“Fasten your seat belts we’re about to arrive at Galeão Airport.” Those lyrics from Tom Jobim’s “Samba do Avião” immortalize the thrill of landing here in Rio. Today we are exploring the story behind that song and the airport it celebrates: Avião.
Rio de Janeiro/Galeão–Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport is more than just a transportation hub. It’s a symbol of Rio’s connection to the world. This airport is commonly called Galeão International Airport. Since 1999 it has honored the great Brazilian musician Antonio Carlos Jobim. You might know him as Tom Jobim. He composed “Samba do Avião”. In English that’s “Samba of the Airplane”. This song beautifully captures the experience of arriving in Rio by air.
Let’s go back in time. The area where Galeão stands today has a rich history. In 1663 the galleon Padre Eterno was built on Galeão Beach. In 1923 a School of Naval Aviation was established nearby. This marked the beginning of the area’s association with aviation.
During World War II Galeão Air Force Base became crucial. Brazil declared war against the Axis in 1942. The airbase was heavily used by the Allies for military operations.
After the war Santos Dumont Airport couldn’t handle the increasing number of international flights. So international flights were gradually moved to Galeão. A new passenger terminal was built. It opened on February 1 1952. This terminal is now used by the Brazilian Air Force. It’s known as the “old Galeão.”
In the 1970s Galeão was Brazil’s major international and domestic air hub. The Concorde made its scheduled maiden flight here in 1976. It flew from Paris to Galeão via Dakar. The James Bond film “Moonraker” even shows the Concorde landing here.
Over the years Galeão has undergone many changes. A new passenger terminal opened in 1977. This is now Passenger Terminal 1. In 1985 São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport became Brazil’s major international airport. Galeão lost some of its importance. However it has gradually recovered adding flights and airlines.
In 2014 the airport began being operated by the concessionary Rio Galeão. It’s also known as RIOgaleão–Aeroporto Internacional Tom Jobim.
Galeão continues to adapt. In 2022 it was used for Stock Car Pro Series automobile racing. The Cacá Bueno Circuit was built within the airport. It partially used runways for this purpose.
Today Galeão stands as a testament to Rio’s aviation history. It’s a place where the thrill of arrival is celebrated in song. As you explore this airport remember the words of Tom Jobim. “Fasten your seat belts we’re about to arrive at Galeão Airport.” It is a gateway to the Marvelous City.