Widespread Flight Disruptions Hit Brazilian Airports Amid Operational Instability

Brazilian Airports Grapple with Extensive Flight Disruptions

Passengers across major Brazilian airports, including São Paulo-Guarulhos International (GRU) and the broader São Paulo region, are facing widespread flight disruptions. As of December 19, 2025, a total of 31 cancellations and 273 delays have been reported due to operational instability affecting the national aviation network. This disruption has created significant challenges for travelers, particularly during a busy travel period.

Impact Spreads Across Key Aviation Hubs

The operational instability extends beyond São Paulo's primary gateways, impacting several other critical airports across Brazil. Travelers in Campinas, Brasília, Curitiba, and Rio de Janeiro are also navigating unexpected changes to their travel plans. Data indicates that LATAM Brasil and Azul Brazilian Airlines are among the primary carriers managing these schedule adjustments, with other airlines like GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes also affected.

Specific figures from December 19 show São Paulo-Guarulhos International documented 8 cancellations and 86 delays. Nearby, São Paulo-Congonhas Airport reported 7 cancellations and 76 delays. Campinas' Viracopos International Airport recorded 6 cancellations and 26 delays, primarily impacting regional connectivity. Further disruptions were noted at Brasília's Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek International Airport with 4 cancellations and 40 delays, Afonso Pena International in Curitiba with 4 cancellations and 24 delays, and Rio de Janeiro's Galeão International Airport with 2 cancellations and 21 delays.

Underlying Causes of Operational Instability

The current 'operational instability' is attributed to a combination of factors, including recent severe weather and ongoing logistical challenges. An extratropical cyclone that swept through southeastern Brazil around December 10, 2025, caused widespread blackouts, affecting over 1.4 million customers in Greater São Paulo and bringing winds near 100 km per hour. This storm led to significant infrastructure damage, including downed trees and power lines, directly impacting airport operations and ground handling.

For instance, Congonhas Airport experienced hundreds of cancellations in the days following the cyclone, with 212 cancellations logged by December 11. Guarulhos also faced numerous delays and cancellations, with 17 cancellations and at least 140 delays reported by December 11. Beyond weather, contributing factors to the broader disruptions include:

• Crew mis-positioning resulting from earlier weather-related delays.
• Slot constraints as carriers increase seasonal frequencies.
• Lingering aircraft-maintenance backlogs, some dating back to a suppliers' strike in October.
• Technical difficulties and staffing shortages within airlines.

Passenger Rights and Airline Response

In response to the extensive disruptions, airlines have been working to manage the backlog and communicate changes. Brazilian aviation regulations, specifically ANAC Resolution No. 400, provide comprehensive protections for air passengers. Under these rules, passengers affected by delays or cancellations are entitled to assistance and options, depending on the waiting time.

For delays of one hour or more, airlines must provide communication access. For delays exceeding two hours, food and drink are required. If a delay extends beyond four hours, or in cases of cancellation, passengers have the right to choose between:

• Re-accommodation on another flight, potentially with a different airline.
• A full refund of the ticket.
• Alternative transport to their destination.

Airlines such as LATAM, GOL, and Azul have reportedly issued flexible re-booking policies to assist affected travelers. Travelers are advised to contact their airlines directly for real-time updates and rebooking options.