Dourados Airport

Francisco de Matos Pereira Airport, known as Dourados Airport, is a key gateway for the city of the same name and the entire agro-industrial region of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul. Opened in 1982, this airport plays an important role in the transport system of Brazil, ensuring connections with the country's largest metropolises. Despite its compact size, it offers passengers everything necessary for a comfortable journey. Currently, the airport is managed by AENA Brasil, opening new perspectives for its development and modernization.

The main advantage of Dourados Airport is its compactness and convenience. Being a small terminal, it allows passengers to complete all pre-flight formalities quickly without unnecessary hustle. Check-in for domestic flights usually begins two hours and ends 40 minutes before departure, making the boarding process highly efficient. The main route is to São Paulo (Guarulhos Airport), which opens access to an extensive network of international and domestic flights for residents and guests of Dourados. The airport serves as an important transport hub for business travellers and tourists exploring the natural beauty and economic potential of the region.

• Official website: You can find the most up-to-date information about Dourados Airport, including flight schedules, services, and news, on the official website of the operator Aena Brasil: www.aenabrasil.com.br.
• Information desk phone: To obtain information about flights, airport services, and other inquiries, it is recommended to use the contact numbers listed on the official website, as they may change.
• Airport address: Rodovia MS-156, s/n - Zona Rural, Dourados, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, CEP 79804-970, Brazil.
• Email: For official inquiries and feedback, it is recommended to use the contact form on the Aena Brasil operator's website.
• Social media: You can follow general news and updates from the airport operator on Aena Brasil's official social media pages (e.g., Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn) under the username @aenabrasil.
• Lost luggage information: If you have lost luggage or personal items on board the aircraft, contact your airline first. If the item was lost in the airport terminal, contact the "Achados e Perdidos" (Lost and Found) service. Contact details are available on the airport website.
• Passenger support service: For general questions, you can contact the information desk by phone or visit the information counters directly in the terminal building.

Dourados Airport (DOU) is located approximately 14 kilometres from the city centre of Dourados, making the journey there quick and convenient. Travellers can choose from several ways to get to the terminal, depending on their budget, time, and preferences. Main options include taxis, car rentals, and transfer services.

Taxis and ride-hailing services are the most popular and reliable way to reach the airport. The trip from the city centre will take approximately 20-30 minutes depending on traffic conditions. In Brazil, besides traditional taxis, ride-hailing apps like Uber and 99 are widely used and often offer more favourable rates. This is an excellent balance between cost, speed, and comfort, especially if you are travelling with luggage.

Public transport options for travelling to the airport are limited. Although the city has a bus network, direct and regular routes to the airport may be absent or their schedule may be inconvenient for tourists. It is recommended to check current information locally in advance, but to save time and stress, it is better to consider other options. There are no trains or metro services in Dourados.

Car rental is an ideal choice for those planning not only a trip to the airport but also independent exploration of the Mato Grosso do Sul region. Several rental company offices operate at the airport and in the city itself. Having your own car gives complete freedom of movement. The road to the airport is well signposted, and navigation will not cause difficulties.

For travellers arriving in their own or rented cars, parking is provided at Dourados Airport. There are zones for both short-term and long-term parking. This is a convenient option if you are seeing someone off or leaving your car during your absence. The cost depends on the parking duration.

Dourados Airport (DOU) is a small regional air terminal, so its structure is as simple and understandable as possible for passengers. It operates one passenger terminal, which handles all domestic flights — both departures and arrivals.

Thanks to its compact size, navigating the terminal presents no difficulty. Immediately after entering the building, you find yourself in the general hall where airline check-in counters are located. Departure and arrival zones are in close proximity to each other. After check-in, passengers proceed to a small waiting area where the boarding gates are located. There are no separate passageways or complex corridor systems here — all key points are just a few steps away.

Check-in and security procedures at Dourados Airport generally proceed very quickly due to the low passenger traffic. On average, all formalities take no more than 30-40 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport as standard — 1.5-2 hours before departure, to check in luggage and take a seat in the waiting hall without rushing.

Overall, orienting yourself in the Dourados Airport terminal is very easy. Signs are intuitive, and staff are always ready to help. Thanks to the simple and logical layout, getting lost here is practically impossible, even if you are visiting for the first time.

The Dourados Airport (DOU), officially known as Francisco de Matos Pereira Airport, is an important transport hub in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul in Brazil. Its history began on 13 November 1982, when it was inaugurated to replace the old airfield, which was located in the city centre and hindered its further growth. The new airport was built 14 kilometres from the centre, opening new opportunities for the development of both aviation connections and urban infrastructure.

Since its foundation, the airport has played a key role in the region's economy, which is one of the country's agribusiness centres. It ensured connections with major cities and promoted the development of trade and tourism. For decades, the airport served regional flights, becoming an indispensable part of the Mato Grosso do Sul transport system.

The most significant stage in the airport's history began in May 2021, when it was closed for large-scale reconstruction and modernization. This ambitious project, implemented in partnership with the Brazilian Army, includes a complete renovation of the infrastructure. The plan provides for the expansion and strengthening of the runway, the construction of a new apron for aircraft parking, and ultimately, the erection of a modern passenger terminal capable of handling a much larger flow of passengers.

