Presidente João Batista Figueiredo Airport (OPS)

Presidente João Batista Figueiredo Airport (IATA: OPS, ICAO: SBSI) serves as a critical air transportation hub for the city of Sinop and the surrounding northern region of the state of Mato Grosso. Its strategic importance is tied to the area's robust agribusiness sector, connecting this key agricultural frontier to major Brazilian cities. The airport facilitates essential business travel, cargo transport, and provides access for residents and tourists exploring a gateway to the southern Amazon.

Originally established to support the region's development, the airport has undergone significant upgrades to meet growing demand. The current passenger terminal was inaugurated in 2016, providing more modern infrastructure. A key development in its recent history occurred when its operation was transferred to the private concessionaire Aena Brasil, which now manages its administration and plans for future expansion. The airport is named after João Batista Figueiredo, the 30th president of Brazil.

Located approximately 13 kilometers south of downtown Sinop, the airport is easily accessible via the BR-163 highway. The journey from the city center typically takes around 15 to 20 minutes by car, depending on traffic. Travelers can reach the airport using taxis, ride-sharing services, or by arranging a rental car from agencies located within the terminal.

The airport exclusively handles domestic flights, with no scheduled international services. Major Brazilian airlines, including Azul Linhas Aéreas, GOL Linhas Aéreas, and LATAM Brasil, operate regular routes from Sinop. Key destinations include direct flights to hubs such as Cuiabá (CGB), Brasília (BSB), and São Paulo (VCP and GRU), enabling connections across the country. With passenger traffic regularly exceeding 400,000 annually, it stands as one of the busiest airports in Brazil's interior.

Facilities at Presidente João Batista Figueiredo Airport are functional and scaled to its regional role. The single passenger terminal houses check-in counters, a main departure lounge with seating, a baggage claim area, and public restrooms. For refreshments, a small café and snack bar are available for passengers post-security. Car rental desks for major providers are also located within the terminal building, offering convenient vehicle pickup and drop-off.

For a smooth travel experience, passengers are advised to arrive at least 90 minutes before their scheduled domestic departure. As services within the terminal are limited, it is wise to plan for meals or shopping before heading to the airport. Pre-booking taxis or rental cars is recommended, particularly during peak travel periods, to ensure availability upon arrival. The straightforward layout of the compact terminal makes navigation and boarding a relatively quick process.