Santos Dumont Airport (SDU)

Common Complaints

• Overnight Closure and Comfort: The airport officially closes at 11:00 PM and reopens around 4:30 AM, posing challenges for travelers with late arrivals or early departures who wish to stay overnight, as seating is limited and staff may move people.
• Limited Night Services: During closure hours, food and drink options are unavailable, with only vending machines present in some areas.
• Temperature Variations: As it's an "open" terminal, temperatures can vary, and it can get cold at certain times of the year.
• Flight Rerouting due to Weather: Due to its waterfront location and surrounding hills, flights may be rerouted to Galeão (GIG) in bad weather conditions like fog or heavy rain.
• Taxi Driver Reliability: Some travelers report that taxi drivers in Rio, particularly from SDU, can be "tricky" compared to other parts of Brazil, recommending alternatives like Uber or VLT.
• Small Structure: Despite modernizations, some feel the overall structure is small, and there are limitations on the number of operations per hour due to short runway lengths.

Overall, Santos Dumont Airport is highly regarded for its stunning location and efficient domestic travel experience, making it a preferred choice for many flying within Brazil. However, travelers should be aware of its operational hours and plan accordingly, especially for overnight stays or during periods of inclement weather.