Located in the south of Brazil, in the northeast of the State of Santa Catarina, in a region of beaches and ports, Navegantes Airport is an important gateway to and from the Itajai Valley. It is named after a minister of state, Victor Konder, (IATA: NVT, ICAO: SBNF) and is very close to the most important seaside resort in southern Brazil, Balneario Camboriu. For this reason it receives, at a certain times of the year, a large flow of tourists and executive jets. At the moment it does not receive regular international flights but in the past there were seasonal flights from other countries in South America. The three big Brazilian companies operate here, Latam, Gol and Azul, with flights well distributed throughout the day. But as it is a tourist destination, the presence of executive jets and general aviation planes are also a sure presence every day.

Before the pandemic the airport welcomed about 2 million passengers a year, but in 2021 that number was down to 1.3 million. NVT has only one runway and one passenger terminal, and was granted to the private sector last year, the winner, and now managing the airport, is CCR Aeroportos.

The best plansepotting location is the beach, especially for landings on runway 25. On the other side of the airport, on track 07, it is very complicated because of the numerous amount of light posts, wires and in addition to a lot of traffic on the nearby roads.

Official Airport Website

Written by Ediney Ribeiro. Last visit 2020

Rating
Movements
Airline Variety
Photo Locations
Weather
Airport Information
Runways
07/25	1,700  m (5.581 ft)
Terminals	One terminal for all commercial passenger traffic.
Spotting Information
Ladder	Not necessary at any spot.
Car/Public Transport	The distances between the photo spots are not great and it is possible to do it on foot from the terminal. But a car would definitely help, and there are several places to park.
Drinks/Food/Restrooms	Close to all photo spots are bars and snack bars.
Hotels	Many hotels close to the airport and photo locations, with prices ranging from 30 to 50 dollars.
Season	The best months are the winter months, when the light is milder and it rains less, (May-August). In the other months of the year it rains and the summer light is very strong, causing many hot waves.
Security	Navegantes is a quiet place, with no reported violence problems.
Runway Usage
07/25	Used in both directions depending on the wind and this can change throughout the day.

	Spot #1 – Terminal food court – All movements
WHERE	When you arrive at the terminal, take the escalators and as soon as you reach the second floor, you will see a large glasses area. It is located in the airport’s food court, at a large viewing area, before security checks. The tinted windows can cause reflection in the photos, but it is still worth a visit, as the planes are very close.
WHAT	It is possible to take pictures of the landing, takeoff and taxi of the aircraft, in addition to night photos.
TIME	Only possible from 7 am to 10:30 am, in the winter period. In summer practically the sun is against for the whole day. Thats why spotters often take night shots from here.
MISC.	You are inside the terminal, everything is at your disposal.
FOCAL LENGTH	Planes on taxi – 30 – 60 mm Planes on runway – 90 – 120 mm

NVT-Spot1

NVT-Spot1

NVT-Spot1

	Spot #2 – Beach – 25 arrivals, 07 departures
WHERE	The residents call this spot “half beach”. It is a place where locals and tourists go for walks, ride bicycles, etc. There are some viewpoints, leading down to the beach, where you can stay and see the aircraft approaching or you stay directly at the water. To get here, from the airport, just walk about 1700 meters towards the beach to Avenida Cirino A. Cabral. Then you will find a large wooden walkway that runs through the dunes, down to the water. Find your preferred location at the beach. If you go by car, there are plenty of places to park along the avenue.
WHAT	Best place to photograph arrivals on 25. Takeoffs are also possible from here, although executive jets and general aviation will pass very high and the angle is not the best.
TIME	It is possible to photograph all day here, just follow the sunlight.
MISC.	You are on the beach! The sun is guaranteed, so bring sunscreen and something to drink. Very close to bars and street vendors selling snacks and drinks.
FOCAL LENGTH	70-300mm (from a distance you can use even more than 300 mm but when the aircraft is close, 70 mm is enough)

NVT-Spot2

NVT-Spot2

NVT-Spot2

NVT-Spot2

NVT-Spot2

NVT-Spot2

	Spot #3 – Havan Store – 07 arrivals, 25 departures
WHERE	This place is located on the parking lot in front of a big “Havan” store at Ingo Hering avenue, From the airport, this location is about 1500 meters away, so still in walking distance. Of course you can easily park in front of the store, there is no parking charge.
WHAT	Best for 07 landings. Takeoffs are also possible to photograph from here, although executive jets and general aviation will pass very high and the angle is not the best.
TIME	Always after 11 am until sunset.
MISC.	It’s a very busy place, lots of cars all the time passing by where you are, but there are trees where you can stay and snack bars and restaurants. Be aware of power lines and light poles disturbing the sight.
FOCAL LENGTH	100 -300 mm (it depends on the size of the aircraft).

NVT-Spot3

NVT-Spot3

NVT-Spot3