The Northeast moved 5.8 million passengers on domestic and international flights in the first quarter of 2026, a 12.86% increase from the same period in 2025, as Salvador kept its place among the region’s main air hubs. Salvador’s airport handled 1.13 million passengers in the period, up 11.69% from the first quarter of 2025.

The numbers point to a stronger aviation market across the Northeast, where more flight offerings, better airport infrastructure and rising demand for destinations in the region helped fill seats. Summer vacation, Carnival and cultural events also gave the market a lift, adding to traffic during a quarter that has become an important test of travel demand.

Salvador remained behind Recife among the region’s leading airports, but its performance still underlined the city’s pull as a travel gateway. The 1.13 million passengers moved through the airport in the first quarter of 2026 compared with fewer passengers a year earlier, when the airport served less in the first quarter of 2025.

The growth suggests the Northeast is entering 2026 with momentum that could support airlines and airports through the rest of the year. For Salvador, the challenge will be keeping that pace as the peak travel seasons fade and carriers decide where to add the next round of flights.