Brazil’s aviation network is expanding, and São Paulo–Campinas Viracopos International Airport (VCP) is emerging as one of its most dynamic hubs. Long overshadowed by São Paulo’s Guarulhos (GRU) and Congonhas (CGH) airports, Viracopos is now on track to reach a historic milestone — handling 13 million passengers by the end of 2025, according to a recent Aviation Week report.
A New Force in Brazilian Aviation
Located about 45 minutes from São Paulo, Viracopos Airport has seen strong growth in recent years, recording a 6.5% increase in passenger traffic in the first half of 2025. With modern facilities and ample space for expansion, the airport is positioning itself as the São Paulo region’s most efficient and least congested gateway.
Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras — Brazil’s third-largest airline — continues to make Viracopos its primary operational hub, connecting travelers to more than 60 domestic destinations and several international routes. LATAM Airlines has also returned with 21 weekly departures, adding new strength to the airport’s growing route network.
More Flights, Less Congestion
Unlike its overcrowded counterparts, Viracopos offers travelers and airlines room to grow. The airport’s single modern terminal is designed for scalability, and infrastructure upgrades continue as part of a broader plan to accommodate up to 25 million passengers annually in the coming decade.
For travelers, this means shorter lines, faster check-ins, and smoother connections — a welcome change for those tired of São Paulo’s busy hubs. For airlines, it means opportunity: greater slot availability and lower operational constraints.
Expanding International Reach
Viracopos is not only strengthening its domestic network but also looking abroad. Airport administrators are in talks with airlines in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia to add new long-haul routes. The goal is to transform VCP into a secondary international gateway for São Paulo state — complementing Guarulhos while providing more flexibility for carriers and passengers alike.
The airport recently joined the Routes 360 platform, a global route-development network, to promote its potential and attract new international partnerships.
What This Means for Travelers
For U.S. travelers booking flights to Brazil, Campinas may soon appear as a convenient and cost-effective alternative to Guarulhos. The airport’s proximity to São Paulo’s booming interior — home to millions of residents and numerous business hubs — makes it especially attractive for corporate and leisure travel.
Through platforms like BrazilianAirlines.com, travelers can already search for flights connecting through Campinas, particularly on Azul and LATAM. As more routes are added, VCP’s visibility will rise, giving passengers more choices and potentially better fares.
The Bottom Line
Viracopos International Airport’s projected 13 million-passenger milestone marks a new era for Brazil’s air travel infrastructure. With sustained investment, expanding airline partnerships, and untapped international potential, Campinas is rapidly becoming one of Brazil’s most strategic aviation gateways.
For travelers exploring Brazil, it’s time to keep an eye on VCP — the airport that’s quietly taking off.
