Will general aviation be able to operate at SBGR during the maintenance period?

Yes, but only during a very limited overnight window. The published NOTAM confirms GA arrivals and departures are permitted only between 0100–0400 local time (0400–0700 UTC).

Why are operations restricted to overnight hours?

The restriction is tied to planned runway maintenance at São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport that requires suspension of general aviation operations during most daytime hours.

Can operators still use SBGR for daytime arrivals or departures?

No. Based on the published NOTAM, general aviation movements outside the overnight window are not permitted. Operators planning daytime operations should use alternate airports.

What airports should operators consider instead?

The most practical alternatives for business aviation are Viracopos (SBKP) and São Paulo Catarina Executive Airport (SBJH).

Maintenance Work Driving the Restrictions

Authorities have issued an official NOTAM confirming planned maintenance at São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport (SBGR) that significantly limits general aviation access.

According to NOTAM F0996/26:

• GA operations suspended: 0400–0100 local time
• GA operations permitted: 0100–0400 local time
• Daily GA restriction: approximately 21 hours

These restrictions primarily affect aircraft operating from the General Aviation apron (Apron 12).

The NOTAM is effective 29 March through 30 April 2026.

Expert Perspective

Daniel Pinto Da Silva, Flight Coordinator Supervisor with Universal Aviation Brazil, says operators should begin contingency planning immediately.

“We expect GA operations to be limited to a three-hour window between 0100 and 0400 local time, which effectively suspends general aviation activity for about 21 hours each day,” said Pinto Da Silva.

He notes that the restriction has now been formally confirmed through NOTAM publication and operators should finalize contingency planning.

“Right now we only have internal communication, but the restriction appears to be a done deal. It could end up slightly better or slightly worse once finalized.”

Pinto Da Silva added that the operational impact will be significant for business aviation operating in the São Paulo region.

“April will likely be challenging because this is our main airport for business aviation operations in São Paulo.”

Why This Matters for Business Aviation

São Paulo–Guarulhos is a major international gateway and frequently used by business aviation operators for international arrivals, technical stops, and long-haul missions.

If GA operations are limited to a narrow overnight window, daytime arrivals and departures may become impractical for many corporate aviation missions.

Operators should expect increased demand at alternate airports in the region as traffic shifts away from SBGR during the maintenance period.

Recommended Alternate Airports

Operators planning missions to the São Paulo region during the SBGR restriction period may consider several alternate airports depending on operational priorities such as cost, proximity, and service environment.

São Paulo Catarina Executive International Airport (SBJH)

São Paulo Catarina Executive Airport (SBJH) is a private international airport dedicated exclusively to business aviation and designed to provide a premium operating environment for corporate aircraft.

Operational characteristics include:

• dedicated business aviation infrastructure

• modern facilities and premium passenger experience

• VVIP-focused service environment

• additional facility and overnight fees in addition to standard airport charges

As a purpose-built business aviation airport, SBJH offers a high-service operating environment with modern facilities, though operating costs are typically higher than at larger commercial airports such as SBKP.

Viracopos International Airport (SBKP)

Viracopos International Airport (SBKP) is a large international airport serving both commercial and business aviation traffic and is frequently used by operators seeking a cost-efficient alternative in the São Paulo region.

Operational characteristics include:

• standard landing, parking, and navigation fees

• no additional facility or airport access charges

• established ground handling infrastructure

• capability to support a wide range of aircraft types

Because SBKP operates alongside commercial airline traffic, operators should expect a mixed-traffic environment, but it remains a practical option for many missions, particularly for technical stops or repositioning operations.

BASP Air Base (Guarulhos)

Military or official flights may also be able to operate via BASP Air Base, located at Guarulhos Airport.

These operations require AVOEM diplomatic authorization, limiting availability to specific mission types.

Choosing Between SBJH and SBKP

Both airports are viable alternatives during the SBGR restriction period, with the best option depending on mission priorities.

Operators prioritizing a dedicated business aviation environment and premium passenger experience may prefer SBJH, while those seeking a more cost-efficient option or planning technical stops may find SBKP suitable.

For military, diplomatic, or official government flights, operations may also be possible at BASP Air Base at Guarulhos, subject to AVOEM diplomatic authorization.

Ground handling and operational coordination can be arranged in advance at any of these locations depending on mission requirements.

Operational Outlook for SBGR

Planned maintenance at São Paulo–Guarulhos Airport is expected to significantly restrict general aviation access between March 29 and April 30, limiting operations to a short overnight window each day.

Operators planning missions to the São Paulo region during this period should evaluate alternate airports such as São Paulo Catarina Executive Airport (SBJH) or Viracopos (SBKP) and coordinate operational support in advance.

The restriction has now been confirmed through NOTAM publication. Operators planning missions to São Paulo between March 29 and April 30 should evaluate alternate airports and coordinate handling arrangements in advance.