Lábrea Airport (LBR)

Lábrea Airport (IATA: LBR, ICAO: SWLB) serves as a vital transportation hub for the municipality of Lábrea, located in the remote southern region of Brazil's Amazonas state. Given the area's limited road infrastructure, the airport provides a critical link for residents, cargo, mail, and essential services, connecting the community to the state capital, Manaus, and the rest of the country. Historically managed by state and local authorities, the airport's administration was transferred in 2022 to Vinci Airports as part of a 30-year concession for the "Bloco Norte I" group of Amazonian airports, signaling a new phase of management and potential investment in its infrastructure.

The airport is conveniently situated approximately two kilometers from the center of Lábrea, making it easily accessible. The journey between the airport and the town is short, typically taking less than ten minutes by car. Travelers can reach the facility using local transportation options, which primarily consist of mototaxis and conventional taxis. These are generally available to meet arriving flights or can be arranged for departures, providing a straightforward connection to local accommodations and services.

Lábrea Airport's operations are exclusively domestic. Scheduled commercial air service is limited but essential, with flights primarily connecting to Eduardo Gomes International Airport (MAO) in Manaus. Airlines such as VoePass Linhas Aéreas and Azul Conecta operate these routes using smaller turboprop aircraft suitable for the airport's infrastructure. Flight schedules can be infrequent, often not operating daily, so advanced booking is crucial. In addition to commercial flights, the airport supports a significant amount of general aviation, air taxi services, and critical aeromedical evacuation flights, underscoring its importance to the region's health and logistics network.

The passenger terminal at Lábrea Airport is a small, simple structure designed for functionality. It provides basic amenities, including a check-in area, a modest waiting lounge for departing passengers, and restrooms. Travelers should not expect to find retail shops, restaurants, or executive lounges on-site. For those traveling through LBR, it is advisable to confirm flight statuses directly with the airline, as schedules can be subject to change due to weather or operational factors. Arriving 90 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time is recommended. Upon landing, ground transportation into town is typically available. All connecting flights to other Brazilian cities or international destinations require a transfer at Manaus.