Hundreds of Travellers Stranded in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro as Brazil Face 32 Flight Cancellations and 71 Delays by LATAM, GOL Airlines, Aerolineas Argentinas and others

Written By: Subhankar Chakraborty

Subhankar Chakraborty

I'm a content writer with a strong foundation in psychology and a passion for the travel and hospitality industry. Beyond timely reporting and contemporary narratives I bring a unique perspective to content creation, crafting stories that not only inform but also connect with readers on a deeper emotional level. I combine meticulous research, accuracy and compelling storytelling to deliver authentic, engaging and insightful content for a global audience.

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February 20, 2026 2:07 AM |

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Brazil is currently facing a significant aviation crisis that has left hundreds of passengers searching for answers. Major hubs in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro report a combined total of 32 flight cancellations and 71 delays today. These disruptions hit the nation’s busiest terminals, Guarulhos and Galeão, causing widespread chaos for those booked for essential travel. Two industry giants, LATAM and GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes, sit at the center of this operational storm. The ripple effect has stalled holiday plans and business trips alike. Airlines are now working to manage the backlog, but the sheer volume of affected travellers remains high. This report breaks down the specific impact on each carrier and explains what stranded passengers should do next to secure their rights.

Major Airports Affected

The logistical strain is most visible at the country’s busiest hubs, where the sheer volume of travel traffic has compounded the impact of the schedule changes. In São Paulo, the São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) remains the epicenter of the disruption. As the primary international gateway to Brazil, the airport has reported 20 total cancellations and 54 delays within a single 24-hour period.

Simultaneously, the situation in Rio de Janeiro has seen a similar downward trend in reliability. At the Rio de Janeiro/Galeão International Airport (GIG), a total of 12 flights have been cancelled, while 17 others have suffered significant delays. These two locations serve as the backbone of Brazilian aviation and the ripple effects from these hubs are expected to be felt across the domestic and international flight corridors.

Impacted Airlines

The disruption has not been limited to a single operator but has instead affected a broad spectrum of domestic and international carriers. Data indicates that LATAM Brasil has been the most heavily impacted, particularly at the São Paulo hub, where it recorded 8 cancellations and 24 delays. The carrier’s broader network, including LATAM Peru and its primary international division, accounted for additional cancellations in both São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes, another pillar of the Brazil aviation market, has also faced substantial operational hurdles. The airline recorded 6 cancellations and 6 delays at Guarulhos, mirrored by another 6 cancellations at Galeão. International partners have not been spared either; Aerolineas Argentinas reported 2 cancellations at each airport and British Airways saw 2 cancellations on its long-haul services out of Rio de Janeiro.

Summary of Affected Carriers

Beyond these specific figures, delays were being experienced by several other Airlines, like Azul Brazilian Airlines, Boliviana de Aviación, Copa Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, American Airlines and more.

Probable Impact on Local Tourism

The concentration of these disruptions in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro presents a notable challenge for the local tourism sector. As the two most visited cities in Brazil, any large-scale interruption in air travel directly affects hotel occupancy rates, pre-booked tours and the general economic flow associated with visitor spending.

In Rio de Janeiro, where tourism is a vital economic driver, the cancellation of international services like those from British Airways may lead to a decrease in high-spending international arrivals. In São Paulo, a city that thrives on corporate and business travel, the high volume of delays—particularly the 54 reported at Guarulhos—is likely to result in missed meetings, cancelled conventions and a loss of productivity. For many travellers, the time lost sitting in airport terminals represents a significant portion of their planned stay, potentially leading to a shorter duration of travel and reduced revenue for local hospitality businesses.

What Affected Passengers Can Do Now

Passengers currently navigating the chaos in Brazil are advised to remain informed of their rights under the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) Resolution 400. This regulation is designed to protect those experiencing flight delays and cancellations by ensuring they receive adequate care and communication from the airlines.

• Request Material Assistance: If a delay exceeds one hour, passengers are entitled to communication facilities (phone calls or internet access). After two hours, airlines are required to provide vouchers for meals and refreshments.
• Seek Accommodation: For delays exceeding four hours or those that require an overnight stay, carriers must provide hotel accommodation and round-trip transportation between the airport and the lodging.
• Confirm Rebooking or Refunds: In the event of a cancellation, travellers have the right to choose between being rebooked on the next available flight (from the same or a different airline), receiving a full refund of the ticket price, or opting for an alternative mode of transport.
• Document the Disruption: It is highly recommended that passengers obtain a formal statement from the airline counter explaining the reason for the delay or cancellation. This documentation is essential for any future insurance claims or legal compensation requests regarding their travel plans.

As the situation develops, travellers should continue to monitor their flight status via official mobile apps and airport departure boards. The infrastructure in both São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro is currently working to process the backlog, but patience and proactive communication with airline representatives remain the most effective tools for those still stranded.

-The information provided is sourced from FlightAware.