Salvador Bahia Airport records its largest Carnival ever with a 15% increase in passenger traffic

Salvador Bahia Airport, part of the VINCI Airports network, recorded its largest Carnival since the beginning of the concession in 2018. Between February 11 and 22, approximately 310,000 passengers passed through the terminal — a 15% increase compared to the same period last year — consolidating the airport as one of the main gateways for tourists seeking to enjoy the festivities in the capital of Bahia.

During the period, the international segment stood out, registering a 33% increase in passenger traffic compared to 2025, with more than 27,000 travelers using the international network. The figures were driven by an 8% increase in seat capacity from TAP, which announced additional flights for February and March. Sky Airline recorded growth of 33%, while Air Europa saw a 6% increase and Air France a 1% increase, in addition to the new operations by Flybondi and Copa Airlines.

International load factors remained strong, averaging 92% — a 4 percentage point increase compared to the same period last year — even with the expansion in destination offerings. This positive scenario reinforces Salvador Bahia Airport’s commitment to expanding air connectivity, keeping pace with the growing demand from international tourists traveling to the Bahian capital.

The domestic segment also posted positive results during Carnival, handling 247,000 passengers — a 14% increase compared to last year’s Carnival. In total, 2,009 flights were operated during the period (17% more than in 2025), with an average load factor of 84%.

“Salvador is recognized for hosting one of the most sought-after Carnival celebrations in Brazil, and this growth was already expected. However, the figures also reflect the work Salvador Bahia Airport has been carrying out throughout the year to enhance terminal infrastructure and expand connections to domestic and international destinations, consolidating the airport as one of the main hubs in Brazil’s Northeast region,” said Júlia Orrico, Commercial Director of VINCI Airports in Brazil.

About Salvador Bahia Airport

Located in the capital of the state of Bahia, Salvador Bahia Airport is the first concession operated by the VINCI Airports network in Brazil, which assumed operations on January 2, 2018. Since then, the airport has incorporated global operational standards, aiming to offer greater efficiency, safety, and an improved travel experience for passengers. With an investment of R$ 700 million in modernization and expansion works, the airport increased its capacity by 50%, now serving up to 15 million passengers per year. It has also been awarded the Ethnic-Racial Diversity Seal by the Municipal Secretariat for Reparations of Salvador in recognition of its initiatives to combat institutional racism. Salvador Bahia Airport also stands out as the “Most Sustainable Airport in Brazil,” leading environmental preservation initiatives.

About VINCI Airports

VINCI Airports, the world leader in private airport operations, operates more than 70 airports across 14 countries. Leveraging its expertise as a global integrator, VINCI Airports develops, finances, builds, and manages airports, bringing its investment capacity and know-how to optimize operational performance, modernize infrastructure, manage operations, and drive environmental transition. VINCI Airports was the first airport operator to commit to an international environmental strategy in 2016, aiming to achieve net zero emissions across its entire network by 2050.