Drone action suspended flights at Guarulhos Airport this Sunday afternoon, says concessionaire
Flights were temporarily suspended at São Paulo's Guarulhos International Airport due to the presence of drones in the vicinity.
On Sunday afternoon, flights at São Paulo's Guarulhos International Airport were suspended due to the sighting of drones nearby, as reported by the airport's operator, GRU Airport. Although specific timing details were not shared, the airport authority emphasized the importance of immediate notification to the relevant authorities to ensure safety. It was highlighted that the operation of drones in the airport area poses significant risks to aviation safety and public integrity.
In response to the temporary halting of departures and landings, several airlines, including GOL and LATAM Airlines Brasil, reported operational disruptions. GOL indicated that four flights destined for Guarulhos were redirected to other airports for refueling before returning to São Paulo. Meanwhile, LATAM confirmed that as of 6:10 PM, 22 flights with origins or destinations at the airport were affected.
The incident underscores ongoing concerns regarding drone activities near airports and the potential safety hazards they create. It prompts discussions about the regulation and monitoring of drone use in sensitive areas and highlights the need for stringent measures to prevent future disruptions that could affect airline operations and passenger travel.