Salgado Filho International Airport in Porto Alegre, Brazil, is set to resume operations on October 21, 2024, following an extended closure due to unprecedented flooding in May 2023. The airport, one of Brazil's busiest, experienced significant damage when heavy rains submerged its runways and corridors, causing a prolonged disruption to air travel in the region.
The floods that struck Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil's southernmost state, resulted in over 180 fatalities and caused extensive damage to infrastructure. Porto Alegre, the state capital and largest city, was particularly affected by this natural disaster. The closure of Salgado Filho Airport, operated by Fraport, a German transport company, necessitated temporary flight operations at the nearby Canoas Air Force Base.
The Brazilian government has announced a phased reopening plan for the airport. Initially, 128 daily flights will be permitted, with airlines authorized to commence ticket sales for Porto Alegre routes starting August 10, 2024. The airport is expected to reach full operational capacity by December 16, 2024.
Silvio Costa Filho, Brazil's Ports and Airports Minister, expressed optimism about the economic impact of the reopening, stating, "Initially there will be more than 3,000 flights per month, which will, without a doubt, accelerate the recovery of the state's economy."
Azul, one of Brazil's major airlines, has announced plans to operate up to 60 flights per day from Salgado Filho Airport upon its reopening. The carrier will offer over 57,000 seats weekly, representing 78% of its pre-flood operations in the region. Connections to key Brazilian cities such as São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Belo Horizonte will be prioritized.
The flooding has had significant financial repercussions for airlines operating in the region. LATAM Airlines, Brazil's largest carrier by market share, reported a $25 million impact on its second-quarter operating income due to the disruptions caused by the floods.
Porto Alegre, founded in 1772 by Portuguese immigrants, is renowned for its high quality of life and serves as a major industrial and commercial center in Brazil. The city's strategic location and the reopening of Salgado Filho Airport are expected to play crucial roles in the economic recovery of Rio Grande do Sul, a state known for its strong agricultural and industrial sectors.
The resumption of airport operations is anticipated to not only facilitate air travel but also to reinvigorate the local economy, which has been significantly impacted by the flooding. As Porto Alegre works towards recovery, the reopening of Salgado Filho International Airport marks a significant milestone in the region's journey to normalcy and economic resurgence.