An area of roughly 397,000 square metres, strategically positioned in Greater Aracaju and woven into the surrounding urban fabric, is set to drive a fresh cycle of economic development in Sergipe.
Aena’s Property Development Plan for Aracaju International Airport – Santa Maria
Aena announced on Friday (7) its Property Development Plan for Aracaju International Airport – Santa Maria, designed to establish the area around the terminal as a hub for logistics, commerce and service activities.
With the capacity to attract an initial R$ 275 million in private investment, the plan foresees the construction of up to 146,000 square metres of new buildings, potentially creating more than 9,000 direct and indirect jobs.
The launch event brought together authorities including the Minister of Ports and Airports, Tomé Franca, the chief executive of Anac, Tiago Faierstein, and the National Secretary for Civil Aviation, Daniel Longo, alongside Aena Brasil executives and representatives from the productive sector.
According to Joaquín Rodríguez, Director General of Aena Brasil, “Aracaju Airport has unique characteristics that make it one of the most promising assets in Aena’s real-estate strategy in Brazil. The combination of available land, urban integration and a privileged location helps attract investment, create jobs and strengthen regional competitiveness”.
Airport City concept and mixed-use development
The plan structures the site’s property potential into complementary fronts, bringing together uses that meet urban needs, support airport operations and open up opportunities for investors. Based on the international Airport City concept, the project anticipates developments in hospitality, regional retail, specialist services and logistics operations, aligned with the growth of Aracaju and Sergipe.
Logistics areas, phases and build-out capacity
On the logistics side, the plan includes space for industrial park-style complexes that can leverage the airport’s existing infrastructure and road connectivity. One area could accommodate a single-user development with up to 87,000 square metres of gross lettable area (GLA), while another is designed for phased delivery, with potential to reach 100,000 square metres as demand builds.
The project is seen as particularly relevant in light of the expansion of e-commerce and the local oil industry, as well as the shortage of large urban land plots-factors that give the airport a competitive advantage.
Growth in passenger numbers and Aena’s sustainability agenda
The airport’s expansion runs in parallel with the plan’s rollout: in 2025, the terminal handled 1.37 million passengers-20% more than in 2019 and 7.1% higher than in 2024-and recorded 15.8 thousand air operations, alongside a 14% increase in cargo volumes. At present, it links Sergipe to eight domestic destinations.
The model also aligns with Aena’s sustainability strategy, under which the company invests in emissions reduction, clean energy use, sewage treatment, recycling and environmental certifications. In addition to Aracaju, Recife International Airport already has a similar plan, and the company intends to extend the initiative to other airports in its Brazilian network, according to their specific characteristics and needs.
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