Improving Aviation Infrastructure in S?o Paulo: Unnecessary New Airports or Strategic Upgrades?

S?o Paulo, one of the largest cities in Brazil, already boasts a number of major airports. Despite the presence of Guarulhos, Viracopos, and Congonhas, the city still grapples with the question of whether another airport is necessary. This article explores the possibility of upgrading the existing airports, rather than building a new one.

Viracopos Airport: Location and Current Situation

While Viracopos is located in Campinas, an hour’s drive from S?o Paulo city center, it is counted as one of S?o Paulo's airports by the IATA and some airlines. Viracopos currently operates from only the western part of Campinas. The airport partly serves S?o Paulo, but its current configuration is not ideal for the city’s needs. Guarulhos airport, on the other hand, is further east in the urban area.

Strategic Upgrades for Campo de Marte Airport

A strategic upgrade to Campo de Marte airport could offer significant improvements. The airport would be used for strategic flights such as SBMT-GRU and SBMT-CGH, easing traffic congestion for key commuter routes. It could significantly enhance the connectivity between Jundiaí, So José dos Campos, Campinas, Sorocaba, and Santos. A dedicated Underground station could be added, possibly extending the Yellow Line: Luz - Bom Retiro - Anhembi - Campo de Marte - Santana. Such improvements would not only enhance accessibility but also serve to streamline the movement of passengers within the city.

Transportation Challenges at Existing Airports

The two existing airports, Guarulhos and Congonhas, currently have some accessibility issues. For example, corrupt mayors have removed many key bus lines that served Congonhas, leading to a less efficient transportation system. A monorail is planned but would be too far from the airport to be of much use. Similarly, Viracopos is in dire need of a rail link to improve its service. Currently, there is an abandoned and crumbling rail line with services that could be brought back into operation. The Pousos de Caldas - Campinas - Viracopos - Itu - Sorocaba link could be revived and supplemented with a monorail from the station to the airport.

These improvements would not only enhance the functionality of these airports but also significantly reduce traffic congestion and improve the overall passenger experience. Such measures would better serve the current and future needs of tourism, business, and employees traveling from and to S?o Paulo.

Conclusion

Instead of constructing a new airport, S?o Paulo should focus on upgrading and expanding its existing airports. By improving the transportation links and adding rail and underground services, the city can better serve its residents and visitors. Upgrading Campo de Marte and Viracopos is a more practical and effective solution than building a new airport, which would not only be a significant financial investment but could also lead to environmental and social challenges.