José Cleto Airport (UVI)

José Cleto Airport (IATA: UVI, ICAO: SSUV) is a small public aerodrome that serves the city of União da Vitória in the state of Paraná, Brazil, and its adjacent twin city, Porto União, in Santa Catarina. Its primary role is to support general aviation, including private aircraft, air taxis, and aeromedical transport, rather than serving as a hub for commercial passenger travel. For the local region, known as the "Gêmeas do Iguaçu" (Iguaçu Twins), it provides a crucial link for business, health, and private transit, connecting it to larger centers without reliance on long-distance road travel.

Inaugurated in the 1950s, the airport was named in honor of a prominent local political figure. Throughout its history, José Cleto Airport has experienced periods of intermittent commercial activity with regional airlines offering connections to state capitals like Curitiba. However, these services have often been inconsistent. The airport's significance lies more in its potential for regional development and its consistent service to the general aviation community than in a history of robust passenger operations. It remains an important piece of infrastructure for local and regional access.

The airport is located approximately 7 kilometers southwest of the União da Vitória city center. Access is straightforward via local roads, with the journey from downtown typically taking 15 to 20 minutes by car. Travelers most commonly reach the facility using private vehicles, pre-booked taxis, or ride-sharing applications. Due to the airport's small scale and limited traffic, public transportation routes do not directly serve the terminal.

Operationally, José Cleto Airport does not currently host any regularly scheduled commercial passenger flights. Its traffic is composed almost entirely of domestic general aviation. Consequently, there are no major airlines with a permanent presence, and passenger volume is minimal and not officially tracked in the same way as larger commercial airports. All flights are charter, private, or governmental in nature.

The facilities at José Cleto Airport are basic and functional, designed to accommodate its operational profile. There is a small, single-story passenger terminal with a waiting area and restrooms. Travelers should not expect amenities such as restaurants, cafes, retail stores, or dedicated airline lounges. On-site services are extremely limited, reflecting the absence of scheduled commercial air traffic.

For travelers using private or charter flights from SSUV, it is essential to confirm all arrangements and services with the flight operator beforehand. Ground transportation should be pre-booked for both arrival and departure, as taxis are not stationed at the airport. Arriving 30-45 minutes before a scheduled charter departure is generally sufficient. Given the lack of on-site concessions, it is advisable to bring any necessary snacks or drinks.