Wild Scenes at São Paulo’s Congonhas Airport: A Fuel Spill AND a Dog on the Runway – What Happened?

Published on November 22, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

On November 20, 2025, Congonhas Airport, one of Brazil’s busiest hubs in São Paulo, faced back-to-back disruptions that briefly halted airport operations. The day began with a significant fuel spill incident on the main runway, followed by a stray dog intrusion that caused additional delays. These incidents, while quickly contained, led to flight cancellations, delays, and logistical chaos, highlighting vulnerabilities in the busy urban airport’s infrastructure.

What Happened During the Fuel Spill at Congonhas Airport?

At 7:39 a.m. local time, a fuel leak occurred during the pre-departure preparations of an aircraft on the main runway. The spill, which involved aviation kerosene, prompted an immediate temporary closure of the runway as airport authorities activated their contingency plans. Operations were suspended for 37 minutes, resuming at 8:16 a.m. after cleaning teams efficiently removed the fuel residue using specialized products, as per Brazilian civil aviation standards (Anac protocols). A visual inspection was conducted to ensure safety before operations fully resumed.

The cause of the spill was traced back to an issue with the aircraft’s fuel system during pre-departure checks. Fortunately, no environmental damage was reported beyond the runway, and the fuel leak did not spread beyond the immediate area. While no serious injuries were reported, at least one flight to Rio de Janeiro’s Santos Dumont Airport was canceled, and two flights to Brasília were rescheduled. Several other departures experienced delays of 20 to 45 minutes. However, operations returned to full capacity by 8:30 a.m., minimizing the broader impact.

What Were the Consequences for Flights and Passengers?

Although the fuel spill was swiftly handled, it led to disruptions across Congonhas Airport. One incoming flight was canceled, and several outgoing flights were rescheduled or delayed by up to 45 minutes. Aircraft in taxiing positions were temporarily held on the ground with passengers onboard. The timing of the spill—early in the morning—meant fewer flights were affected by the disruptions, but the incident still caused significant inconvenience for travelers.

Importantly, no arrivals were diverted, and the airport’s swift response ensured that the overall disruption remained limited. Nonetheless, the ripple effects continued to be felt across the airport’s schedule, causing delays for passengers and creating additional logistical challenges.

What Happened the Next Day with the Stray Dog Incident?

The following morning, November 21, 2025, brought another disruption to Congonhas Airport. At approximately 5:50 a.m., a stray dog was spotted entering the operational area and runway, causing another brief closure. Airport authorities immediately initiated safety protocols, temporarily halting operations to ensure the animal’s safe removal from the runway. The closure lasted for approximately 40 minutes, with operations resuming shortly after 6:30 a.m.

The dog’s presence on the runway marked the second consecutive day of disruptions, following the fuel spill. While the dog was safely captured by airport firefighters, investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the breach in the airport’s security perimeter. Preliminary reports suggest that the animal may have come from nearby urban areas, though the exact origin remains unclear.

How Did the Dog Incident Affect Flights?

Although the stray dog caused a temporary disruption, its impact on flights was minimal compared to the previous day’s fuel spill. One incoming flight was diverted to Guarulhos International Airport (GRU), São Paulo’s larger airport, due to the brief closure of Congonhas. However, no flights were canceled, and delays were minimal. The early timing of the incident, coupled with lighter traffic, helped reduce the overall impact on airport operations. Passengers were kept informed throughout the brief hold, and operations resumed promptly after the dog was removed from the runway.

What Are the Implications for Congonhas Airport and the Broader Aviation Sector?

Congonhas Airport, located in the heart of São Paulo’s bustling urban area, faces unique operational challenges due to its single runway and proximity to residential zones. These incidents highlighted the vulnerability of urban airports to both environmental and wildlife-related disruptions. While these issues were swiftly managed, the back-to-back disruptions underscore the importance of robust contingency planning and timely response measures in ensuring that disruptions remain minimal.

Since Aena Brasil, a Spanish-owned concessionaire, took over the management of Congonhas Airport in 2022, over R$2 billion (around $350 million USD) has been invested in upgrading infrastructure, including runway resurfacing and expanded terminal facilities. Despite these efforts, the incidents highlight the continued need for improvement in security perimeters, especially in urban areas where wildlife intrusion remains a significant risk.

The recent fuel spill and dog-related disruptions add to the growing concerns about the strain on Congonhas’ infrastructure, which is already dealing with increased demand as Brazil’s aviation sector continues to grow. The country saw a 15% growth in passenger traffic in 2025, driven by economic recovery and significant events like COP30 in Belém, which is expected to further strain Brazil’s airports, particularly Congonhas.

What Are the Broader Implications for Travel in São Paulo?

For travelers planning to fly through São Paulo, these disruptions underscore the importance of monitoring real-time updates from airlines and apps like FlightAware. While the immediate impacts of these incidents were relatively limited, the congestion and logistical challenges serve as a reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by busy urban airports. Travelers should be aware of the potential for delays during peak morning hours when Congonhas handles up to 40 movements per hour, and stay informed through airline notifications.

In the broader context of Brazil’s aviation industry, these back-to-back disruptions highlight the ongoing challenges in managing high-traffic airports amidst rapid growth and infrastructure limitations. While no widespread cancellations occurred, the incidents emphasized the need for comprehensive planning, especially in urban areas prone to environmental and wildlife-related risks.

Conclusion: Preparing for Future Airport Disruptions in São Paulo

In the aftermath of these incidents, Congonhas Airport has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety of passengers and smooth operations. However, the back-to-back disruptions reveal the complex nature of airport management in a major urban center. As Brazil’s aviation sector continues to grow, lessons learned from incidents like these will be crucial in preparing for future challenges and ensuring that airports can adapt to both environmental and logistical stresses.