Brazil grants visa-free entry to eight new markets, targeting business and MICE growth
Brazil removes visa requirement for South Africans, opening 90-day stays
LATAM to lease five Airbus A321neo aircraft, boosting Brazil’s high-density routes
Latest News
LATAM’s February traffic up 9.3 %, led by Brazil domestic rebound
LATAM’s 9 March 2026 traffic release shows February passenger numbers up 9.3 % year-on-year, with Brazil’s domestic market expanding fastest. Rising load factors and constrained airport infrastructure mean businesses should secure seats earlier and consider secondary hubs.
Torrential rain collapses perimeter wall at São Paulo Congonhas Airport, forcing mass flight cancellations
A section of Congonhas Airport’s perimeter wall collapsed in heavy rain on 8 March 2026, forcing the cancellation or delay of nearly 80 flights and highlighting vulnerabilities at Brazil’s busiest business-travel hub. Operator Aena isolated the area and said the terminal remains safe, but the disruption rippled through the national network, underlining the need for contingency plans during São Paulo’s storm season.
Guarulhos resumes limited Middle-East flights after week-long conflict-related grounding
São Paulo/Guarulhos restarted a handful of flights to the Middle East on 8 March 2026 after suspending service for more than a week due to the Iran conflict. Emirates has resumed the Dubai route, but Qatar Airways remains suspended. The staggered comeback affects thousands of stranded travellers and highlights the need for diversified routing and up-to-date travel-risk policies.
Panama apologises after detaining and deporting ex-minister Franklin Martins during airport transit
Journalist Franklin Martins, communications minister in Lula’s previous administration, was detained in transit and deported from Panama on 6 March. Panama apologised on 8 March 2026 after Brazil protested, saying watch-list protocols would be reviewed. The incident illustrates how legacy security databases can unexpectedly disrupt international travel for high-profile Brazilians.
International Women’s Day marches clog traffic in 18 Brazilian capitals, prompting reroutes and extended metro hours
Mass 8 March demonstrations in at least 18 state capitals caused road closures, bus diversions and longer ride-share waits. Although transport agencies expanded metro and BRT service, average urban travel times doubled during peak march hours, underscoring the need for advance route planning around major civic events.