American Airlines, TAM, GOL, and More Trigger Travel Chaos in Brazil as Over 100 Flights Are Cancelled Affecting Routes to São Paulo, Salvador, Belo Horizonte, Rio de Janeiro, Recife, Brasília, Porto Seguro, and More – New Update

Published on December 19, 2025

Travelers in Brazil are facing a wave of disruptions this week as major airlines cancel over 100 flights across key airports. The upheaval has affected both domestic and international routes, leaving passengers scrambling for alternatives.

The cancellations involve top carriers including TAM, GOL, and American Airlines, highlighting operational challenges that are currently affecting the country’s busiest hubs. The affected destinations include São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Recife, Brasília, Porto Seguro, Santos Dumont, Belo Horizonte, Salvador, Teresina, Maringá, Campo Grande, Boston, and New York. The total number of cancellations reported across all major airports is 108.

Salvador Airport Cancellations Impact Travelers

At Deputado Luis Eduardo Magalhaes International Airport (SBSV) in Salvador, disruptions began with GOL flight GLO1325 to São Paulo-Guarulhos being cancelled on Friday at 11:30 AM. While the airport handles a smaller number of international flights compared to São Paulo, even a single cancellation can significantly affect passengers’ plans and connections.

Key points at Salvador airport:

• GLO1325 to São Paulo-Guarulhos cancelled Friday morning
• Affected passengers urged to check for rescheduled flights
• Local and regional travelers impacted

These Salvador airport cancellations reflect a broader trend of operational disruptions across Brazil, signaling that passengers should anticipate further changes at regional hubs.

Belo Horizonte Flight Delays Cause Regional Disruptions

Tancredo Neves International Airport (SBCF) in Belo Horizonte has also faced multiple flight disruptions this week. TAM flights to São Paulo-Guarulhos were cancelled on both Wednesday and Friday evenings, while regional services were also affected.

Highlights from Belo Horizonte:

• TAM3557 to São Paulo-Guarulhos cancelled on Wednesday and Friday
• ACN5194 to Brigadeiro Cabral Airport (DIQ) and ACN5252 to Major Brigadeiro Trompowsky (VAG) cancelled
• TAM3725 to Brasília (BSB) cancelled Wednesday morning

These Belo Horizonte flight delays have created a ripple effect on connecting flights and regional schedules, affecting passengers traveling within Minas Gerais and neighboring states.

São Paulo Faces the Brunt of Flight Disruptions

São Paulo’s airports—Congonhas (SBSP) and Guarulhos (SBGR)—have experienced the largest number of cancellations and delays. Congonhas, primarily a domestic hub, saw at least 20 departures cancelled this week, impacting destinations across Brazil.

Key São Paulo flight disruptions include:

• GLO1614 to Recife (REC) and GLO1004 to Santos Dumont (SDU) cancelled Friday morning
• TAM3010 to Brasília (BSB) and TAM3090 to Afonso Pena (CWB) cancelled Thursday
• Multiple flights to Santos Dumont (SDU), Porto Seguro (SBPS), and Santa Genoveva (GYN) cancelled

At São Paulo-Guarulhos (SBGR), the cancellations affected both domestic and international routes. Key disruptions included:

• TAM3790 to Belo Horizonte (CNF) cancelled Wednesday and Friday
• TAM and GOL flights to Rio de Janeiro (GIG), Teresina (THE), Maringá (MGF), and Porto Seguro (SBPS) cancelled
• International flights, including American Airlines AAL950 to New York JFK and TAM B789 flights to Boston Logan and JFK, cancelled

These widespread disruptions have left thousands of travelers seeking updates, rescheduled flights, or alternate routes, demonstrating the scale of the current Brazil flight cancellations.

Overview of Cancelled Flights

Airlines Involved in the Disruptions

The cancellations primarily involve:

• TAM flight cancellations affecting both domestic and international departures
• GOL flight delays impacting regional and long-haul schedules
• American Airlines’ international services disrupted, particularly to the United States

Passengers are advised to stay in close contact with airlines to confirm rescheduling, receive updates, and explore alternative travel options.

Domestic Routes Most Affected

Domestic destinations across Brazil are seeing heavy impacts due to these cancellations:

• Santos Dumont Regional Airport (SDU) in Rio de Janeiro faced multiple flight cancellations from São Paulo
• Porto Seguro (SBPS), Guararapes (REC), Afonso Pena (CWB), and Santa Genoveva (GYN) experienced disruptions
• Flights from Congonhas to major regional hubs, such as Goiabeiras (VIX) and Presidente Castro Pinto (JPA), also cancelled

The concentration of these cancellations at São Paulo’s airports is causing a chain reaction, delaying connecting flights and straining airline operations across multiple states.

Passenger Guidance and Future Outlook

Travelers affected by these Brazil flight cancellations should take proactive measures:

• Check airline websites or contact customer service for updated schedules
• Consider alternate routes or nearby airports to avoid prolonged delays
• Arrive at airports early to accommodate potential rescheduling procedures

Airlines are actively working to rebook passengers, but the high volume of cancelled flights underscores the need for flexibility. While operational disruptions are not unusual during peak travel periods, the current situation in Brazil highlights the importance of staying informed and prepared.

Summary of Key Information:

• Over 100 flights cancelled across Brazil this week
• Main airports affected: São Paulo-Congonhas, São Paulo-Guarulhos, Salvador (SBSV), Belo Horizonte (SBCF)
• Airlines affected: TAM, GOL, American Airlines
• Domestic and international destinations impacted
• Passengers advised to confirm schedules and explore alternatives

From São Paulo flight disruptions to regional Belo Horizonte flight delays and Salvador airport cancellations, passengers are urged to monitor their flights closely. The combination of domestic and international disruptions demonstrates the scale and complexity of the current operational challenges faced by airlines in Brazil.