Why Did a U.S. Winter Storm Ground Flights from São Paulo and Rio Airports?

A powerful U.S. winter storm severely disrupted international business travel. The storm swept across the Eastern United States over the weekend. It forced airlines to cancel or delay dozens of trans-American flights. The ripple effect was immediately felt in Brazil's major gateways.

Operational Impact on South America

Brazil's two largest international airports saw significant disruption. São Paulo/Guarulhos (GRU) reported at least 11 scrubbed departures. These flights were bound for U.S. cities like New York, Boston, and Miami. Rio de Janeiro's Galeão (GIG) registered a further six cancellations. The cancellations followed ground-stop orders at major U.S. hubs.

This Eastern United States weather impact created major airline operational challenges. Carriers like LATAM, American Airlines, and Delta activated rebooking policies. Passengers flying between January 24 and 26 could change their flights without penalty.

Widespread U.S. Flight Cancellations

The storm's severity led to historic levels of domestic U.S. disruption. Flight cancellations reached nearly 10,000 on Sunday, January 25. Some reports indicate the number exceeded 11,400 flights that day. This was the highest single-day total since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Major airports saw cancellation rates over 80 percent. The U.S. winter storm brought heavy snow and freezing conditions. This paralyzed infrastructure across a vast region. Direct airline revenue losses were estimated at $70–90 million per day.

Regulatory and Cargo Challenges

The Brazil-U.S. flights cancelled also created logistical issues. Cargo consignments faced significant delays. High-value pharma products were re-routed via hubs like Atlanta and Mexico City. This added 24–48 hours to crucial delivery schedules.

Brazil's National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) reminded airlines of their duties. Resolution 400 requires carriers to provide assistance to passengers. This includes meals, lodging, and alternative transport options. This obligation stands even when delays are due to force-majeure weather abroad. The international business travel disruption highlights global supply chain vulnerability. Travel risk managers must monitor U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) alerts. Airlines must work quickly to reset global flight schedules.

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