Azul and Criciúma officials discuss airport reactivation and infrastructure

The Diomício Freitas Airport in Forquilhinha, Santa Catarina, is working toward resuming commercial flights after a decade-long hiatus. Mayor José Claudio Gonçalves (Neguinho) met with the airline Azul in São Paulo to discuss technical requirements for the airport's reactivation, including the establishment of a meteorological station. The goal is to establish direct routes between Forquilhinha and Viracopos International Airport in Campinas.

In a related infrastructure push, the municipality of Criciúma is seeking a US$ 60 million international loan to fund various urban projects. If approved, the financing could begin execution in the first half of 2027. Planned improvements include the duplication of Virgínio Cândido Conte Street to connect the local road system to the Via Rápida, the revitalization of Avenida Centenário, and the acquisition of 25 electric buses to modernize the public transport fleet.