While Confins struggled with runway repairs, travellers in Brazil’s main commercial corridor faced an additional hurdle on 26 September 2026 as dense morning fog blanketed São Paulo. Low visibility led air-traffic control to restrict operations at Congonhas (CGH) and Guarulhos (GRU), cancelling or diverting more than 30 flights and compounding knock-on effects from the earlier Belo Horizonte shutdown. LATAM Airlines confirmed that several morning departures alternated to Campinas and Rio de Janeiro, offering ground transport or later re-accommodation. Gol and Azul issued travel alerts advising customers to check flight status before heading to the airport. By early afternoon, Congonhas had resumed visual operations, but terminals remained crowded with stranded passengers seeking new connections. The weather-related disruption underscores the vulnerability of Brazil’s south-eastern air network, where high traffic density and limited slot flexibility leave little margin for irregular operations. Corporate travel managers were reminded to build extra buffer time into itineraries involving same-day connections through CGH or GRU, particularly during the spring months when coastal fog is common. ANAC’s upcoming revision of Resolution 400, which strengthens airlines’ information duties during irregular operations, is expected to alleviate some passenger frustration; however, the new clauses will only be enforceable from late October. Until then, companies should rely on real-time monitoring tools and traveller-tracking apps to anticipate schedule volatility. Meteorologists at Brazil’s Air Navigation Management Centre (CICEA) forecast improving conditions for Sunday, but warn that another cold front may introduce morning mist later in the week. Airlines have begun proactively reducing tight turn-around times on early flights out of São Paulo to minimise cascading delays.
Source: UOL / Agência Estado
