Brazil proposes stricter Anac oversight for regional flight capacity

A new bill currently under consideration in the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies proposes stricter regulations for the civil aviation sector to protect regional connectivity. The legislation, introduced by Deputy Leo Prates, aims to prevent airlines from arbitrarily replacing large aircraft with smaller models on regional routes, a practice that can negatively impact local economies and passenger flow.

Under the proposed law, airlines would be required to obtain formal prior authorization from the National Civil Aviation Agency (Anac) when planning to downgrade aircraft capacity on established routes. These routes are defined as those maintaining regular operations with an average occupancy rate exceeding 70 percent. Furthermore, companies would need to submit a detailed contingency plan at least sixty days in advance to prevent sudden reductions in flight capacity.