Travel Chaos in Brazil as Over 100 Flights Are Cancelled Including GOL, Azul, TAM, and More Affecting Routes to São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Campinas, Brasília, and More

Published on December 13, 2025

Brazil’s aviation network is experiencing severe disruption in December 2025, with over 100 flight cancellations affecting passengers across the country’s busiest airports. From São Paulo to Rio de Janeiro, many travelers are being forced to deal with unexpected cancellations, delays, and travel interruptions. Major airports, including Santos Dumont, Viracopos, and Guarulhos, have been particularly impacted, resulting in thousands of canceled flights.

Cancellations Overview

Below is a table summarizing the total number of cancellations at key Brazilian airports:

These disruptions have affected both domestic and international flights, with travelers from different regions of Brazil experiencing significant delays and cancellations.

Santos Dumont Cancellations Cause Travel Chaos

Santos Dumont Airport, located in Rio de Janeiro, has faced some of the most significant Santos Dumont cancellations this December. Several flights were grounded due to operational difficulties, especially on Friday, December 12, and Thursday, December 11. Travelers flying to key destinations like São Paulo-Congonhas, Guarulhos, and Brasília were left stranded as flights were canceled, creating havoc for those hoping to reach their destinations in time for the holidays.

• GLO1023 (B738) to São Paulo-Congonhas, initially scheduled for 12:35 PM (GMT-3) on Saturday, December 12, was among the canceled departures.
• AZU6403 (E295) to São Paulo-Congonhas, departing 8:59 PM (GMT-3) on Friday, December 11, also faced cancellation.
• GLO1719 (B737) to Brasília, scheduled for 9:35 AM (GMT-3) on Friday, December 11, was canceled as well.

These flight cancellations have caused frustration for many, especially given that Santos Dumont serves as a hub for regional flights, making it essential for connecting travelers.

Viracopos Airport Cancellations Impact Regional Travel

At Viracopos International Airport in Campinas, São Paulo, Viracopos airport cancellations have significantly disrupted regional travel. This airport, a key gateway for flights across Brazil, experienced multiple cancellations for flights heading to major cities such as Recife, Londrina, and Maringá.

• AZU2805 (A21N) to Guararapes International (Recife), initially scheduled for 1:25 PM (GMT-3) on Sunday, December 13, was canceled.
• AZU9047 (AT72) to Tancredo Neves International (Belo Horizonte), departing 9:10 AM (GMT-3) on Sunday, December 13, was also grounded.
• AZU2911 (A320) to Marechal Rondon (Cuiabá), which was scheduled for 6:10 AM (GMT-3) on Friday, December 11, was canceled.

These disruptions have had a cascading effect on the region, particularly for passengers with connecting flights or those trying to reach smaller cities. Many travelers are now scrambling to find alternative options, making it difficult to stay on schedule for holiday travel.

Guarulhos Airport Flight Cancellations Continue to Rise

São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport, Brazil’s busiest airport, has not been spared from the Guarulhos airport flight cancellations either. Several international and domestic flights were canceled, creating challenges for both leisure and business travelers alike.

Notable cancellations at Guarulhos include:

• GLO7682 (B738) to Jorge Newbery (Buenos Aires), scheduled for 9:40 AM (GMT-3) on Saturday, December 12.
• SWR92 (B77W) to Ministro Pistarini (Buenos Aires), planned for 8:50 AM (GMT-3) on Saturday, December 12.
• TAM4722 (A321) to Deputado Luis Eduardo Magalhães (Salvador), originally scheduled for 9:45 AM (GMT-3) on Friday, December 11.

Guarulhos has faced difficulties due to the sheer volume of air traffic during this busy time of year. International flights, in particular, have been disrupted as the airport struggles with increased passenger numbers and operational challenges.

São Paulo Flight Disruptions Affect Holiday Travelers

With both Guarulhos and Congonhas airports impacted by São Paulo flight disruptions, travelers are dealing with an even greater amount of cancellations and delays. As the city sees a rise in air traffic during the holiday season, the pressure on the local airports has grown. Flights across multiple routes, both international and domestic, have been affected, including those departing to Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, and other major cities.

• GLO1155 (B738) from São Paulo-Congonhas to Santos Dumont, initially scheduled for 10:40 AM (GMT-3) on Saturday, December 12, was canceled.
• AZU6060 (E190) from São Paulo-Congonhas to Santos Dumont, planned for 9:15 PM (GMT-3) on Friday, December 11, was also grounded.

These São Paulo flight disruptions highlight the ongoing issues with managing high passenger volumes, particularly in the lead-up to the festive season. With limited alternatives, many passengers have had to wait for rebooking or explore ground transportation options.

Brazilian Flight Cancellations December 2025 – A Nationwide Crisis

The Brazilian flight cancellations December 2025 have left many passengers across the country stranded or delayed, especially as several key airports, including Guarulhos, Santos Dumont, and Viracopos, are hit by mass cancellations. The rise in cancellations reflects broader operational challenges that airlines and airports have faced this year, including extreme weather conditions, capacity constraints, and airline-specific logistical issues.

The disruptions are not limited to just a handful of routes. From Rio de Janeiro to São Paulo, and from Brasília to Salvador, numerous flights have been impacted, leaving passengers with few options but to endure the chaos. Passengers are advised to regularly check with airlines for real-time updates on flight statuses and any rebooking options available.

The Impact on Passengers

The direct impact of these flight cancellations in Brazil has been widespread, affecting both business and leisure travelers. Passengers have faced long wait times at airports, with some being left with no immediate alternatives. The impact on the local economy is also notable, as disruptions at major airports like Guarulhos, Santos Dumont, and Viracopos affect business travelers, tourists, and local residents alike.

In response, airlines have been offering limited compensation, including meal vouchers and rebooking options. However, with high passenger demand, many have been forced to extend their waits or find alternative travel methods.

Final Thoughts

As the holiday season continues, flight cancellations in Brazil are likely to persist, with passengers facing ongoing disruptions at major airports across the country. For those traveling in the coming weeks, it is crucial to remain proactive, checking flight statuses frequently and exploring backup options. Given the severity of these cancellations, it’s essential for travelers to stay informed about potential rescheduling and alternative flight routes to ensure they can continue their journeys with minimal delays.

Passengers affected by the cancellations are encouraged to stay in close communication with their airlines for rebooking assistance and compensation. While the situation is challenging, efforts are being made to accommodate the growing number of travelers, ensuring that air travel in Brazil can get back to normal as quickly as possible.