São Paulo-Guarulhos Airport Records Record Passenger Numbers in 2025, Reclaiming Its Title as Latin America’s Busiest

São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport has once again positioned itself as the busiest airport in Latin America after closing 2025 with 47.188 million passengers, according to data from the concessionaire GRU Airport. This figure not only returns the regional leadership to the São Paulo terminal , but also marks the highest volume in its 41 years of operation, consolidating its role as the primary hub for both Brazil and South America.

A New Record Surpassing Pre-Pandemic Era

The 2025 results clearly exceed the 43.581 million passengers recorded in 2024. In a regional context, Guarulhos stood ahead of other major Latin American hubs. During the same period:

• Bogotá Airport recorded 45.482 million passengers.

• Mexico City Airport tallied 43.605 million.

55 International Routes and Record International Traffic

Currently, the terminal operates 55 regular international routes, connecting with every continent. In 2025, the airport recorded 16.809 million international passengers, the highest volume in the concessionaire’s history.

Investments and Expansion: The R$ 2.55 Billion Plan

Since assuming administration in 2013, GRU Airport has executed a series of structural improvements. Between 2023 and 2025, modernization works were carried out, including:

• Floor maintenance.

• Replacement of lighting with LED technology.

• Renovation of restrooms.

• Modernization of sound and air conditioning systems.

• Investments in technology for reading boarding passes (BCBPs) and passports via e-gates.

These interventions aim to improve operational efficiency and the passenger experience in a high-density traffic environment. Looking ahead to the coming years, the concessionaire plans to invest approximately R$ 2.55 billion, in partnership with the Ministry of Ports and Airports, in new expansion and modernization projects.

→ TAP Air Portugal Strengthens Commitment to Brazil, Adding São Luís to its Intercontinental Network from Lisbon

New Pier at Terminal 3

The most significant project is the construction of a new pier at Terminal 3 (international), featuring:

• 33,000 square meters of surface area.

• 14 new boarding bridges, which will be added to the 50 already in existence.

The expansion will allow the airport to serve approximately 11 million additional passengers per year, with delivery scheduled for late 2026.

Terminal 2 Expansion

Terminal 2, which handles both domestic and international flights, is also being expanded. The project includes a 1,600-square-meter increase in the boarding area, with completion expected by 2026.

Operational Infrastructure and Real Estate Development

The investment plan also includes:

• Maintenance of runway pavement.

• Construction of new taxiway sections.

• Development of a hotel.

• Construction of a new parking garage building.

This package aims to bolster both aeronautical infrastructure and the offering of complementary services within the airport complex.

Aeromovel: Rail Integration and New Operational Phase

Another relevant milestone is the commencement of operations for the Guarulhos International Airport Aeromóvel, initially planned for 2024. The system has already begun functioning in a reduced-capacity phase, according to operational planning. Its objective is to connect the three terminals with the CPTM train lines.

Once full implementation is complete, the Aeromóvel will operate with two simultaneous vehicles on an elevated track, with the capacity to transport up to 2,000 people per hour in each direction. The full journey is estimated to take 10 minutes and will be entirely free for passengers.

The Aeroporto-Guarulhos station of Line 13-Jade is located:

• 500 meters from Terminal 1.

• 1.5 km from Terminal 2.

• 2 km from Terminal 3.

Prior to the system’s operation, passengers had to use free buses to travel from the railway platform to their destination terminal.

The 2025 performance confirms the structural weight of Guarulhos in the Latin American aviation network. With a historic passenger record, sustained growth in the international segment, and a multi-billion dollar investment program underway, the airport not only reclaims regional leadership but also reinforces its position as one of the most relevant strategic hubs in the Southern Hemisphere.

Related Topics