In a fast-tracked decision published on 31 March, Brazil’s civil-aviation regulator ANAC authorised Professor Eriberto Manoel Reino Airport (SJP) in São José do Rio Preto to handle non-regular international flights between 3 April and 28 May 2026. The exemption allows charter operations for football club Mirassol, which makes its debut in the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana this season. Under the portaria, foreign-team aircraft may land during designated overnight slots to avoid conflict with the airport’s domestic schedule. Federal Police, Customs and ANVISA health inspectors will operate pop-up posts airside, and advance manifests are required 48 hours before arrival. The authorisation is strictly limited to tournament-related charters and will lapse once Mirassol’s participation ends. The decision spares players and staff a 180-kilometre bus transfer from Viracopos or Guarulhos and is expected to save the club an estimated R$400,000 in logistics costs over the group stage. Local exporters have lobbied for years to internationalise SJP permanently, arguing that perishables could reach Mercosur neighbours faster; observers see the Libertadores window as a real-world test case. For travel-managers moving sports delegations, film crews or project cargo, the ruling signals ANAC’s willingness to issue short-term international licences when there is a clear economic rationale and cooperative policing plan. Companies should, however, note that passenger charters remain subject to Brazil’s crew-visa and e-medical-declaration rules even under the temporary regime.
Source: Folha de Irati
