Rio’s local government is considering a waterway to link Tom Jobim International Airport (Galeão) and Santos Dumont Airport.
The objective is to use Guanabara Bay to improve passenger movement to and from the international airport, which has recently seen decreased traffic.
While the plan is still under technical and economic feasibility studies, the city hopes to finalize a service provider by the first half of 2024, according to Jorge Arraes, the city’s Secretary of Government Coordination.
The proposed boat service aims to shuttle passengers between the two airports in under 20 minutes, which would be faster than the typical car journey, especially during peak traffic times.
Amid talks of flight restrictions at the centrally-located Santos Dumont, the proposal seeks to channel more domestic flights to the more remote Galeão.
Three groups have shown interest in conducting feasibility studies for the waterway line, and the local government expects to review these by October 19th.
The ticket pricing and the type of boat to be used are still undetermined.
However, it’s specified that the vessel won’t be as large as the current ferries operating between Rio and Niterói.
This initiative emerges in the backdrop of reduced activity at Galeão since the start of the pandemic.
Policy and business leaders in Rio have been urging for flight restrictions at Santos Dumont to revitalize Galeão.
A recent resolution intends to limit the range of flights from Santos Dumont, effectively diverting some traffic to Galeão starting January 2, 2024.
Experts emphasize the need to study this project carefully, considering factors like weather conditions, bay traffic management, and potential road impacts near docking stations.
While Santos Dumont is centrally located and close to popular tourist sites, its infrastructure is smaller than Galeão, which plays a significant role in the state’s cargo transportation.