Paraíba Airports Handle Over 1 Million Passengers in First Half of 2026
A total of 1,048,242 passengers traveled through the airports of Campina Grande and João Pessoa in the first six months of 2026, according to data from Aena, the company managing the facilities. The Aeroporto Internacional de João Pessoa saw 978,465 passengers between January and June, marking a 9.5% increase compared to the same period in 2025. In contrast, the Aeroporto Presidente João Suassuna in Campina Grande served 69,777 passengers, a decrease of 8.9% year-over-year. Combined, both airports recorded 10,575 operations in the first half of 2026. João Pessoa handled 8,682 operations, an 8.1% increase, while Campina Grande registered 1,893 operations, a 6.3% rise from the previous year. Cargo volume also saw significant changes, with João Pessoa's airport handling 4,706 tons, a substantial 76.7% increase. Campina Grande's airport processed 221 tons of cargo, representing a 16.1% decrease in the first semester.
The reported passenger and cargo figures for Paraíba's airports in the first half of 2026 illustrate diverging growth trajectories between the two primary hubs. João Pessoa's airport demonstrates robust expansion in both passenger traffic and cargo volume, suggesting increased economic activity and connectivity. Campina Grande, however, experiences a decline in passenger numbers and cargo, indicating potential challenges in its aviation sector. This disparity warrants an examination of factors influencing demand, infrastructure, and regional economic development strategies for both cities. Understanding these underlying dynamics is crucial for optimizing resource allocation and fostering balanced regional growth in the aviation sector over the next decade, particularly as digital transformation reshapes travel and logistics.
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