(FLORIANÓPOLIS) Floripa Airport is moving fast up the regional freight ranks, with new data and recent route launches pointing to a stronger role for southern Brazil in global trade. As of February 2025, the airport reported a 5.3% year-on-year cargo increase, part of a broader year-to-date total of 32,489 tons, up 9.6% YoY across Brazil’s CAAP-operated airports. In parallel, the Europe–Florianópolis route launched in April 2024 by LATAM and Zurich Airport Brasil is set to carry about 1,600 tons of international cargo each year, linking Santa Catarina’s exporters and importers directly with major hubs in Europe. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these gains place Floripa Airport on the short list of freight growth stories to watch in the Americas.
Cargo surge and the new Europe link
The new Europe–Florianópolis route is more than a flight — it marks a strategy shift toward direct capacity that reduces handoffs, cuts travel time for high-value goods, and gives local shippers a stable schedule.
LATAM Cargo and Zurich Airport Brasil describe the route as a driver for Santa Catarina’s trade, especially for time-critical shipments that lose value with delays. The airport’s operator notes that modern facilities and a location at the southern end of Brazil help reach both domestic markets and international gateways with fewer bottlenecks.
Behind the numbers is a steady build-out of freight infrastructure. Zurich Airport Brasil has invested in cargo terminals and logistics areas to improve throughput and reliability. Multiple ground and cargo handlers work the ramp and warehouses, and caterers support flight operations.
These steps come as overall traffic grows: in 2024, Floripa handled 4,906,929 passengers (up 24% YoY) and 48,746 aircraft operations (up 11% YoY). This broader network health often feeds bellyhold capacity and schedule stability for cargo.
Key takeaway: Direct international capacity + upgraded ground infrastructure = fewer delays, better cold-chain control, and improved predictability for shippers.
How shippers move goods through Floripa today
The current cargo process at Floripa follows a clear, step-by-step path designed to keep freight moving smoothly:
- Booking
- Shippers place bookings directly with airlines such as LATAM Cargo or work through licensed freight forwarders.
- Documentation
- Exporters and importers prepare cargo manifests, customs declarations, and any permits required for their goods.
- Handling
- Ground handlers at Floripa manage acceptance, build-up, loading, and storage.
- The airport maintains specialized space for temperature-sensitive and high-value cargo, supporting sectors like pharma and electronics.
- Customs clearance
- Brazilian customs reviews documents and inspects shipments as required.
- For official customs rules and processes that apply to air cargo, see the Federal Revenue service guidance: https://www.gov.br/receitafederal/pt-br/assuntos/aduana-e-comercio-exterior/cargas-e-transito
- Transit
- Freight moves on direct flights, including the Europe–Florianópolis route, or via domestic connections when shippers need reach to other Brazilian cities.
Strengths behind the growth
Industry analysts point to two main strengths behind Floripa’s results:
- Location: Santa Catarina provides quick access to a mix of regional manufacturers and agribusinesses.
- Operator investment: Zurich Airport Brasil’s ongoing upgrades help the facility run steady flows with fewer delays.
Both factors are critical when European buyers expect tight delivery windows and reliable temperature control.
On the ground, local businesses report tangible benefits:
- Electronics firms see quicker access to European parts and faster returns for warranty repairs.
- Food producers move fresh and frozen goods with less ramp time.
- Pharmaceutical shippers note reduced spoilage risk and lower insurance costs thanks to consistent schedules and improved cold-chain handling.
Impact for forwarders, exporters, importers, and investors
Benefits and practical actions:
- For freight forwarders:
- More frequent direct lifts reduce trucking to distant gateways.
- Better on-airport storage lets them build loads closer to departure times.
- Review cut-off times at the cargo terminal and confirm customs document formats early.
- For exporters and importers:
- Quicker access to aircraft and fewer rebookings.
- Time savings can decide competitive bids in electronics, pharmaceuticals, and perishables.
- Plan consolidation schedules around the airport’s busiest windows.
- For investors:
- Contact Corporación América Airports Investor Relations:
- Patricio Iñaki Esnaola — [email protected], +54 11 4899-6716.
Local support and the broader CAAP picture
Local officials and business groups in Santa Catarina back continued investment at the airport, citing new jobs in warehousing, trucking, and quality control. They praise the route for broadening market reach and encourage airlines to add capacity as volumes build.
Floripa’s growth also contributes to a wider CAAP narrative. The 9.6% YoY YTD cargo increase across CAAP-operated airports indicates that demand is rising across the portfolio, not just in one city. Still, Floripa’s mix of route growth, facility upgrades, and rising aircraft movements makes it a standout asset.
Past progress and near-term plans
This push did not start overnight. Over the past decade, Floripa shifted from a mainly passenger focus to a broader logistics role. Cargo volumes and aircraft movements have grown since Zurich Airport Brasil took over operations, and the 2023–2025 step-change reflects added routes and terminal capacity.
Looking ahead:
- Zurich Airport Brasil is expected to announce more infrastructure work in late 2025, including new cargo bays and automation tools.
- Industry watchers expect additional direct international cargo routes that would build on the Europe link and deepen Floripa’s value to shippers.
Warning/Reminder: Details on future projects are pending; timelines and scope may change.
Practical next steps for shippers
Shippers who want to plug into Floripa’s growth should consider these actions:
- Check space on the Europe–Florianópolis route and map lead times against production cycles.
- Coordinate with handlers on packaging for temperature-sensitive goods.
- Forwarders should confirm terminal cut-off times and customs formats early, especially for controlled items.
- Exporters can schedule consolidations around the airport’s busiest windows to reduce acceptance wait times.
Conclusion
Floripa Airport’s cargo rise in 2025 shows how targeted spending, a single well-placed international route, and steady ground performance can reshape trade options for a region. The data—5.3% YoY growth in February, 32,489 tons YTD across CAAP airports up 9.6% YoY, and a route carrying 1,600 tons yearly—supports the view that the airport has become a freight star to watch in the Americas.
This Article in a Nutshell
Floripa’s cargo surge signals southern Brazil’s growing trade role. Direct Europe flights (April 2024) add 1,600 tonnes yearly, infrastructure upgrades improve cold-chain reliability and reduce delays, while 2025 YTD figures—32,489 tonnes and 5.3% February growth—spotlight airport potential for exporters and logistics investors.
