Firjan and Fecomércio warn of legal uncertainty and the weakening of Galeão; The stoppage of bus lines also affects the capital of Rio de Janeiro on the eve of Christmas
The possibility of easing flight restrictions and the passenger ceiling in (SDU) for the year 2026 has generated strong reactions from authorities and federations in . The measure, signaled by the Ministry of Ports and Airports, aims to partially reverse the limitations imposed throughout 2025, which aimed to transfer flow to Tom Jobim International Airport () and guarantee the viability of the latter’s concession.
The federal government’s new directive seeks to give more dynamism to Santos Dumont, considered one of the few remaining profitable assets under Infraero’s management, given the increase in national and international tourism. However, the proposal is met with resistance on the local scene.
Federations’ reaction
The Federation of Industries of the State of Rio de Janeiro (Firjan) and the Federation of Commerce of Goods, Services and Tourism (Fecomércio-RJ) expressed official concern about the change.
In a statement, Firjan argued that public efforts should be directed towards creating policies to encourage and improve the logistics of access to Galeão, which has significant idle capacity — handling around 17 million passengers in 2025, against a capacity of 40 million.
Fecomércio-RJ warned that any flexibility weakens the sector’s planning and creates regulatory uncertainty. The entity highlights that the moment is decisive, as a new Galeão concession auction is scheduled for March 2026. The change in Santos Dumont’s rules could affect interest and bids for the international terminal.
The mayor of Rio de Janeiro, (PSD), also harshly criticized the possibility, suggesting the action of “hidden forces” and pointing out the commercial interests of airlines in resuming operations concentrated at the central airport.
Bus strike affects passengers
In addition to the air conflict, urban mobility in Rio de Janeiro faces problems in road transport. A strike involving two bus companies entered its second day this Tuesday (23), affecting the circulation of 16 lines that serve the Center and the North and South zones of the city.
Although one of the companies has partially resumed operations, passengers report long waits and the need to resort to alternative transport (vans) or mobility applications, bearing higher costs in a period of high consumption due to the end-of-year festivities.
*With information from Rodrigo Viga
*Report produced with the help of AI
