Santos Dumont Reopens After Oil Spill Shuts Runway for Nearly 12 Hours

Overview

• Infraero cleared the main runway at 5:25 p.m. on Sept. 30 and extended operating hours to recover the schedule, with operations reported normal on Oct. 1.
• The spill came from the engine of a rubber-removal maintenance truck during overnight work near the runway threshold, releasing hydraulic oil rather than fuel.
• Airlines and Abear reported roughly 161–162 flights disrupted and about 16,000 passengers affected by cancellations, delays, and diversions.
• The shutdown triggered cancellations and rerouting across the network, including Congonhas, Viracopos, and Brasília, with several flights diverted to Rio’s Galeão.
• ANAC reminded carriers of duties under Resolution 400 for rebooking, refunds, and assistance, while Procon collected passenger complaints at the terminal.