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Galeão Rio de Janeiro International Airport (GIG)
Rio de Janeiro International Airport Introduction
There are a number of busy airports around Brazil, and Rio de Janeiro is one of the busiest. In terms of passenger numbers, Rio de Janeiro is the fourth busiest in country, and the second busiest in terms of international flights, meaning that if you are visiting Brazil from a foreign country there is a good chance you will arrive here.
Rio de Janeiro has a history of military ties and was originally used as a Brazilian Air Force base. These ties are still evident today due to the fact that the airport is now shared 
between commercial airliners and the Brazilian Air Force. Having been used commercially for a number of decades now, the sections of the airport are clearly split so there is no danger of any civilian wondering into unchartered territory.
There are good transport links between the airport and the city centre, which are about 20 miles apart. In terms of facilities, there are a number of restaurants, bars and shops. There is also bank, a hotel and onsite health facility.
Rio de Janeiro airport will undergo significant changes in the next few years in order to prepare it for the two major sporting events which will take place in the city in the next few years, the world cup in 2014 and the Olympics in 2016. Improved facilities will be added and the airport will be expanded to accommodate the increase in arrivals and departures during these two periods.
Airport Code: GIG
Rio de Janeiro International Airport Map
More on getting around Rio do Janeiro, Brazil.
