Uruguay and Brazil Experience Travel Disruptions as LATAM Airlines Cancels 16 Flights, Leaving Passengers Stranded at Afonso Pena, Porto Seguro, Salgado Filho, and Other Airports

Published on September 21, 2025

LATAM Airlines has caused significant travel disruptions in both Uruguay and Brazil by canceling 16 flights. As a result, passengers have been left stranded at several key airports, including Afonso Pena, Porto Seguro, Salgado Filho, and others, with over 80 delays reported. These cancellations have thrown a wrench in travel plans, with many passengers now facing long delays and uncertainty. The situation is particularly frustrating for travelers who were expecting smooth journeys, as major airports like Afonso Pena and Porto Seguro are essential hubs for domestic flights. LATAM Airlines, which serves both Brazil and Uruguay, has yet to provide clear communication on the reasons behind the cancellations or when flights will resume. This has left many in limbo, unable to move forward with their travel plans. Passengers are now seeking answers, hoping for quick resolutions to the disruptions caused by these unexpected flight cancellations.

Affected Cities and Airports

The affected cities and their respective airports, include Montevideo, with Carrasco International Airport (MVD / SUMU) in Uruguay. In Brazil, the cities and airports mentioned are São Paulo with São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU / SBGR) and São Paulo-Congonhas Airport (CGH / SBSP); Curitiba with Afonso Pena International Airport (CWB / SBCT); Porto Seguro with Porto Seguro Airport (SBPS); Vitória with Goiabeiras Airport (VIX / SBVT); Porto Alegre with Salgado Filho International Airport (POA / SBPA); Rio de Janeiro with Santos Dumont Regional Airport (SDU / SBRJ) and Rio de Janeiro/Galeão International Airport (GIG / SBGL).

Flight Cancellations

Affected Routes

The affected route names include several domestic and international flights, TAM8119 operates from Carrasco International Airport in Montevideo, Uruguay (MVD / SUMU) to São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport in Brazil (GRU / SBGR). TAM3284 and TAM3285 connect São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU / SBGR) with Afonso Pena International Airport in Curitiba (CWB / SBCT). TAM3062 links São Paulo-Congonhas Airport (CGH / SBSP) to Afonso Pena International Airport (CWB / SBCT). TAM3242 operates from São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU / SBGR) to Porto Seguro Airport (SBPS), while TAM3332 connects São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU / SBGR) with Goiabeiras Airport in Vitória (VIX / SBVT). TAM3800 and TAM3065 operate between São Paulo-Congonhas Airport (CGH / SBSP) and Salgado Filho International Airport in Porto Alegre (POA / SBPA). Additional routes include flights between Goiabeiras Airport (VIX / SBVT) and São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU / SBGR), and Porto Seguro Airport (SBPS) to São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU / SBGR), among others. These routes represent key domestic connections across Brazil and one international connection to Uruguay.

What Are the Potential Causes for the Cancellations?

While LATAM Airlines Brasil has not officially provided a detailed explanation for the cancellations, there are several factors that could be contributing to the widespread disruption. Aviation industry insiders often point to two key causes for such issues: operational challenges such as aircraft maintenance problems and crew shortages.

1. Aircraft Maintenance Issues: Maintenance-related disruptions have been a common reason for flight cancellations in the aviation industry. Aircrafts are complex machines, and safety regulations require thorough checks to ensure they are fit for travel. If an aircraft undergoes unexpected mechanical issues that cannot be addressed in time for a scheduled flight, it may be grounded, leading to the cancellation of that flight.
2. Crew Shortages: Another frequent cause of flight cancellations, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, is crew shortages. LATAM, like many airlines, has faced difficulties in staffing sufficient flight crews due to a combination of factors, including scheduling conflicts, illness, or labor disputes. With the airline industry struggling to recover from the pandemic, many carriers, including LATAM, have faced challenges in maintaining enough staff for scheduled flights.
3. Operational Disruptions: The airline’s operational management may also play a role in these disruptions. Delays or cancellations can occur when multiple factors, such as weather conditions or air traffic control restrictions, affect the smooth operation of the airline’s flights.
4. Previous Incidents and Ongoing Recovery: LATAM has been facing operational difficulties in the past months, including the cancellation of multiple flights earlier in September 2025. Aircraft maintenance issues and crew shortages were cited as reasons for those disruptions as well, indicating that LATAM may still be recovering from these challenges.

How Are Passengers Being Affected?

As a result of the cancellations, passengers across Brazil and Uruguay are facing considerable delays and uncertainty. Some have been stranded at major airports, unable to rebook their flights in time or find alternative travel arrangements. This situation has caused frustration and inconvenience for many travelers, especially those who were already dealing with tight schedules or long-awaited vacations.

Many passengers have taken to social media to voice their frustration with LATAM Airlines, urging the company to offer better communication regarding flight statuses and more transparent information about the reasons behind the cancellations.

What Should Passengers Do?

Passengers affected by these cancellations are advised to take immediate steps to mitigate the impact on their travel plans:

1. Check for Updates: LATAM Airlines has a dedicated page for real-time flight status updates. Passengers should frequently check the airline’s website or mobile app for information regarding their flight’s status. LATAM has a customer service hotline, which can assist travelers with rebooking options and further updates.
2. Explore Rebooking Options: If a flight has been canceled, LATAM Airlines typically offers options for rebooking passengers on the next available flight or on an alternative route. Passengers are encouraged to be flexible with their travel dates to ensure a smoother rebooking process.
3. Know Your Passenger Rights: In cases of significant flight disruptions, passengers may be entitled to compensation or other forms of assistance, including accommodation, meals, and transportation. LATAM Airlines, like many carriers, must adhere to passenger rights regulations, which vary by country and region.
4. Plan for Alternative Travel: For those who need to get to their destination urgently, it may be necessary to consider alternative travel options such as other airlines, buses, or train services.

LATAM Airlines Brasil’s cancellation of 16 flights has caused significant travel disruptions for passengers across both Brazil and Uruguay. While the specific reasons for these cancellations remain unclear, operational issues such as aircraft maintenance problems and crew shortages are often the primary causes of such disruptions. Travelers affected by these cancellations are advised to remain updated on their flight status and to explore rebooking options through LATAM’s customer service.

As the airline industry continues to recover from the effects of the pandemic, it’s clear that disruptions like these may continue to affect air travel. However, with proactive communication and awareness, passengers can better navigate these challenges and plan their journeys accordingly.

Source: FlightAware

Image Source: LATAM Airlines