Cacoal Airport (OAL)

Cacoal Airport (IATA: OAL, ICAO: SSKW), officially named Aeroporto Capital do Café, serves as a vital air transportation hub for Cacoal and the surrounding Zona da Mata region in the Brazilian state of Rondônia. Its primary role is to connect this important agricultural and business center with the rest of the country, facilitating travel for both commerce and tourism. The airport is a modern and functional facility, reflecting its importance to the regional economy, which is heavily reliant on coffee production and cattle ranching.

Inaugurated in 2010, the airport was developed to replace an older, smaller airfield and provide the infrastructure necessary to support regional growth. Its construction was a significant milestone, enabling direct commercial air service and reducing the region's reliance on distant airports in Porto Velho or Ji-Paraná. The airport's official name, "Capital of Coffee Airport," pays homage to Cacoal's standing as a major center for coffee cultivation in Brazil, underscoring its strategic economic significance.

Located approximately 12 kilometers northwest of Cacoal's city center, the airport is easily accessible via the RO-383 highway. The journey by car typically takes around 15 to 20 minutes. Travelers arriving at or departing from OAL primarily rely on taxis, ride-sharing services, or rental cars for ground transportation, as public bus services to the terminal are not regularly scheduled.

Operations at Cacoal Airport are exclusively domestic. The airport is served by a limited number of carriers, with Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras being the principal airline providing scheduled passenger flights. These flights typically connect Cacoal to a major hub, most commonly Cuiabá (CGB), from where passengers can access Brazil’s extensive national flight network. The airport consists of a single, compact passenger terminal designed for efficiency. Amenities are basic and functional, including check-in counters, a main departure lounge, baggage claim, and restroom facilities. Food and retail options are limited, generally consisting of a small snack bar or café.

For travelers, arriving 90 minutes prior to a scheduled departure is generally sufficient time for check-in and security procedures, which are typically swift given the airport's modest passenger volume. It is advisable to pre-book taxis or arrange car rentals, particularly for early morning or late-night flights when on-demand services may be less available. Passengers with connecting flights should carefully review their itineraries to ensure adequate layover time at their connecting hub.