Ribeirão Preto Airport, SP, has delayed and canceled flights due to fog
Heavy fog in Ribeirão Preto, SP, caused delays and cancellations of flights at Doutor Leite Lopes State Airport.
On the morning of Saturday, October 14, dense fog in the Ribeirão Preto region of São Paulo led to significant disruptions at the Doutor Leite Lopes State Airport. Two flights experienced delays while one route was officially canceled due to safety concerns over reduced visibility. The most affected flight was operated by Latam, which was rerouted back to São Paulo after failing to land due to the fog, prompting the airline to cancel the service early in the day.
The airport's management company, Rede VOA, stated that morning departures were temporarily held to prioritize passenger safety. This resulted in a crowded terminal with many passengers waiting for updates, which drew criticism regarding the lack of timely communication from the airport officials. Attorney Vildecea Rocha, among those affected, expressed frustration over the situation and the delays in information sharing with travelers.
The heavy fog not only caused travel disruptions but also drastically altered the landscape of Ribeirão Preto, obscuring buildings and creating an unusual atmosphere in the city. This event highlights the operational challenges airports face during adverse weather conditions and underscores the importance of effective communication with passengers in managing service disruptions.