Brazil: Avianca Brasil cancels 179 flights April 13-17

Event

Avianca Brasil canceled 179 flights from Saturday, April 13, to Wednesday, April 17, following a judicial order in an ongoing bankruptcy case on Friday, April 12. A federal judge rejected an appeal by the airline and approved the repossession of nine planes leased by Avianca. Of the 179 canceled flights, 153 were scheduled from Monday, April 15, to Wednesday, including flights between São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Further flight cancelations and residual congestion is likely in the coming days.

Context

Avianca Brasil filed for bankruptcy protection four months ago and had appealed to keep possession of planes on credit. The airline previously operated 35 planes. A second lender is already in the process of repossessing nine other planes.

Advice

Individuals flying Avianca Brasil are advised to confirm their flight status with the airline and anticipate further flight cancelations and congestion on operating flights.