Rio de Janeiro-Galeao International Airport, better known as Galeao International Airport, is one of the busiest airports in Brazil. Galeao is Portuguese for galleon, and the airport is named for Galleon Beach, where the majestic ship Padre Eterno was built in 1663.
Located 20km (13 miles) from central Rio de Janeiro, the airport is a favourite gateway for travellers looking to soak up the sun on Copacabana Beach or party the night away during Carnival. Its proximity to such a major international tourism destination means you can find flights to Galeao International Airport from all over the world, including local connections from Salvador da Bahia, Sao Paulo, Brasilia and Vitora; and international ones from most major European and North American cities including London, Paris, Amsterdam, New York and Washington DC.
With the addition of the second terminal in 1999, the airport increased its capacity to 7.5 million passengers per annum, however it is currently handling more than 12 million each year. This adds up to long queues for everything from security to coffee, and a lack of seating in the departure lounges. However, the airport is currently beefing up its terminals and infrastructure in a big way ahead of Rio de Janeiro hosting the World Cup in 2014.