Brazil opens expanded Espírito Santo airport

Brazil's government opened an expanded international airport serving Vitória, capital of southeastern state Espírito Santo.

The federal government invested 560mn reais (US$169mn) in the new complex, which includes a 29,500m2 passenger terminal and a 2,058m runway capable of receiving Boeing 767-200 aircraft.

"The expansion will contribute to the growth of the state's economy and will provide for the population a modern and comfortable airport, comparable to the best in the country," said transport minister Maurício Quintella (pictured).

The new airport will be able to handle 8.4mn passengers a year, up from the previous 3.5mn.

In 2017, the airport saw 2.9mn passengers, down 3.8% from the previous year. However, air cargo increased 29.1% to 17,800t.

The federal and states governments have been speeding up inaugurations of public works in recent months, ahead of the October elections when Brazilians go to the polls to vote for president, state governors and lawmakers.