Guarulhos City Hall opposes Santos Dumont flight restrictions, plans legal action over tax losses.

Starting in January, Santos Dumont Airport will only have flights to Congonhas and Vitória – and initially, no longer to Brasília as previously announced. The reopening of Tom Jobim International Airport has been under discussion between the governments; the terminal has been operating at only 20% capacity. The movement at Guarulhos International Airport in São Paulo, SUAMY BEYDOUN/AGIF – AGÊNCIA DE FOTOGRAFIA/ESTADÃO CONTEÚDO

The Municipal Government of Guarulhos has expressed opposition to the provision that guarantees the migration of flights from Santos Dumont Airport to Galeão Airport starting on January 2, 2024. This decision has raised concerns among local authorities due to its potential impact on both airports and the broader aviation industry.

The move to redirect flights from Santos Dumont Airport to Galeão has sparked controversy and prompted discussions between government officials. Initially, the plan included rerouting flights to Brasília, but this option has now been discarded. The decision to limit destinations exclusively to Congonhas and Vitória has left many questioning the rationale behind these changes.

Tom Jobim International Airport, commonly known as Galeão Airport, has recently faced challenges due to its reduced operational capacity. With the airport currently operating at only 20% of its full capacity, there are concerns about its ability to handle the additional influx of flights from Santos Dumont. This situation has prompted discussions and negotiations between the respective governments involved.

Guarulhos International Airport, located in São Paulo, has also voiced its opposition to the portaria (official order) authorizing the migration of flights. The airport authorities fear that the reassignment of flights to Galeão could lead to a decline in passenger traffic and negatively impact their operations. Moreover, this decision raises questions about the overall strategy for managing air traffic and airport utilization in the region.

The disagreements surrounding this issue highlight the complexity of managing air transportation networks and balancing the interests of different stakeholders. The Municipal Government of Guarulhos, concerned about the potential ramifications for their airport, has expressed its position against the measure. However, discussions between the governments involved are ongoing, as all parties seek to find a resolution that addresses the concerns raised by various stakeholders.

As the year approaches its end, the focus will remain on how these developments unfold and whether alternative solutions can be explored to ensure optimal utilization of airport resources while meeting the needs of passengers and airlines. The decisions made regarding Santos Dumont Airport and the reopening of Tom Jobim International Airport will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the aviation industry in Brazil, and it is important that all parties involved carefully consider the potential consequences before finalizing any plans.

Joseph Mitchell

Joseph Mitchell