Brazil’s National Aeronauts’ Union (SNA), which represents over 15 000 pilots, copilots and flight attendants, has declared a “state of strike” and scheduled assemblies to vote on a wage-settlement proposal from the Superior Labour Court. If members reject the offer at a 29 December meeting in São Paulo, a nationwide walk-out could begin on New Year’s Day—peak summer-holiday season in Brazil.
The union argues that record passenger volumes and higher fares have not translated into better pay or working conditions. Airlines, represented by the National Airline Syndicate (Snea), counter that fuel-price spikes and a weak real have squeezed margins and that inflation-plus wage demands threaten fleet-expansion plans.
![Nationwide airline strike looms as Brazilian pilots and cabin crew set 1 January deadline]()
Travellers weighing contingency options should also double-check visa validity—especially if they expect to transit through neighbouring countries on alternative carriers. VisaHQ (https://www.visahq.com/brazil/) offers quick, online processing for Brazilian tourist, business and transit visas, along with real-time guidance on regional entry rules, helping passengers preserve flexibility amid potential flight disruptions.
A 24-hour stoppage would paralyse domestic and international operations just as airports expect a post-Christmas surge. São Paulo/Guarulhos alone forecasts nearly two million passengers between Christmas and 2 January. Travel-management companies estimate that even a day-long strike could strand 300 000 travellers and create a backlog lasting well into the first business week of 2026.
Corporate mobility managers are already activating contingency plans: rerouting staff through foreign carriers with non-Brazilian crews, booking flexible tickets via neighbouring hubs and earmarking extra accommodation budgets. The Labour Ministry has so far refrained from imposing minimum-service requirements but is mediating talks. Observers note that previous strikes were averted at the eleventh hour; nonetheless, the union’s hardened tone suggests concessions will be required to keep planes flying.
The union argues that record passenger volumes and higher fares have not translated into better pay or working conditions. Airlines, represented by the National Airline Syndicate (Snea), counter that fuel-price spikes and a weak real have squeezed margins and that inflation-plus wage demands threaten fleet-expansion plans.
Travellers weighing contingency options should also double-check visa validity—especially if they expect to transit through neighbouring countries on alternative carriers. VisaHQ (https://www.visahq.com/brazil/) offers quick, online processing for Brazilian tourist, business and transit visas, along with real-time guidance on regional entry rules, helping passengers preserve flexibility amid potential flight disruptions.
A 24-hour stoppage would paralyse domestic and international operations just as airports expect a post-Christmas surge. São Paulo/Guarulhos alone forecasts nearly two million passengers between Christmas and 2 January. Travel-management companies estimate that even a day-long strike could strand 300 000 travellers and create a backlog lasting well into the first business week of 2026.
Corporate mobility managers are already activating contingency plans: rerouting staff through foreign carriers with non-Brazilian crews, booking flexible tickets via neighbouring hubs and earmarking extra accommodation budgets. The Labour Ministry has so far refrained from imposing minimum-service requirements but is mediating talks. Observers note that previous strikes were averted at the eleventh hour; nonetheless, the union’s hardened tone suggests concessions will be required to keep planes flying.
