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Northeast Brazil's gateway serving Recife and Pernambuco state.
Opened
1958
Location
Recife, Brazil
Recife/Guararapes - Gilberto Freyre International Airport (IATA: REC, ICAO: SBRF) is the main commercial airport serving Recife, the capital of Pernambuco state in northeastern Brazil. It is one of the busiest airports in the Northeast region, handling millions of passengers annually and connecting the area to major Brazilian cities as well as international destinations.
The airport was officially renamed to honor Gilberto Freyre, the celebrated Brazilian sociologist and anthropologist born in Recife. It is operated by Aena Brasil, the Brazilian subsidiary of Spanish airport operator Aena, which took over management as part of Brazil's airport privatization program.
Situated close to the city center and near the coastline, the airport's location makes it highly accessible but also limits its capacity for major expansion. It serves as an important hub for regional connectivity within northeastern Brazil.
Terminals
The airport has a single integrated passenger terminal handling both domestic and international flights.
Getting to & from
The airport is connected to central Recife by taxi, ride-hailing services, and public bus routes, with no direct metro link to the terminal.
Airlines here
Major airlines operating here include LATAM Airlines, Gol Linhas Aéreas, and Azul Brazilian Airlines, which collectively serve the bulk of domestic routes.
Notable facts
- ›Named after Gilberto Freyre, a renowned Brazilian sociologist born in Recife.
- ›Located approximately 12 kilometers from the city center of Recife.
- ›Operated by Aena Brasil under a concession from the Brazilian federal government.
- ›One of the busiest airports in Northeast Brazil by passenger volume.
- ›The airport's coastal proximity has historically constrained runway and terminal expansion.
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
