100–0400 local time
• Daily GA restriction: approximately 21 hours

These restrictions primarily affect aircraft using the General Aviation apron (Apron 12).

While the operational plan is widely expected to proceed, final details will be confirmed once the official NOTAM is published.

Expert Perspective

Daniel Pinto Da Silva, Flight Coordinator Supervisor with Universal Aviation Brazil, says operators should begin contingency planning immediately.

“We expect GA operations to be limited to a three-hour window between 0100 and 0400 local time, which effectively suspends general aviation activity for about 21 hours each day,” said Pinto Da Silva.

He notes that although the restriction has not yet been formally published, the change appears likely.

“Right now we only have internal communication, but the restriction appears to be a done deal. It could end up slightly better or slightly worse once finalized.”

Pinto Da Silva added that the operational impact will be significant for business aviation operating in the São Paulo region.

“April will likely be challenging because this is our main airport for business aviation operations in São Paulo.”

Why This Matters for Business Aviation

São Paulo–Guarulhos is a major international gateway and frequently used by business aviation operators for international arrivals, technical stops, and long-haul missions.

If GA operations are limited to a narrow overnight window, daytime arrivals and departures may become impractical for many corporate aviation missions.

Operators should expect increased demand at alternate airports in the region as traffic shifts away from SBGR during the maintenance period.

Recommended Alternate Airports

Operators planning missions to the São Paulo region during the SBGR restriction period may consider several alternate airports depending on operational priorities such as cost, proximity, and service environment.

São Paulo Catarina Executive International Airport (SBJH)

São Paulo Catarina Executive Airport (SBJH) is a private international airport dedicated exclusively to business aviation and designed to provide a premium operating environment for corporate aircraft.

Operational characteristics include:

• dedicated business aviation infrastructure

• modern facilities and premium passenger experience

• VVIP-focused service environment

• additional facility and overnight fees in addition to standard airport charges

As a purpose-built business aviation airport, SBJH offers a high-service operating environment with modern facilities, though operating costs are typically higher than at larger commercial airports such as SBKP.

Viracopos International Airport (SBKP)

Viracopos International Airport (SBKP) is a large international airport serving both commercial and business aviation traffic and is frequently used by operators seeking a cost-efficient alternative in the São Paulo region.

Operational characteristics include:

• standard landing, parking, and navigation fees

• no additional facility or airport access charges

• established ground handling infrastructure

• capability to support a wide range of aircraft types

Because SBKP operates alongside commercial airline traffic, operators should expect a mixed-traffic environment, but it remains a practical option for many missions, particularly for technical stops or repositioning operations.

BASP Air Base (Guarulhos)

Military or official flights may also be able to operate via BASP Air Base, located at Guarulhos Airport.

These operations require AVOEM diplomatic authorization, limiting availability to specific mission types.

Choosing Between SBJH and SBKP

Both airports are viable alternatives during the SBGR restriction period.

Operators prioritizing a dedicated business aviation environment and premium passenger experience may prefer SBJH, while those seeking a more cost-efficient option or planning technical stops may find SBKP suitable.

Ground handling and operational coordination can be arranged in advance at either location depending on mission requirements.

Choosing Between SBJH and SBKP

Both airports are viable alternatives during the SBGR restriction period, with the best option depending on mission priorities.

Operators prioritizing a dedicated business aviation environment and premium passenger experience may prefer SBJH, while those seeking a more cost-efficient option or planning technical stops may find SBKP suitable.

For military, diplomatic, or official government flights, operations may also be possible at BASP Air Base at Guarulhos, subject to AVOEM diplomatic authorization.

Ground handling and operational coordination can be arranged in advance at any of these locations depending on mission requirements.

Operational Outlook for SBGR

Planned maintenance at São Paulo–Guarulhos Airport is expected to significantly restrict general aviation access between March 29 and April 30, limiting operations to a short overnight window each day.

Operators planning missions to the São Paulo region during this period should evaluate alternate airports such as São Paulo Catarina Executive Airport (SBJH) or Viracopos (SBKP) and coordinate operational support in advance.

We will continue to monitor developments and will provide updates once the official NOTAM is published.