Ever wondered where the name Galeão comes from? The story of Galeão in Rio de Janeiro begins not with airplanes but with a ship.
Galeão, a neighborhood in Rio’s North Zone, sits on Governador Island. This is where you will find the Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport. The airport got its name from the neighborhood. The neighborhood got its name from Praia do Galeão. That translates to Galleon Beach.
In 1663, the galleon Padre Eterno was built on this very beach. This ship gave the beach its name, and the name stuck. Now you know that Galeão is more than just an airport code. It is a place with a long history.
Officially, the airport is known as Rio de Janeiro/Galeão–Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport. Many locals still call it Galeão International Airport. In 1999, the airport was renamed to honor the famous Brazilian musician Antonio Carlos Jobim. Jobim even mentioned Galeão Airport in his song “Samba do Avião”.
Let’s step back in time. In 1923, a naval aviation school was established near Galeão Beach. This school later became the Galeão Air Force Base in 1941. The base is still active. During World War II, the Allies used Galeão Air Force Base for military operations after Brazil declared war against the Axis in 1942.
After the war, Santos Dumont Airport could not handle the increasing number of international flights. International flights moved to the Galeão Air Force Base. In 1952, a new passenger terminal opened. This terminal is now used by the Brazilian Air Force for passenger flights. It is also known as the “old Galeão”.
In the 1970s, Galeão was Brazil’s major air hub for both international and domestic flights. The Concorde made its first scheduled flight with Air France to Galeão in 1976. The James Bond film Moonraker even shows the Concorde landing here.
In 1985, Galeão lost its title as Brazil’s major international airport to São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport. However, Galeão has gradually regained importance with the addition of new flights and airlines.
Galeão has two passenger terminals. Passenger Terminal 1 underwent a major renovation in 1991 for the United Nations Earth Summit in 1992. Passenger Terminal 2 opened in 1999.
In preparation for the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics, Galeão International Airport was upgraded. In 2016, Galeão handled a record number of passengers in a single day after the Olympics.
Today, Galeão covers a vast area. It is the largest airport site in Brazil in terms of area. Since 2014, a consortium called RioGaleão has operated the airport.
Getting to Galeão is easy. The TransCarioca BRT line connects the airport to other parts of Rio. Executive and ordinary taxis are also readily available. So, as you travel through Galeão, remember its rich history. From galleons to Concordes, this airport has seen it all.