Private Airfields in Northeastern Brazil Could Boost Executive and Regional Aviation

Small airfields may become viable alternatives to the bottlenecks affecting certain cities whose natural passenger flows would undoubtedly make them prime targets for regional aviation. However, these cities have yet to experience significant growth in that sector, largely due to the high operating costs of existing commercial airports, which are either outdated or have become too distant from the main passenger hubs.

With the relocation of Natal’s main airport farther away from the capital, several services that once depended exclusively on it have shifted to smaller airfields, which have since gained strategic importance. Among them stands out the Severino Lopes Airfield – Lagoa do Bonfim, located less than 25 km from Natal and adjacent to the region’s main lagoon. Its privileged position makes it increasingly attractive for executive and logistical operations.

Severino Lopes Airfield – Lagoa do Bonfim

Symptomatically, another private airport — and without a doubt the most well-known in Brazil — Catarina Airport, owned by JHSF, also has expansion plans ahead. I say “symptomatically” because any close look at the country reveals that Brazil was made to have a thriving regional aviation industry, which, mysteriously, has not yet even come close to reaching its peak. In fact, we are still at the stage where one could say, “when I got here, this was all wilderness.”

That’s exactly the feeling: we are navigating through an extraordinary moment of opportunity, and it’s almost hard to believe that this potential hasn’t yet exploded. How can one not see how geographically privileged we are — both for regional commercial aviation and for the even more exclusive executive aviation? We have Natal, João Pessoa, and Recife forming an economic triad that is extremely favorable to short-haul air routes. And if we widen the scope to include operations of different aircraft sizes and passenger volumes, we can easily add Maceió and Fortaleza to this aerial crown — a network that would make many countries envious.

If we think about executive aviation, considering a radius of up to 200 kilometers between hubs and taking into account urban centers with populations exceeding one million inhabitants (when metropolitan areas are included), we find something virtually unique among Brazilian capitals: exceptionally favorable scales between the hubs that form the Natal–João Pessoa–Recife integrated system.

Several economic models can be considered and studied. When there is demand and economic pressure driven by a hunger for development, alternative airfields to major airports begin to play a fundamental role. They can be the answer to the inconsistency of Brazil still lacking a truly vibrant regional air network. From operations with small passenger loads to those with larger capacities, the country has all the conditions for this sector to gain autonomy and become much more dynamic.

The potential for regional aviation between Natal, João Pessoa, and Recife is enormous, and surprisingly underdeveloped. This corridor forms one of the most naturally integrated urban and economic clusters in Brazil, with geographic, logistical, and demographic characteristics that make it ideal for a modern and sustainable regional air network.

Geographic Proximity and Natural Synergy

The three capitals are located less than 200 kilometers apart, forming a natural “air triangle” in Brazil’s Northeast. This short distance, combined with metropolitan populations exceeding one million inhabitants each, provides a strong base of potential demand — both for business travelers and for quick movements related to tourism, healthcare, and education.

Operational Feasibility

With small and medium-sized aircraft such as ATR-72, Cessna Caravan, Embraer 120 or 190, it would be possible to establish high-frequency routes at reduced operational costs. Moreover, the presence of alternative airfields (like the Severino Lopes Airfield near Lagoa do Bonfim, close to Natal) allows some operations to occur outside major airports, offering lower landing fees, shorter turnaround times, and reduced ground costs.

Corporate and Executive Market

Natal, João Pessoa, and Recife have complementary economies:

• Recife is a major technological and medical hub;

• João Pessoa serves as an emerging administrative and tourism center;

• Natal is a strong tourism and logistics hub with growing energy and service sectors.

his complementarity generates a steady flow of executives, technicians, and investors, an ideal audience for fast regional flights that can replace 3–4 hour road trips with 30–40 minute air connections.

Tourism and Connectivity

Regional aviation could also strengthen intra-tourism routes, connecting beaches, resorts, and rural destinations in minutes — reinforcing the “Multi-Destination Northeast” concept. For example, an international visitor arriving in Recife could reach Natal or the Paraíba coast (such as Tambaba or Coqueirinho) in under an hour, increasing the average length of stay and regional tourism revenue.

Future Outlook and Opportunities

The emergence of electric and hybrid aircraft (such as eVTOLs) will make this corridor even more promising, with lower operating costs and minimal environmental impact. Furthermore, public policies and regional incentives could turn the RN–PB–PE axis into a national pilot zone for short-haul regional mobility.

If Brazil invests strategically in this corridor, it could become the country’s first truly integrated short-distance regional aviation system, with daily flights connecting capitals and intermediate municipalities — a decisive step toward a decentralized, sustainable, and innovative aviation future for the Northeast.