Rio Tinto Airport

Common Complaints

• Lack of Jet Bridges: Passengers must walk on the tarmac to board their planes as the airport lacks gangways (jet bridges).
• Limited Amenities: While there are some food options and shops, the overall selection is still limited, with only a few nice options in the food court and a small variety of souvenir, cosmetics, food, and book shops.
• Historical Disorganization and Security Issues: Some older reviews mention issues with disorganization, security, and baggage handling, though recent upgrades aim to address these.
• Small Terminal for a Capital City: Travelers note that the airport is small for a state capital, which can lead to it feeling crowded during peak times.
• Security and Immigration Wait Times (at peak): While current estimates are around 30 minutes for security and 8 minutes for immigration, peak hours (5-8 AM, 4-7 PM) and busiest months (July, August, December) can see longer waits, with a recommendation to arrive 2-3 hours before domestic flights and 3-3.5 hours for international flights.

Overall, Presidente Castro Pinto International Airport (JPA) is a small but actively improving regional airport. While it lacks some modern conveniences like jet bridges and extensive amenities, recent investments are enhancing the traveler experience, with friendly staff and efficient boarding processes being key positives. Travelers should plan for walking on the tarmac and consider arriving early during peak periods due to its compact size.