Drone Rules for Marabá Airport
Critical No-Fly Zone covering Marabá Airport (SBMA) and its commercial approach corridors over the Amapá and Cidade Nova neighborhoods. All unauthorized drone flights are strictly prohibited within this airspace to eliminate the risk of mid-air collisions with regional and commercial jet aircraft.
Marabá Airport – João Corrêa da Rocha (SBMA), managed by Aena Brasil, is situated strategically along the Transamazônica Highway (BR-230) in the Amapá/Quindangues district. Despite handling domestic routes, it is one of the busiest and fastest-growing regional hubs in northern Brazil, serving as a vital connection point for commercial airlines, executive aviation, and logistical transport across the state of Pará.
The airport is deeply integrated into Marabá’s urban expansion, meaning passenger jets fly at incredibly low altitudes directly over major residential areas, commercial sectors, and the nearby Itacaiúnas and Tocantins river systems during their landing and takeoff phases. Because of this high-risk intersection with urban life, the surrounding airspace is strictly protected. Spontaneous, recreational, or standard commercial drone operations are completely banned within the airport's perimeter and active flight paths. Violating this airspace carries severe criminal penalties under the Brazilian Penal Code (Article 261 - exposing an aircraft to danger).
Regulatory Authorities: DECEA (Department of Airspace Control), ANAC (National Civil Aviation Agency), and Aena Brasil.
Primary Framework: Brazilian Air Force Command Instruction ICA 100-40 (Access to Airspace by Unmanned Aircraft Systems) and the Brazilian Penal Code (Art. 261).
Flight Planning Portal: Operational restrictions, airport safety grids, and mandatory geofencing definitions are managed via DECEA's SARPAS NG and Aisweb portals.