Kites Trigger Four Short Shutdowns at São Paulo’s Congonhas Airport

Overview

• Aena said operations were halted four times between 1:15 p.m. and 2:23 p.m. local time because kites were spotted near the runway.
• The concessionaire reported two cancellations and 12 diversions to other airports during the interruptions.
• Gol stated that 10 of its flights bound for Congonhas diverted to alternate airports on Sunday afternoon.
• Airport teams recovered 20 kites and notified security authorities as part of the response.
• A TV Globo–reported flight from Rio de Janeiro overflew Congonhas without landing and returned to Santos Dumont, reflecting broader risks from kites, balloons and wildlife near terminals.