LATAM Brasil, GOL Linhas Aéreas, and Avianca Suspend 23 Flights Amid Bad Weather, Disrupting Travel Across Brazil and Latin America

Published on August 18, 2025

LATAM Brasil, GOL Linhas Aéreas, and Avianca have suspended 23 flights due to bad weather, leading to significant disruptions in travel across Brazil and Latin America. The weather conditions have affected major airports, including those in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, and Salvador. As a result, passengers have faced delays and cancellations, with many travelers left stranded or rebooked on alternative flights. Airlines have been working to manage the situation, but the ongoing bad weather has made it challenging to restore normal operations quickly. Travelers are advised to check the status of their flights frequently and stay in touch with customer service for updates. While these disruptions are primarily caused by weather-related factors, the airlines continue to ensure the safety and well-being of passengers. This situation has highlighted the impact of severe weather on air travel across the region.

Affected Airports and Cities

The flight disruptions have severely impacted several major airports and cities across Brazil and Latin America. LATAM Brasil operates flights from Rio de Janeiro/Galeão Intl (GIG / SBGL) in Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo-Guarulhos Intl (GRU / SBGR) and São Paulo-Congonhas (CGH / SBSP) in São Paulo, Campo Grande Intl (CGR / SBCG) in Campo Grande, Deputado Luis Eduardo Magalhães Intl (SSA / SBSV) in Salvador, Salgado Filho Intl (POA / SBPA) in Porto Alegre, Ministro Victor Konder Intl (NVT / SBNF) in Navegantes, and Afonso Pena Intl (CWB / SBCT) in Curitiba. GOL Linhas Aéreas operates from Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek Intl (BSB / SBBR) in Brasília, Guararapes Intl (Gilberto Freyre Intl) (REC / SBRF) in Recife, and Deputado Luis Eduardo Magalhães Intl (SSA / SBSV) in Salvador. Avianca operates from Los Garzones (MTR / SKMR) in Montería, Perales (IBE / SKIB) in Ibagué, El Dorado Intl (BOG / SKBO) in Bogotá, Palonegro (BGA / SKBG) in Bucaramanga, José Maria Cordova Intl (MDE / SKRG) in Medellín, and Camilo Daza Intl (CUC / SKCC) in Cúcuta.

LATAM Brasil: Multiple Cancellations and Ongoing Delays

LATAM Brasil reported 10 cancellations, which represent 1% of their total flights, while 51 flights were delayed, accounting for 6% of their operations, experiencing disruptions. The specific causes of these disruptions remain unclear, but they have led to significant inconvenience for passengers. These delays and cancellations caused widespread frustration, especially for travelers who were forced to adjust their plans or seek alternative routes. Despite efforts to resolve the issues, passengers are still facing challenges as LATAM Brasil continues to work on addressing the disruptions and minimizing the impact on affected travelers.

GOL Linhas Aéreas: Multiple Cancellations and Delays

GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes reported 4 cancellations, which represent 0% of their total flights, while 28 flights delayed, accounting for 4% of their operations, were disrupted. The airline has advised affected travelers to check their flight statuses online and to contact customer service for assistance with rebooking or refunds. These disruptions have caused inconvenience for passengers, many of whom have had to adjust their travel plans. GOL is actively working to resolve the situation and minimize the impact on its operations. Travelers are encouraged to stay informed and reach out to customer service for any assistance related to delays or cancellations.

Avianca: International Flight Disruptions

Avianca experienced disruptions on its international routes in August 2025. Several flights from Bogotá to destinations in the United States were canceled, including flights to Orlando and New York. Passengers on these routes faced significant delays and were advised to check the airline’s website for the latest updates on flight statuses. Avianca reported 9 cancellations, which represent 1% of their total flights, while 32 flights delayed, accounting for 4% of their operations, were disrupted. The airline has been working to address the delays and provide passengers with alternative options where possible. Travelers have been encouraged to stay informed about their flight status and to reach out to customer service for assistance with rebooking or compensation. Despite the ongoing disruptions, Avianca is committed to ensuring passenger safety and minimizing further inconveniences caused by these delays and cancellations.

Impact on Passengers

The widespread cancellations and delays have left many passengers stranded at airports, particularly in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Salvador. Travelers have reported long wait times, crowded terminals, and limited assistance from airline staff. In some cases, passengers were rebooked on later flights, while others were offered refunds or vouchers for future travel. However, the high volume of affected travelers has made it challenging for airlines to accommodate everyone promptly.

Airline Responses and Passenger Rights

In response to the disruptions, LATAM Brasil, GOL Linhas Aéreas, and Avianca have issued statements apologizing for the inconvenience caused and assuring passengers that they are working to resolve the issues. All three airlines have advised affected travelers to check their flight statuses online and to contact customer service for assistance with rebooking or refunds.

Passengers affected by flight cancellations or significant delays may be entitled to compensation under Brazilian and international passenger rights regulations. These rights vary depending on the specific circumstances of the disruption and the airline’s policies. Travelers are encouraged to review their rights and contact the airline directly for information on compensation and reimbursement options.

Recommendations for Travelers

Travelers planning to fly with LATAM Brasil, GOL Linhas Aéreas, or Avianca in the coming weeks are advised to:

• Monitor Flight Status: Regularly check the airline’s official website or mobile app for the latest updates on flight statuses.
• Arrive Early: Arrive at the airport well in advance of your scheduled departure time to allow for potential delays and additional security measures.
• Keep Documentation: Retain all receipts, boarding passes, and communication from the airline regarding cancellations or delays, as these may be required for compensation claims.
• Contact Customer Service: If your flight is canceled or significantly delayed, reach out to the airline’s customer service for assistance with rebooking or refunds.

Conclusion

The flight cancellations and delays experienced by LATAM Brasil, GOL Linhas Aéreas, and Avianca in August 2025 have had a profound impact on travelers across Brazil and Latin America. The disruption affected major airports in cities such as São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, Salvador, and Porto Alegre. Thousands of passengers were left stranded, facing significant delays and limited options for rebooking or refunds. These issues arose primarily due to adverse weather conditions and operational difficulties faced by the airlines, which were unable to meet the scheduled departures for several routes.

Travelers are advised to stay proactive and regularly check flight statuses on the official websites of LATAM Brasil, GOL Linhas Aéreas, and Avianca for the latest updates. It’s also recommended to directly reach out to customer service departments for assistance with rebooking or obtaining further information on compensation. Keeping communication channels open and staying informed is essential to minimizing the impact on travel plans.

Source: FlightAware

Image Credit: www.latamairlines.com