Drone Rules for Recife/Guararapes–Gilberto Freyre International Airport
Critical No-Fly Zone covering Recife International Airport (SBRF / Gilberto Freyre) and its low-altitude commercial flight paths. All unauthorized drone flights are strictly prohibited within this zone to eliminate the risk of collisions with commercial aircraft.
Recife International Airport (SBRF) is the busiest airport in Northeast Brazil and handles a high volume of domestic and international commercial flights. Unlike many airports located far outside city centers, SBRF is embedded directly within the dense urban fabric of Recife and is located just a few blocks from the heavily populated Boa Viagem beach area.
Because commercial airliners fly at extremely low altitudes directly over residential areas, beaches, and major avenues during their final approach and takeoff phases, the risk of a drone collision is exceptionally high. To ensure public and aviation safety, this airspace is heavily restricted under federal law. Spontaneous, recreational, or standard commercial drone flights are completely banned within the immediate airport perimeter and its main approach corridors. Violating this airspace carries severe criminal penalties under the Brazilian Penal Code (Article 261).
Regulatory Authorities: DECEA (Department of Airspace Control) and ANAC (National Civil Aviation Agency).
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: Real-time restriction parameters, official airport coordinates, and specialized NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) filings are managed via DECEA's SARPAS NG and Aisweb portals.