Prefeito Renato Moreira Airport

Overview

Imperatriz Airport – Mayor Renato Moreira (IATA: IMP) is the main air gateway to the western part of Maranhão state and the broader Tocantins Valley region. It serves the city of Imperatriz and its surrounding municipalities, handling domestic flights that connect this rapidly growing agricultural hub to major Brazilian cities such as Brasília, São Paulo, and Belém. The airport is named after Renato Moreira, a former mayor of Imperatriz, and is operated by CCR Aeroportos. While not among Brazil's busiest, it plays a vital role in moving passengers and cargo, particularly for the agribusiness and logistics sectors that drive the local economy.

Location & Access

Imperatriz Airport is situated about 5 kilometres from downtown Imperatriz, off the BR-010 highway. Imperatriz itself lies on the eastern bank of the Tocantins River, near the border with the state of Tocantins. The airport's location makes it convenient for travellers heading to other cities in the region, such as Açailândia (about 80 km north) and Estreito (around 90 km south).

Getting to and from the airport

• Taxi and ride-sharing: Taxis are available at the terminal, and ride-sharing services like Uber operate in Imperatriz. The journey to the city centre typically takes 15–20 minutes.
• Bus: Local buses run from the airport to the central bus station, though schedules may be limited. It's advisable to check with the carrier or airport staff.
• Car rental: Several car rental agencies have desks at the airport, including Localiza and Unidas. Renting a car can be practical for exploring the region's natural attractions.
• Private transfer: Some hotels in Imperatriz offer shuttle services; confirm availability when booking.

Facilities

The airport, though relatively compact, provides essential amenities for passengers:

• Wheelchair accessibility: The car park, entrance, and toilets are all wheelchair-accessible, ensuring ease of movement for passengers with reduced mobility.
• Baggage storage: A left-luggage service is available, allowing travellers to store bags for a few hours or longer.
• Toilets: Clean restrooms are located in the departures and arrivals areas, including a changing table for infants.
• Other services: The airport has a small food court with snack options, a convenience store, and free Wi-Fi (check with the provider for connection details). ATM machines are located near the check-in area.

Note that the airport operates on a schedule that may not cover all days or hours. It is open for flights, but the terminal closes when there are no arrivals or departures. The peak hours are reported to be in the early morning (around 1–2 am), likely due to cargo flights or early domestic departures.

About the Region

Imperatriz is the second-largest city in Maranhão and a commercial and industrial centre for the western part of the state. The region's economy is heavily based on agriculture, particularly soybeans, corn, and cattle ranching. The city also has a growing industrial sector, with furniture manufacturing and food processing.

What the area is known for

• Tocantins River: The river is a major geographical feature, offering opportunities for boat trips, fishing, and observing riverine wildlife.
• Ecological tourism: The nearby Serra do Estrondo mountain range and the Cachoeira do Itapecuru waterfall (a few hours away) attract nature lovers. The region is part of the Amazon rainforest transition zone, with unique biodiversity.
• Cultural events: Imperatriz hosts the annual Expô Imperatriz agricultural fair, one of the largest in the region, and the Festival de Dança de Imperatriz.
• Shopping: The city has several shopping centres, including the shopping mall in the city centre, and a vibrant market area.

Most passengers arriving at the airport are either business travellers connected to agribusiness or tourists exploring the less-visited parts of Maranhão and northern Tocantins.

Practical Information

• Address: Aeroporto de Imperatriz – Prefeito Renato Moreira, BR-010, s/n, Imperatriz – MA, 65900-000, Brazil
• Website: http://www.ccraeroportos.com.br/
• Phone: +55 99 3524-4555
• Hours: The terminal does not operate 24/7; it opens according to flight schedules. Passengers should confirm with their airline the exact opening times. The airport is closed on some days or during gaps between flights.
• Parking: There is a car park near the terminal, with accessible spaces. Charges apply; payment can be made at the exit.

For flight information, check the website or contact your airline directly. As a smaller airport, allow at least an hour for check-in before domestic flights.