A commercial jet on approach to São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport was forced to execute a go-around at 12:53 p.m. on 11 July after the crew spotted a large hot-air balloon drifting across the glide path. Video published by Record TV shows multiple recreational balloons in controlled airspace; at least one appeared to carry flammable payloads used for pyrotechnic displays during the winter festa-junina season. Releasing balloons is a criminal offence under Brazil’s Environmental Crimes Act, carrying penalties of up to three years in prison, yet enforcement remains difficult. GRU Airport reports 52 balloon incidents so far in 2026 – already surpassing last year’s total. Each go-around costs airlines an estimated US$ 5 000 in extra fuel and scheduling knock-on effects, according to the National Civil Aviation Secretariat. Airlines are demanding coordinated action from ANAC, the Air Force’s air-traffic management centre CGNA and state police to identify launch sites using drone surveillance and crowd-sourced geolocation apps. The Brazilian Airlines Association (ABEAR) warned that balloon activity is now among the top five operational hazards during the dry season. For mobility planners the incident highlights potential cascading delays at Latin America’s busiest hub just as international arrivals rebound. Companies with time-critical connections through GRU should monitor NOTAMs and consider protective clauses in Service Level Agreements with travel suppliers. Legislators in Brasília are debating a bill that would allow judges to impose asset forfeiture on repeat offenders – including seizure of vehicles used to transport balloons – a measure the industry believes could finally deter the practice.
Source: Record TV / R7
