Understanding the Impact of Flooding on Airport Closures in Southern Brazil

Heavy rains in Brazil’s southern Rio Grande do Sul state have wreaked havoc, causing hundreds of millions of dollars in damage and bringing travel to a standstill. The Salgado Filho International Airport in Porto Alegre, the state capital, has been closed since May 3 due to severe flooding, with no clear timeline for reopening.

Fraport Brazil, the airport’s management company, stated that the extent of the damage caused by the flood is still unknown as the water has not completely receded. The airport infrastructure may require significant repairs, including possible runway reconstruction, as water levels reached as high as 2.5 meters in some areas of the terminal.

In response to the crisis, Fraport Brazil has requested a financial rebalancing evaluation from the National Civil Aviation Agency (Anac) to share the burden of repair costs with the government. Anac has recognized the flood as an “act of God,” indicating that the private company managing the airport is not at fault for the incident, making them eligible for government reimbursement.

The closure of Salgado Filho airport has led to the cancellation of 4,700 flights affecting over 570,000 passengers. However, passengers are allowed to reschedule their flights without incurring additional fees or change their final destination. Anac has also suspended ticket sales to Porto Alegre until the airport reopens.

To address the travel disruption, airlines have been authorized to use the Canoas Air Base, located 30 kilometers from Porto Alegre, for commercial flights. The air base has been adapted to accommodate check-in, luggage drop-off, and security screening for passengers. This temporary solution aims to ensure continued air connectivity for the region until the main airport reopens.

The Brazilian Association of Airlines (Abear) is working with the government to increase flight capacity to Rio Grande do Sul, with the supply of seats rising from 7,000 to 17,000 per week across six interior airports. The goal is to prevent the state from being isolated and maintain essential air links during this challenging period.

As residents and travelers navigate the disruptions caused by the airport closure, efforts are underway to assess the damage, facilitate passenger rescheduling, and restore normal operations as soon as possible in Rio Grande do Sul.