Brazil: São Paulo’s Congonhas Airport operates normally, after two days of difficulties

After two days of queues, delays, and cancellations, the Congonhas Airport, in the south zone of São Paulo City, operates normally today, October 11.

On Sunday, September 9, the tire on the landing gear of a small plane burst, keeping the main runway closed for almost 9 hours.

According to the Brazilian Airport Infrastructure Company (Infraero), 110 arrivals and 112 takeoffs were canceled on Sunday, in addition to 98 flights that departed from the airport with delays and 99 that landed outside the scheduled time.

Yesterday, cancellations reached 42 arrivals and 28 departures.

On Monday, there were also delays in 54 landings and 89 takeoffs.

Until 9 AM today, there was only one delayed arrival at the terminal.

Yesterday, passengers faced long lines to try to rebook tickets and board.

Some reported seeing fights on Sunday night between customers and airline employees.

RESTRICTION ON SMALL PLANES

The Brazilian Association of Airlines (Abear) said that 300 Gol and Latam flights were delayed due to the accident in Congonhas.

The entity calls for restricting the operation of “low-performance aircraft” on the airport’s main runway.

“Since the impacts caused by incidents on the main runway of a major airport impact thousands of passengers throughout Brazil,” says the statement from the association.

Abear also says it sent an official letter to Infraero requesting the restriction last September 29.

RESCHEDULING OF DELAYED FLIGHTS

The entity also reported that “its members are relaxing the rescheduling of delayed flights and working to re-accommodate passengers.

The association recommends that passengers check flight information before going to the airport.

Gol reported that the problems in Congonhas affected flights at that airport and other terminals in the country.

“The company is providing flexibility for customers to postpone or cancel their trips at no cost until October 23, depending only on the availability of flights,” the company’s statement said.

Latam has granted “total flexibility” for passengers with flights on October 9, 10, and 11 to postpone or cancel tickets.

“Being able to reschedule or request a full refund of their airline tickets without charging a fine and fare difference.”

The option must be made through the company’s website until today, October 11.

With information from Exame

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