Aena wins concession for Rio de Janeiro’s Galeão Airport

Spanish airport operator Aena has been awarded the concession for Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport following a public auction held on the São Paulo Stock Exchange.

 

The winning bid amounted to BRL 2.9 billion (approximately €483 million), securing full control of the airport concession until May 2039. The transaction is expected to be finalised in the second half of 2026, pending regulatory approvals.

Galeão Airport is one of Brazil’s key aviation hubs, handling 17.8 million passengers in 2025, including 5.7 million international travellers. It also plays an important role in cargo operations, with around 68,000 tonnes handled annually.

With this acquisition, Aena strengthens its position in Brazil, where it now operates a network of 18 airports, making it the largest operator of concessioned airports in the country.

The company has stated that the airport’s existing infrastructure is sufficient to meet expected demand, with no immediate requirement for additional capital investment under the current concession terms.

The deal aligns with Aena’s international growth strategy and reinforces its global leadership in airport management by passenger volume.

Aena Brasil, the company’s local subsidiary, already manages several key airports across the country, including major hubs such as Congonhas in São Paulo and Recife in the northeast.

The expansion highlights Aena’s long-term commitment to the Brazilian market and its strategy of building operational synergies across a diverse airport network.