Thousands of Travelers Stranded in Brazil as LATAM Brasil, GOL Linhas, and Azul Cancel 65 Flights Amid Severe Weather, at Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Porto Alegre, Recife and More

Image generated with Ai

Thousands of travelers are stranded across Brazil as LATAM Brasil, GOL Linhas, and Azul have cancelled 65 flights due to severe weather conditions. This widespread disruption is affecting major cities like São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Porto Alegre, and Recife, among others. The severe weather has caused flight cancellations and delays, leaving passengers frustrated and in limbo at airports. With hundreds of flights cancelled, travelers are advised to stay updated on their flight status and reach out to their airlines for rebooking options.

LATAM Brasil, GOL Linhas, and Azul are working to accommodate affected passengers, but the situation remains challenging. Passengers traveling through São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Porto Alegre, and Recife are particularly impacted by the weather. The flight cancellations are expected to cause further delays in the coming hours.

According to recent reports, GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes, LATAM Brasil, and Azul Brazilian Airlines are hit with 65 cancellations and 512 delays across multiple airports. These disruptions have been linked to severe weather warnings issued by the National Institute of Meteorology (INMET), which predicts heavy rain, intense winds, and the risk of hailstorms affecting various regions of Brazil.

Weather Conditions Triggering Travel Disruptions

The INMET has issued a notice starting from 22/09/2025 at 05:00, warning of heavy rain between 30 to 60 mm/h or 50 to 100 mm/day, as well as intense winds ranging from 60 to 100 km/h, and the possibility of hail. These extreme weather conditions have resulted in high risks of power outages, flooding, damage to crops, and fallen trees. As a result, travel across many Brazilian regions has been severely impacted.

Affected Airlines and Their Disruptions

GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes

GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes has been significantly impacted, with a total of 8 cancellations (1% of its scheduled flights) and 182 delays (25% of its operations). The airline has experienced challenges in maintaining its flight schedule due to adverse weather, which has affected key routes, particularly between São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) and Rio de Janeiro/Galeão International Airport (GIG).

LATAM Brasil

LATAM Brasil has reported 36 cancellations (4% of its flights) and 159 delays (18% of its operations). The severe weather has caused disruptions to both domestic and international routes, especially those connecting São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) with various Brazilian cities and regions, including Recife and Porto Alegre.

Azul Brazilian Airlines

Azul Brazilian Airlines has also experienced considerable delays, with 21 cancellations (2% of its flights) and 171 delays (20% of its total flights). Azul’s operations, especially those between São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) and smaller airports like Ministro Victor Konder International Airport (NVT) and Afonso Pena International Airport (CWB), have been significantly affected.

Affected Airports, Cities, and Countries

Passengers traveling through major Brazilian airports have been affected by these disruptions. The following airports and cities are at the center of the delay and cancellation chaos:

• São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) – São Paulo, Brazil
• São Paulo-Congonhas Airport (CGH) – São Paulo, Brazil
• Rio de Janeiro/Galeão International Airport (GIG) – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Afonso Pena International Airport (CWB) – Curitiba, Brazil
• Salgado Filho International Airport (POA) – Porto Alegre, Brazil
• Ministro Victor Konder International Airport (NVT) – Navegantes, Brazil
• Guararapes International Airport (REC) – Recife, Brazil
• Chapeco Airport (XAP) – Chapeco, Brazil
• Leite Lopes Airport (RAO) – Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
• Tancredo Neves International Airport (CNF) – Belo Horizonte, Brazil
• Ponta Porã International Airport (PMG) – Ponta Porã, Brazil
• Cascavel Airport (CAC) – Cascavel, Brazil

These key hubs across Brazil have become the epicenter of delays and cancellations, affecting passengers bound for both domestic and international destinations.

What Affected Passengers Can Do Now

For passengers affected by these disruptions, there are a few key actions to take in order to minimize the impact of the delays and cancellations:

• Stay Informed: Passengers should check the status of their flights regularly on the airline’s website or mobile app to stay up to date on any new cancellations or delays.
• Contact the Airline: If your flight has been cancelled or significantly delayed, contact the airline’s customer service for assistance with rebooking your flight or exploring compensation options.
• Compensation for Delays: Depending on the length of delays, you may be eligible for compensation, such as meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, or even financial compensation. Airlines typically provide assistance for delays that exceed a certain duration.
• Prepare for Extended Wait Times: Given the scale of the disruptions, passengers should be ready for extended wait times at airports. Make sure to have access to food, water, and entertainment, as the waiting period could be long.
• Follow Safety Guidelines: If the delay is due to weather or operational issues, follow safety protocols at the airport, particularly in areas that may be prone to flooding or other risks.

Conclusion

With 65 cancellations and 512 delays affecting travelers across Brazil, the situation remains challenging for passengers attempting to reach their destinations. The severe weather conditions, including heavy rain, high winds, and the risk of hail, are likely to continue causing disruptions. Travelers are advised to stay informed, contact their airlines for rebooking, and make necessary adjustments to their travel plans. The scale of these disruptions highlights the need for flexibility and patience, as airports and airlines work to restore normal operations.

For passengers, understanding their rights and knowing the proper steps to take can help reduce the frustration of dealing with delayed or cancelled flights during these turbulent times.

Source: FlightAware