BH Airport received 5.6 million passengers in the first half of 2024: the best result in the terminal's history

The movement was 12% higher compared to the first six months of last year

Approximately 5.6 million people passed through BH Airport from January to June 2024, representing a 12% growth compared to the same period last year. This was also the best first-half result in BH Airport’s history.

In total, there were around 53,000 landings and takeoffs in the first half of this year, 10% more than in the first six months of 2023. The growth indicates the sector’s recovery, and the expectation is that the second half will continue with numbers higher than those recorded last year. BH Airport’s COO, Rodrigo Côrtes, points out that the sector is still recovering from the pandemic’s consequences, but now it is possible to talk about growth and surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

“The numbers for the first half confirm what we already expected: 2024 has been a year of recovery. It is important to emphasize that the pandemic really delayed the sector’s growth, and if it weren’t for that, these numbers would be even better. Even so, we are happy with this historic result, which is great news not only for the aviation sector but also for tourism and the country’s economic development. Last year, BH Airport received about 10.5 million passengers, and the expectation is to increase that to 11.3 million in 2024, representing almost an 8% growth,” he states.

Côrtes highlights that the good result is also directly linked to BH Airport’s work in route expansion, which contributes to attracting more and more passengers. “In this first half, we have already announced eight new routes, in addition to increasing frequencies on international flights, strengthening Minas Gerais’ connections with over 70 places within and outside the country,” he states. Among the most sought-after domestic destinations in the first six months of the year are São Paulo, Brasília, Salvador, Rio de Janeiro, Recife, Porto Seguro, and Vitória. Among international destinations, Portugal, Panama, and Chile are among the most sought-after countries.

New Routes

Among the novelties of this first half, the COO highlights the arrival of new airlines: Sky, the first ultra-low-cost airline to operate at the Minas Gerais terminal, with the international destination Santiago (Chile), and Voepass with two domestic destinations: Ribeirão Preto and Porto Seguro. “BH Airport is a strategic hub for Brazil, and we are always looking for new airline options, flights, and destinations that expand the connection of people from Minas Gerais with Brazil and the world,” says Côrtes.

The first half was also marked by the announcement of unprecedented routes at BH Airport, such as the flight to Jacarepaguá (RJ) by Azul, connecting people from Minas Gerais directly to the West Zone of the marvelous city. For the first time, the Minas Gerais terminal also started offering a flight operated by Azul that links Belo Horizonte to Porto Velho (RO) and Rio Branco (AC). This is the only direct route to Acre from the Southeast.

Another destination in the North now offered by BH Airport is Manaus (AM). The flights are daily and operated by Azul with Airbus A320 aircraft, with a capacity of 174 passengers. With this route, the Minas Gerais terminal reaches five states served in the North region.

​Also announced in this first half, the BH-Divinópolis route reinforces BH Airport’s commitment to local development. It will be operated by Azul with ATR aircraft, with a capacity of 70 passengers. “The Midwest region is strategic due to its connection with various parts of Minas Gerais and other regions of Brazil. Increasing connectivity within our state is one of our commitments to contribute to local economic development,” says Côrtes.