Rio Grande, Brazil
Comprehensive guide to Rio Grande Airport (likely RIG) in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Find location, facilities, accessibility, and regional insights for a smooth journey.
5 features verified at Rio Grande Regional Airport
Typical foot-traffic by hour, sourced from Google. Live conditions may differ.
Busiest on Mondays around 7 pm — usually busy.
First impressions count. This hotel is empty and next to the motorway. Check in is a 3pm and they have NO flexibility if you happen to arrive early despite it obviously being so quiet that you dont see many other guests. Every other hotel I have ever visited is able to accommodate you a little early or as soon as your room is cleaned. This hotel makes you wait till 3pm exactly before they will give you the key. They dont even have anywhere secure to drop your bags. They are kept on a trolley by the door. When I finally entered the room it was not even very clean.
On this day, December 8th, 2024, this plane took off; it was a private plane. The pilot and co-pilot were on board. Very nice, congratulations to our city for this airport.
On June 10, 2011, Celio Soares wrote in the newspaper Agora: The centenary of Gustavo Cramer "This Saturday, June 11th, marks the centenary of the birth of a true hero of Rio Grande: Gustavo Ernesto de Carvalho Cramer. Born on this date in 1911, Cramer was an athlete for the Rio Grande Rowing Club, in swimming and rowing, and goalkeeper for SC Rio Grande, of which his father, Gustavo Torres Cramer, was one of the founders. After working in other roles in his youth, he dedicated himself to aviation, being licensed by the Rio Grande Aeroclub, where he became a flight instructor, from there climbing all the ranks of commercial aviation, becoming a pilot for the famous Panair do Brasil." In the 1940s, Varig decided to suspend its flights to Rio Grande, forcing our passengers to embark in Pelotas, facing the difficulties of a road in very poor condition, still unpaved. Upon learning of this fact, Cramer became concerned and decided to found an airline in his hometown. In 1946, gathering some capitalists, he founded the Sociedade Anonima Viacao Aerea Gaucha - Savag. Of the three Lockheed Lodestar aircraft acquired from Panair, with registration numbers PP-SAA, PP-SAB, and PP-SAC, the first, christened "Cidade de Sao Pedro do Rio Grande," was festively received on January 10, 1947, thus beginning flights between Rio Grande, Pelotas, and Porto Alegre. Next came the aircraft that would be named "Cidade de Pelotas" and "Cidade de Bage." Authorized to operate on January 2, 1947, Savag grew and came to serve about 15 cities in Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, and Parana. Later, it acquired a Douglas DC-3, christened "Erechim," and began flights to Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. Gustavo Cramer tragically lost his life on July 30, 1950, while piloting one of his planes, along with the former Minister of Aviation, Senator Salgado Filho. The tribute he received at the time, when the Municipality, by decree of Mayor Miguel de Castro Moreira, named the newly inaugurated Municipal Airport after him, means little or nothing today, due to the lack of official recognition from the aviation authorities, who did, however, recognize the Bage airport as "Gustavo Cramer Airport" and the Erechim airport as "Commander Cramer Airport". It is necessary, and urgent, that someone take the initiative to pay the deserved tribute to our fellow countryman who had the audacity to create, 65 years ago, an airline that may have been the first in a city in the interior of Brazil. Gustavo Cramer deserves to have his name perpetuated, even if only on a street in the city where he was born. The floor is yours, our public officials!
Our small and humble airport, once very busy when the shipyard was located in the city, which employed engineers and other Petrobras professionals. Perfect for a break from cycling or a chimarrao (a traditional South American tea) in the sun.
Rio Grande Airport serves the city of Rio Grande, a major port and industrial hub in the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul. The airport primarily handles domestic regional flights, connecting passengers to larger centres such as Porto Alegre and São Paulo. It is a relatively small facility, used by both business travellers heading to the city's naval and fishing industries, and tourists exploring the coastal region. While not a major international gateway, the airport provides essential air access to this part of the state, especially for those who prefer to avoid long road journeys.
The airport is situated approximately 5 kilometres east of downtown Rio Grande, just off the BR-392 highway. Its proximity to the city centre makes it convenient for travellers. The drive from the airport to the main commercial area takes about 10–15 minutes by car. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are available at the terminal, though it is wise to arrange transport in advance during off-peak hours. For those driving, the airport offers a wheelchair-accessible car park. There are no direct public bus routes serving the airport, so private or booked transport is recommended. The nearest major city, Porto Alegre, lies about 300 kilometres to the north, approximately a 3.5-hour drive along the BR-101 and BR-392.
Rio Grande Airport is a compact terminal with essential amenities focused on passenger comfort and accessibility. The facility is equipped with wheelchair-accessible features including a dedicated car park, entrance, and toilets, ensuring ease of movement for passengers with reduced mobility. Baggage storage is available for those who wish to explore the city without luggage. Clean restrooms are located within the terminal. Dining and shopping options are limited to a small café and a newsstand, so travellers should plan for meals before arrival or bring snacks. The airport does not have a VIP lounge or extensive retail offerings. Free Wi-Fi may be available but is not guaranteed; checking with staff upon arrival is advisable.
Rio Grande is seat of the municipality of the same name and is the southernmost city in Rio Grande do Sul with a population over 200,000. It lies on the southern shore of the Lagoa dos Patos, one of Brazil's largest coastal lagoons, near the Atlantic Ocean. The city is a historical port, founded in the early 18th century, and remains an important hub for fisheries, shipbuilding, and naval construction. The region is also known for its natural attractions, including the nearby Estação Ecológica do Taim, a protected area of wetlands and wildlife. Visitors come for ecotourism, birdwatching, and exploring the beaches of the Litoral Sul, such as Cassino Beach – the longest uninterrupted beach in the world, stretching over 200 kilometres. The city itself boasts well-preserved historic architecture, particularly in the central district around the Praça Tamandaré.
Hours: The airport is not open 24 hours; it operates during daylight and early evening hours. Peak passenger activity occurs around 4 pm and 5 pm. It is advisable to confirm with the airline for specific check-in times before planning your visit. The terminal may be closed during late-night hours, so overnight stays are not recommended.
Contact: The airport administration can be reached by phone at +55 53 3230-1316. The official website is http://www4.infraero.gov.br/ (note: the main Infraero site provides general information, though specific airport details may be limited). For flight information, contact your airline directly.
Accessibility: The terminal is fully wheelchair accessible with designated parking, entrance, and toilet facilities. Passengers requiring additional assistance should notify their airline in advance.
Parking: A short-term and long-term car park is available directly in front of the terminal, with spaces reserved for disabled drivers.
Transportation: Taxis and ride-sharing apps are the primary ground transport options. There is no direct public bus service, but local buses from the city centre stop on the main road about 500 metres from the terminal.
Services: Baggage storage is offered at a fee. Toilets are located near the check-in area.
Note: As a smaller regional airport, amenities are limited. Plan accordingly, especially regarding food and shopping.
Rio Grande Regional Airport
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