Interesting fact: modernization works are carried out by engineering battalions of the Brazil Army, highlighting the national importance of the project. Upon completion of the reconstruction, Dourados Airport will be able to receive larger aircraft, such as the Boeing 737-800, which will significantly expand its flight geography and strengthen its status as one of the country's most important regional aviation hubs.

Currently, Dourados Airport (DOU) is undergoing massive reconstruction aimed at its complete modernization. Upon completion of the works, this regional aviation hub will transform into a modern and comfortable terminal, ready to offer passengers a qualitatively new level of service. Due to ongoing construction works, access to standard services may be limited, so it is recommended to check current information on the airport status and available flights before travelling.

According to modernization plans, a comfortable environment for travellers will be created in the renovated terminal building. It is expected that passengers will be offered cosy waiting lounges, several cafés and snack bars where one can taste famous Brazilian coffee, as well as shops with souvenirs and travel goods. Important innovations will include free Wi-Fi throughout the territory and a sufficient number of sockets for charging electronic devices.

The reconstruction project pays great attention to accessibility for all categories of passengers. It is planned to equip the terminal with ramps, elevators, and special restrooms for people with reduced mobility. Families with small children will be able to use the future mother and child room. A medical point for first aid is also envisaged.

It is worth noting that the airport is primarily oriented towards serving domestic flights. Therefore, the presence of separate VIP lounges or large business centres is not planned. There are no hotels directly on the airport territory, however, many accommodation options can easily be found in the city of Dourados itself, which can be reached by taxi in approximately 15-20 minutes.

Dourados Airport (DOU), being a regional air hub, offers passengers basic but convenient options for a snack before departure. It is important to consider that the choice of establishments here is quite modest and designed primarily for those who need to quickly drink coffee or eat something light.

The main and, as a rule, the only place for dining at the airport is a café-snack bar (lanchonete), located in the main hall of the terminal, in the public access zone (before passing security control). This means that departing passengers, as well as those seeing them off or meeting them, can have a snack.

What can be found on the menu:

• Quick snacks: The assortment usually includes traditional Brazilian pastries, such as the famous cheese buns pão de queijo, as well as sandwiches, toasts, and other snacks (salgados). This is an ideal option for those in a hurry.
• Drinks: Coffee, fresh juices, carbonated drinks, and water are available to passengers.
• Full meals: Options for a full lunch or dinner at the airport are generally absent. If you count on a hot meal, it is better to eat at one of the restaurants in the city of Dourados before travelling to the airport.

Special dietary preferences:

Options for vegetarians, vegans, or people with gluten intolerance are extremely limited. Vegetarians may find cheese pastries, but for stricter diets, it is recommended to bring food with you. There are no specialized halal or gluten-free dishes on the menu.

Prices and opening hours:

Prices in the airport café are slightly higher than the average in the city, which is standard practice. The establishment's opening hours are usually tied to the flight schedule: it opens shortly before the first departure and closes after the last aircraft departs. Important tip: purchase everything necessary before passing security control, as there may be no food outlets in the sterile zone (airside).

When planning a trip through Dourados Airport, use our tips to make your journey as comfortable and predictable as possible. These recommendations will help you orient yourself at the airport and avoid unpleasant surprises.

Arrival time at the airport. For domestic flights within Brazil, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before departure. Dourados Airport is not a major international hub, so queues here are usually shorter, but extra time will allow you to check in luggage and pass control calmly. Always check your airline's recommendations.

Check-in and security. To save time, complete online check-in for your flight if the airline provides such an option. At the airport, you will only need to drop off your luggage at the special counter (baggage drop-off). Security checkpoints at regional airports are usually passed faster, but be ready to present your boarding pass and documents, as well as remove electronics and liquids from your hand luggage.

Seat selection on the plane. If you have the opportunity to choose a seat during check-in, consider your preferences. Window seats (A, F) will offer beautiful views during takeoff and landing. Aisle seats (C, D) are convenient if you plan to stand up during the flight or want to be the first to exit the plane upon arrival.

Hand luggage. Standard rules prohibit carrying liquids in containers exceeding 100 ml, as well as sharp objects and flammable substances. All liquids must be packed in one transparent bag. Power banks, laptops, and other electronics should be carried specifically in hand luggage.

Passengers with transfers. Dourados is mainly an airport for direct domestic flights. If you have a connecting flight in another Brazilian city, check in advance whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage. Typically, on domestic flights of the same airline, luggage is transferred automatically, but it is better to be safe.

Customs control. Customs control is undergone by passengers arriving from abroad. If you arrived in Brazil on an international flight and then fly to Dourados, you will pass customs at the first airport of arrival in the country. Be prepared to declare goods exceeding established limits.

Saving time and money. Book a transfer from the airport in advance or study public transport routes — this is often cheaper than a taxi upon arrival. To avoid spending money on water at the airport, take an empty bottle with you and fill it at a drinking fountain after passing security control.

Flight delays. In case of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative for information. Depending on the waiting duration, the air carrier is obliged to provide drinks, meals, and for long delays — hotel accommodation. Having travel insurance will also help compensate for unforeseen expenses.