Airport

ANAC Halts Porto Alegre Flight Sales, Due to Severe Airport Flooding

In response to severe flooding that has rendered Salgado Filho Airport in Porto Alegre inoperable, the Brazilian Civil Aviation Regulator, the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC), has enacted a temporary prohibition on the sale of airline tickets to and from the airport.

This measure applies across all sales channels, including travel agencies, and will remain in effect until ANAC reevaluates the situation.

The closure of the airport, located in the capital of Rio Grande do Sul, has had significant repercussions, affecting more than 490,000 passengers. The terminal remains indefinitely closed due to the flooding, with the runway still submerged under water.

Brazilian Civil Aviation Regulator ANAC prohibits the sale of airline tickets to Porto Alegre.

Read More : https://t.co/7Eu5QLFPVG #aviation #airport #airlines pic.twitter.com/HNsZ58Jzi0— FL360aero (@fl360aero) May 15, 2024

In light of these circumstances, airlines are offering flexibility to affected customers. Passengers can reschedule their flights to Porto Alegre within a year of the original scheduled date without incurring additional fees. Alternatively, they can opt for a refund, either in cash or credit.

To accommodate displaced travelers, airlines have increased the number of flights to nearby airports in the southern region of Brazil. This increase aims to prioritize passengers who already have issued tickets.

According to ANAC’s directives, airlines must identify and prioritize contact with passengers who have a pending return journey, whether traveling to or from Rio Grande do Sul, to facilitate their reaccommodations preferentially.

Airport

Western Sydney Airport Welcomes Its First Plane After 6 Years of construction

In a historic milestone for Australia’s aviation sector, the first plane has officially taken off and landed at Western Sydney Airport after six years of construction, much to the delight of a small but enthusiastic group of dedicated planespotters.

A test pilot made the inaugural landing using a Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche, successfully completing a series of take-off and landing runs on the newly built tarmac. This crucial test paves the way for larger passenger aircraft, which are expected to start using the runway in two years.

Virgin Atlantic Introduces Sign Language Crew Booking for Inclusive Flights

The Piper PA-30 was employed to assess the airport’s approximately 3,000 Aeronautical Ground Lights (AGLs) by executing operations in various conditions, including daylight, dusk, and evening. This testing ensures that the lighting system is fit for purpose and ready to welcome aircraft when the airport opens to commercial flights in late 2026.

The pilot also highlighted that the rapid exit taxiways have been designed at a 45-degree angle, allowing for quicker transitions on and off the runway. Once operational, the airport will feature a single runway capable of handling up to 10 million passengers annually right from day one.

Qatar Airways Launches new Flights From Doha To Toronto

As the construction phase nears completion, the airport’s main terminal, apron, and supporting infrastructure will be ready to accommodate around 81,000 flights each year. This milestone marks a significant moment for Western Sydney Airport, the first new airport to open in Australia since Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport more than two decades ago.

Major airlines, including Qantas and Jetstar, have already committed to operating from the 24/7 facility, signaling strong support for this new hub. By 2033, the airport aims to handle up to 10 million passengers and facilitate extensive air traffic movements annually.