Forquilhinha - Criciúma Airport

Diomicio Freitas Airport sits on the eastern edge of Forquilhinha, a municipality in Santa Catarina’s southern agricultural belt. The airport serves as a regional general aviation and air taxi facility rather than a commercial passenger hub, handling primarily private flights, charter operations, and occasional medevac services. With a single asphalt runway of approximately 1,200 metres, it accommodates light aircraft and smaller turboprops. The terminal building is modest, reflecting the airport’s role as a practical link for local agribusiness and tourism rather than a destination in itself.

Getting There

The airport is located about 5 kilometres from central Forquilhinha and 10 kilometres north of Criciúma, the nearest larger city. From Criciúma, take the SC-443 highway heading east toward Forquilhinha, then turn onto Estrada Geral do Arame or follow signs to Avenida Diomicio Freitas. The drive takes roughly 15 minutes without traffic. From Florianópolis, 200 kilometres to the north, follow BR-101 south to the Criciúma exit, then proceed via SC-443 – about a 2.5-hour journey. From Porto Alegre, 300 kilometres south, take BR-101 north to the same exit.

Public transport options are limited. There is no direct bus to the airport. Taxis are available from Forquilhinha or Criciúma, but it is advisable to arrange a ride in advance, especially during off-peak hours. Ride-sharing services such as Uber operate in the region, though availability may be sparse. For those driving, the airport offers a wheelchair-accessible car park close to the terminal entrance.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at Diomicio Freitas Airport is small and functional. Passengers enter through a wheelchair-accessible entrance into a single-floor building. The check-in area consists of a couple of counters, typically staffed only during flight arrivals or departures. After check-in, a waiting area with basic seating provides a view of the apron. The terminal does not have jet bridges; passengers walk across the tarmac to the aircraft.

Facilities include a wheelchair-accessible toilet and a standard toilet, as well as a changing table for families. Baggage storage is available – useful for travellers wishing to explore Forquilhinha without lugging suitcases. There are no restaurants or shops, but vending machines might be present (not confirmed). The atmosphere is quiet and relaxed, with staff willing to assist. Note that the airport is not open daily: it operates on scheduled flight days only. Check the website or call ahead to confirm terminal hours. On days with no flights, the terminal may be locked, so plan your arrival accordingly.

The security process is straightforward, though passengers should expect a small luggage check. There are no duty-free shops or lounges. Overall, the experience is efficient but basic – arrive prepared with snacks and entertainment, as wait times can be prolonged if flights are delayed.

Diomicio Freitas Airport and Forquilhinha

Forquilhinha is a city of roughly 25,000 residents, known for its strong German-Brazilian cultural heritage and its productive agricultural economy. The region was colonised by immigrants from Germany and Italy in the late 19th century, a heritage still visible in architecture, festivals, and local cuisine. Forquilhinha hosts the Festa do Imigrante, an annual event celebrating the immigrant cultures with traditional music, dance, and food. The city also features a modest Oktoberfest, smaller than the famous one in Blumenau but equally enthusiastic.

Agriculture – particularly rice, tobacco, and corn – drives the local economy. The airport plays a strategic role in this sector, handling crop-dusting aircraft, business charters for farm operators, and occasional cargo flights. For visitors, Forquilhinha offers a quiet, provincial atmosphere. The city centre has a few churches, including the Igreja Matriz São José, a simple but attractive building. The Gruta do Índio, a small cave formation, is a short drive away. For nature lovers, the surrounding countryside offers rolling hills, rice paddies, and rural trails ideal for cycling or hiking.

Travelers using Diomicio Freitas Airport are likely here for agribusiness, family visits, or regional tourism. The airport’s proximity to Criciúma (the region’s commercial hub) and its relatively easy road access to the coast make it a practical entry point for exploring southern Santa Catarina. The nearby beaches of Balneário Rincão, 30 kilometres east, offer surf and seafood. The Serra do Rio do Rastro, a dramatic mountain pass, is about 100 kilometres north-west and well worth a day trip.

For those with time, a visit to Criciúma’s cultural centres or the historic town of Orleans adds depth to the trip. But Forquilhinha itself rewards a slow pace – a chance to experience small-town Brazilian life far from the crowds of Rio or São Paulo.

Practical Information

Diomicio Freitas Airport is not open 24 hours a day. Terminal hours correspond to flight schedules, which vary by season. Contact the airport at +55 48 3512-7667 or check the municipal website (https://www.forquilhinha.sc.gov.br/secretaria-de-desenvolvimento-economico/aeroporto-diomicio-freitas/) for current operating hours. The busiest times are Monday at 5 pm, Tuesday at 7 pm, Wednesday at 2 pm, and Thursday at 3 pm – avoid these if you dislike queues.

Parking is free and accessible. For those needing wheelchair assistance, the airport meets basic accessibility standards. There is no ATM on site, so bring cash. The nearest hotels and services are in Forquilhinha centre or Criciúma. One concrete tip: if flying out, confirm your flight is running before heading to the airport, as cancellations can occur with little notice – the airport’s phone number is your best bet.