This year's Carnival in Salvador marked a significant milestone for the local airport, which recorded the highest traffic of passengers since 2018. The Salvador Bahia Airport, part of the VINCI Airports network, reported over 1,400 landings and takeoffs during the festive period, reflecting a robust recovery in travel demand. The airport also made 335,000 domestic seats available, which is an 18% increase compared to 2025, indicating a renewed interest in travel to and from the region, with São Paulo being the busiest route.

The surge in passenger numbers is largely attributed to enhancements in flight seat availability by local airlines. Gol, for instance, upped its domestic seat supply by 30%, while LATAM contributed with a 13% increase. The international sector also saw significant growth, offering 30,000 seats, which marks a 28% increase compared to the previous year. This boom can be traced back not only to increased flights but also to seasonal boosts from TAP, which has augmented its offerings by 8% and planned extra February and March flights to meet the growing demand.

Overall, the uptick in passenger traffic at Salvador's airport demonstrates the recovery of Brazil's tourism sector following the pandemic, with expectations for continued growth as more airlines expand their services in the coming months. This trend not only highlights the region's popularity as a travel destination during Carnival but also establishes a foundation for future tourism and economic development in Salvador and the broader Bahia region.