Airport begins testing phase of curbside management project this Wednesday (8)

The Salvador Airport Concessionaire begins this Wednesday (8) the commissioning phase of the curbside requalification and management project for passenger pick-up and drop-off at the terminal. During the months of April and May, the system will operate as a period of adjustment and driver familiarization, with no tariff charged. Full operation is scheduled to begin in June.

The initiative consists of an automated barrier system to control the length of stay of vehicles using the airport curbside for quick stops of up to 10 minutes free of charge. Using LPR (License Plate Recognition) technology, the barriers use cameras and artificial intelligence to read, identify, and record vehicle license plates, automating flow control.

The free length of stay was defined based on studies conducted by a specialized company, which showed that 10 minutes is sufficient time — and higher than the average used by passengers at Salvador Airport — for comfortable passenger pick-up or drop-off. After this tolerance period, a tariff will be charged.

Vehicles that exceed the length of stay limit will have payment booths available near the exit barriers. The creation of a holding area on site allows drivers to make payments more conveniently. Drivers who need more time, or wish to leave the vehicle unattended, must use the parking garage located in front of the passenger terminal.

Specific cases, such as people with disabilities (PwD), for example, may receive special attention or action, depending on their needs.

Safety and convenience

The service addresses the need to organize the intense flow of vehicles in the area. Between 2023 and 2025, the Salvador Airport ombudsman recorded 1,328 complaints related to the curbside, involving perceptions of insecurity, inappropriate approaches, and improper occupation of the area.

Ensuring the availability of curbside spaces and user access to the terminal is a responsibility of the Concessionaire, in alignment with the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC). In this way, the project aims to provide more safety and comfort for users arriving at and departing from Salvador Airport, with greater availability of spaces for pick-up and drop-off at the curbside.

In addition, curbside management seeks to curb illegal transportation, ensuring greater safety for users, as well as increased monitoring and oversight of the area. The project also includes improvements in mobility for access to the airport, keeping pace with the development and increased operational capacity of the terminal. Deliveries include the expansion of traffic lanes, providing greater traffic flow, and the extension of the bike lane to the terminal.

Taxi and ride-hailing drivers

Under the new model, curbside spaces for taxis accredited by the airport will be maintained. Other vehicles may access the curbside normally for passenger pick-up and drop-off, without tariff payment, provided they respect the 10-minute time limit.

For ride-hailing drivers, the 10-minute tolerance period will also apply for picking up or dropping off passengers. This may be done in any of the designated curbside spaces.

Official and operational vehicles

Vehicles linked to public agencies (properly identified), airport authorities, and operational vehicles, such as firefighters, ambulances, and police, will be exempt from the tariff. Buses carrying sports teams will also have priority access, subject to prior coordination with airport management, ensuring operational safety and flow in the surrounding area.

Operational flow

Entry

Driver accesses the curbside through the barrier located just after the entrance to the parking garage

System records the entry time.

Free period

Up to 10 minutes of free stay for passenger pick-up and drop-off at the curbside.

Charge after tolerance

Stays exceeding 10 minutes will incur a charge.

Payment booths will be available near the exit barriers.

Alternative options

Parking in front of the terminal: for leaving the vehicle unattended.

For more information, visit https://www.salvador-airport.com.br/pt-br/acesso-de-veiculos-ao-meio-fio