The Brazilian Ministry of Ports and Airports, in partnership with the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC), has launched the concession auction process for Rio de Janeiro’s Galeão International Airport to attract private operators and modernize airport infrastructure in Brazil. 

Brazil’s aviation regulator, ANAC, is expected to announce the framework for a public consultation to support the preparation of the bidding documents for the new airport concession agreement, previously awarded to Inframérica in 2012. Inframérica requested the termination and return of the concession after encountering financial challenges. As part of the transition process, the federal government is assessing potential compensation for investments already made by the company during its operation of the airport. The new concession for Brasília International Airport is projected to be auctioned by December 2026, while the official tender documentation is expected to be released by September. 

The Brazilian government intends to auction Brasília International Airport together with a package of 10 smaller regional airports under a bundled concession model. The proposed concession agreement for the airport serving Brazil’s capital is expected to run until 2037 and includes planned investments totaling approximately BRL 1.2 billion (US$ 240 million) over the contract period. Key infrastructure upgrades proposed under the concession include the development of a new international passenger terminal, construction of a parking garage facility, and creation of an additional airport access road. The future operator will also be responsible for procuring modern security systems along with passenger and baggage screening equipment. Brasília International Airport ranks as the third busiest airport in Brazil, trailing only São Paulo’s Guarulhos and Congonhas airports in passenger traffic.

During the first half of 2026, Aena, one of Brazil’s major airport operators, secured the concession for Rio de Janeiro’s Galeão International Airport, currently the fifth busiest airport in the country. In the bidding process, the company offered a concession payment of BRL 2.9 billion (US$573.4 million), significantly exceeding the minimum bid requirement of BRL 933 million (US$185 million) established in the tender terms. Aena outperformed competing proposals submitted by Zurich Airport and the RioGaleão consortium, which was backed by Changi Airport Group of Singapore, together with private equity firm Vinci Compass.