Born in Belém, Pará, Airton joined Palmeiras' youth setup in 2016, after a trial period.[1] On 16 August 2019, after finishing his formation, he was loaned to Série B side Oeste until the end of the season.[2]
Airton made his professional debut on 19 August 2019, coming on as a second-half substitute for Betinho in a 0–2 home loss against Coritiba.[3] On 12 December, after just one further appearance, he rescinded with Verdão and signed for Inter de Limeira.[4]
On 20 August 2020, Airton signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with Cruzeiro in the second division.[5] He scored his first professional goal on 25 October, netting the equalizer in a 1–1 draw at Náutico.[6]
On 23 July 2021, Airton agreed to a loan deal with Série A side Ceará until December.[7] He made his top tier debut two days later, replacing Rick in a 0–0 away draw against Sport Recife.[8]