Dom Ricardo Weberberger Airport (BRA)

Dom Ricardo Weberberger Airport (IATA: BRA, ICAO: SNBR) is the primary air transport facility serving the city of Barreiras and the expansive agricultural frontier of western Bahia, Brazil. Functioning as a critical link for business, agribusiness, and tourism, the airport connects this economically significant region with major Brazilian cities. It provides essential infrastructure for a remote area known for its large-scale soybean, cotton, and corn production, facilitating travel for professionals and residents who would otherwise face long overland journeys.

Originally established to support regional development, the airport underwent a significant renovation and expansion, reopening in 2013 when it was renamed in honor of Dom Ricardo Weberberger, the first bishop of the Diocese of Barreiras. This modernization improved its infrastructure and capacity to handle modern commercial aircraft, solidifying its role as a vital regional gateway. The airport is located approximately 14 kilometers from the Barreiras city center, with primary access via the BR-020 highway. Travelers typically reach the facility by taxi, ride-sharing services, or pre-booked private transfers, as public bus routes to the terminal are not consistently available.

Operations at Barreiras Airport are exclusively domestic. The primary carrier is Azul Linhas Aéreas, which offers regular flights connecting Barreiras to key hubs such as Belo Horizonte (CNF), providing onward connections to destinations across Brazil. The airport handles a significant volume of traffic relative to its size, serving over 140,000 passengers annually. The terminal is a single, compact building designed for efficiency. Its facilities are functional and meet the basic needs of travelers, including check-in counters, a main departure lounge, a small café for refreshments and snacks, restrooms, and on-site desks for major car rental agencies.

For those traveling through Dom Ricardo Weberberger Airport, it is advisable to arrive 60 to 90 minutes prior to a scheduled domestic departure. Given the limited food and retail options, passengers should not expect extensive shopping or dining. Ground transportation is straightforward but should ideally be arranged in advance, especially during peak travel times. The airport's straightforward layout makes navigation simple, ensuring a relatively quick and uncomplicated transit process for both arriving and departing passengers.