Santana do Araguaia Airport

The airport was officially interdicted (closed) by Brazil's National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) due to non-compliance with operational safety and infrastructure regulations. Specific issues included a lack of adequate perimeter fencing, which allowed animals to wander onto the runway, and the overall poor condition of the facility, posing significant safety risks.

The airport site remains intact with its 1,200-meter unpaved runway. Following its closure, the facility fell into disuse. However, since 2021, the local municipal government has been actively working to bring the airport back to operational standards. The site has undergone extensive cleanup, earthmoving, and the installation of over 4,600 meters of new perimeter fencing to meet ANAC's basic safety requirements. While it is not yet officially certified for public use, the site is being prepared for re-inspection and is no longer abandoned.

The airport, officially known as Santana do Araguaia Airport (ICAO: SNYA), served as a vital transportation link for the municipality of Santana do Araguaia, a remote region in the state of Pará dominated by agriculture and cattle ranching. When active, it handled general aviation, air taxi services, and private flights. It was crucial for business travel related to the agribusiness sector, medical emergency transport (MEDEVAC), and logistical support for the local economy. Its closure created a significant transportation gap, forcing residents and businesses to rely on long road journeys to the nearest operational airports.

There are strong and active prospects for reopening. The municipal government of Santana do Araguaia is leading the effort to have the airport's interdiction lifted by ANAC. The initial phase of renovations (fencing and runway maintenance) is complete. The mayor has been actively seeking state and federal funding for the next phase, which includes paving the runway and modernizing terminal facilities. The goal is to restore regular air taxi and general aviation operations to boost local economic development, improve healthcare access, and attract new investment to the region. The reopening is contingent on final approval from ANAC following a successful inspection of the upgrades.