ANAC authorizes exceptional late-night flights at Congonhas Airport

The Brazilian National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) has approved a request from the Brazilian Association of Airlines (Abear) to allow operations at Congonhas Airport in São Paulo after 11:00 PM during exceptional circumstances. This decision does not change the airport’s official operating hours (6:00 AM to 11:00 PM) nor does it permit the scheduling of new regular flights during the night. Instead, it provides a legal interpretation of Resolution 55/2008 to allow the completion of flights already scheduled for the day in cases of “systemic contingency,” such as severe weather or operational emergencies like gas leaks.

The measure aims to reduce cascading impacts on the national flight network and minimize passenger disruption. Implementation will require an Operational Agreement Letter (CAOP) involving Decea, the airport operator Aena, and airlines Latam, Azul, and Gol. While the decision addresses operational efficiency, it comes amid rising noise complaints from local residents.

Separately, the federal government has scheduled the auction for the concession of Brasília International Airport for December 17. The new contract, which extends to 2037, involves approximately R$ 1.2 billion in planned investments, including a new international terminal, a parking building, and a new access road. The auction also incorporates ten regional airports into the concession block.