A rare simultaneous landing involving a Boeing 747 and a Boeing 737 on Guarulhos’ closely spaced parallel runways on 18 February is under investigation by air-navigation provider NAV Brasil, CNN Brasil reported on 21 February 2026. Parallel approaches are not authorised at GRU due to limited lateral separation.
Preliminary data indicate the heavier 747, approaching faster than sequencing allowed, overtook the planned spacing and touched down moments ahead of the 737.
International passengers wondering whether this incident might influence their upcoming travel plans should also remember that entry requirements remain unchanged. VisaHQ offers a quick way to check if you need a visa or other travel documents for Brazil and can streamline the application process in just a few clicks (https://www.visahq.com/brazil/).
![Simultaneous Twin-Runway Landing at Guarulhos Triggers Safety Review]()
Air traffic controllers kept radio silence to avoid mid-approach confusion, but the incident has renewed calls to fast-track deployment of Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) procedures and additional approach lights.
While no flights were delayed and both landings were uneventful, the Brazilian Pilots’ Association warns that rising traffic volumes—exacerbated by Guarulhos’ new busiest-airport status—make procedural clarity essential.
For mobility stakeholders, the event is a reminder that safety audits during construction projects (such as Pier T3B) must extend to airside operations. Companies with strict travel-risk policies may consider briefings for frequent flyers transiting GRU during peak evening arrival banks.
NAV Brasil expects to release a final report within 30 days, and regulators could mandate revised separation minima or restrict mixed-fleet arrivals at certain hours.
Preliminary data indicate the heavier 747, approaching faster than sequencing allowed, overtook the planned spacing and touched down moments ahead of the 737.
International passengers wondering whether this incident might influence their upcoming travel plans should also remember that entry requirements remain unchanged. VisaHQ offers a quick way to check if you need a visa or other travel documents for Brazil and can streamline the application process in just a few clicks (https://www.visahq.com/brazil/).
Air traffic controllers kept radio silence to avoid mid-approach confusion, but the incident has renewed calls to fast-track deployment of Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) procedures and additional approach lights.
While no flights were delayed and both landings were uneventful, the Brazilian Pilots’ Association warns that rising traffic volumes—exacerbated by Guarulhos’ new busiest-airport status—make procedural clarity essential.
For mobility stakeholders, the event is a reminder that safety audits during construction projects (such as Pier T3B) must extend to airside operations. Companies with strict travel-risk policies may consider briefings for frequent flyers transiting GRU during peak evening arrival banks.
NAV Brasil expects to release a final report within 30 days, and regulators could mandate revised separation minima or restrict mixed-fleet arrivals at certain hours.
