During the Carnival period from February 13 to 18, 2026, Brazilian air transport facilitated approximately 2.1 million passengers on domestic and international flights, reflecting a growth of 10% to 11% when compared to the previous year’s Carnival. The estimates from the Ministry of Ports and Airports (MPor) and the National Civil Aviation Agency (Anac) suggest this could be one of the highest numbers recorded historically for this period. The final figures are expected to be confirmed in March 2026, highlighting an ongoing positive trend in the aviation sector.

Notably, the airline industry has also seen a 9.7% growth in passenger traffic in January 2026 compared to January 2025, indicating a steady recovery after years of financial struggles due to the pandemic and other economic factors. Anac's estimates were derived from comprehensive data analysis including flight records, seating availability, and information from airport operators, emphasizing the recovery trajectory supported by increased investment in the aviation field.

Minister Silvio Costa Filho commented that these figures reflect significant investment in the aviation sector, underscoring a positive shift towards profitability and restoring consumer confidence in air travel. The favorable statistics for the airline industry, including the uptick in Latam's stock performance, indicate a reinvigoration of the sector which could lead to more stable operations and increased service offerings in the future.