Brazil: Avianca Brasil pilots and flight attendants to strike May 17

Event

The National Aeronautics Union (SNA) announced on Monday, May 13, that pilots and flight attendants working for Avianca Brasil will launch an indefinite strike beginning on Friday, May 17. According to the union, the strike will start at 18:00 (local time) at the Congonhas-São Paulo Airport (CGH) in São Paulo and at Santoes Dumont Airport (SDU) in Rio de Janeiro. The pilots and flight attendants are demanding the airline pay salary arrears and other allowances, such as daily food allowances, and allow delayed vacation. Significant flight disruptions are possible if the strike is held.

Context

Avianca Brasil has been restricting operations in recent months since filing for bankruptcy protection four months ago. As of May 7, the airline has been ordered to return the majority of its fleet to lenders and is now operating with only six airplanes and completing an average of 37 daily flights. Over 600 flights from May 7 through May 9 were canceled and further adjustments are likely in the near term.

Advice

Individuals flying Avianca Brasil are advised to confirm their flight status, make alternate travel plans if necessary, contact the airline for more information regarding flights and refund or rebooking options, and anticipate further flight cancelations and congestion on operating flights.