Drone Rules for Aeroporto Internacional de Macapá - Alberto Alcolumbre
Critical No-Fly Zone covering Macapá International Airport (SBMQ). All unauthorized drone flights are strictly prohibited within this airspace to eliminate collision risks with scheduled national commercial jetliners, heavy cargo transports, regional turboprops, and government aviation.
Macapá International Airport (SBMQ), located along Rua Hildemar Maia in the Jesus de Nazaré neighborhood, serves as the main aviation gateway to the state of Amapá. Because the state is largely disconnected by road from the rest of Brazil, this international airport is a lifeline for the region. It experiences high-frequency commercial jet traffic, major domestic and international cargo movements, state security operations, and essential aeromedical supply flights.
The airport is integrated directly within Macapá's core urban infrastructure, sitting adjacent to heavily populated residential zones, public avenues, and the Amazon River corridor. Because commercial airliners and cargo carriers execute precise instrument (IFR) and visual (VFR) approaches at low altitudes directly over these metropolitan sectors, uncoordinated drone activity creates an immediate risk of a catastrophic mid-air collision. Spontaneous or recreational drone flights within the airfield perimeter or its active urban traffic paths are completely banned under federal law (Brazilian Penal Code, Art. 261).
Sources
Regulatory Authorities: DECEA, ANAC, and the airport's managing concessionaire (Concessionária Norte da Amazônia / NOA Airports).
Primary Framework: ICA 100-40 (DECEA) and Article 261 of the Brazilian Penal Code.
Flight Planning Portal: Operational safety grids, Terminal Control Area (TMA Macapá / SBXK) parameters, and airspace restrictions are managed via SARPAS NG and Aisweb.