Brazilian courts reported a staggering 77% increase in lawsuits regarding flight cancellations in the year 2025 compared to 2022, marking a pivotal shift as the aviation sector rebounds from the pandemic-induced challenges. In total, there were over 179,000 lawsuits filed concerning flight cancellations, with additional claims including 148,000 pertaining to flight delays, 38,000 for lost luggage, and 17,000 for overbooking. These figures, sourced from the National Justice Council (CNJ), highlight the complexities within the legal landscape of the airline industry in Brazil, as multiple issues can be addressed within a single legal action.

The rise in litigation has been a consistent point of contention for Brazilian airlines, which often point to the high level of legal complaints as a significant operational hurdle. Typically, these lawsuits pertain to claims made against airline companies, though the exact defendants in the recent filings haven't been disclosed. Following these alarming trends, in November, the Supreme Federal Court (STF), led by Minister Dias Toffoli, ordered a suspension of actions seeking compensations for delays and cancellations, offering a temporary reprieve to airlines amidst rising grievances from consumers.

The Brazilian National Civil Aviation Agency (Anac) has also come into play, actively engaging in discussions aimed at curtailing the surge in civil lawsuits that demand reparations. This move may reflect a broader effort to stabilize the sector as it continues to navigate post-pandemic recovery while addressing consumer frustrations. The legal environment around air travel in Brazil remains complex and contentious, as the balance between consumer rights and airline operational viability continues to be a hot-button issue in the public discourse.