Flights redirected to Viracopos after halt at Guarulhos airport
Flights were diverted to Viracopos airport due to a suspension of operations at Guarulhos airport caused by the presence of drones.
On Sunday afternoon, operations at São Paulo's Guarulhos International Airport were suspended due to the sighting of drones in the vicinity, leading to a diversion of 11 flights to Viracopos airport in Campinas. This included seven domestic flights and four international ones, as confirmed by the operating company Aeroportos Brasil Viracopos. Within a short period, the authorities were alerted to the situation, and necessary actions were taken to secure the airspace around Guarulhos.
The GRU Airport management emphasized the dangers posed by unauthorized drone flights near airports, which can jeopardize aviation safety and people's well-being. Following the swift response of the airport authorities, operations at Guarulhos were reported to have returned to normal after addressing the drone threat. Additionally, airline Azul announced the cancellation of three flights due to the disruption caused by the situation, highlighting ongoing challenges and operational impacts for airlines and passengers.
This incident raises broader concerns about air traffic management and the need for strict regulation of drone use near airports, as unauthorized drone activity can lead to significant delays and lasting implications for air travel safety. The quick actions taken by airport authorities in this instance prevented further complications, but it underscores the importance of effective coordination between aviation entities to ensure passenger safety and minimize disruptions in the future.