Drone Rules for RIOgaleão International Airport
Critical No-Fly Zone covering Rio de Janeiro International Airport (SBGL) and its immediate heavy commercial corridors. All unauthorized drone flights are strictly prohibited within this airspace to eliminate the risk of catastrophic mid-air collisions with large commercial aircraft.
Galeão – Antônio Carlos Jobim International Airport (SBGL) is Rio de Janeiro's primary international gateway and one of the largest, busiest airports in Brazil. Located on Ilha do Governador, its massive dual-runway system handles a constant stream of heavy, wide-body international airliners and domestic commercial flights.
Because commercial jets are flying at incredibly low altitudes during their approach and departure paths over Guanabara Bay, the North Zone of Rio, and parts of the Baixada Fluminense, the safety margins here are zero. This airspace is heavily protected under international and federal aviation laws. Spontaneous, recreational, or standard commercial drone operations are completely blocked. 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) and ANAC (National Civil Aviation Agency).
Primary Framework: Brazilian Air Force Command Instruction ICA 100-40 (Access to Airspace by Unmanned Aircraft Systems) and 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.