With the Rio Olympics set to open next Friday, business jet operators flying in for the event are being urged to arrange itineraries to undergo additional security checks outside Olympic host city Rio and the São Paulo Guarulhos International Airport, the expected entry for 40 percent of delegations and visitors. “Security inspections at Guarulhos might take 2.5 to 3.5 hours or more, depending on the availability of the Federal Police. For airplanes coming from the U.S., Manaus or Brasilia would tend to be quicker. From Europe, Recife is the best choice,” Universal Weather and Aviation supervisor Adonis Bastos told AIN.
Patricia Aliperti of Brazilian handler Orbital also suggested Manaus and Recife. “For aircraft with sufficient autonomy to reach Rio de Janeiro, we suggest Cabo Frio Airport, since it's an international airport, outside the yellow zone, that doesn’t require slots and has ease of movement, with much faster customs operations,” she said, also noting “much cheaper” handling, parking and airport fees.
Orbital estimates that the actual aircraft inspection should take no more than 30 minutes, "but with the Federal Police acceptance, and presenting the flight plan…the complete process will take about an hour. But than can vary a bit," she said. According to Orbital, security inspection fees may range up to $750, depending on aircraft model and location.