GPS Failure on Planes Causes Azul Flight Cancellations in Paraná

A failure in Embraer’s aircraft GPS system is causing cancellations and delays on Azul Linhas Aéreas flights at different airports in Brazil, including the Paraná. The problem began to affect operations on Tuesday (22) and still causes changes to the schedule of flights on Wednesday (23).

According to information released by the Paraná Tribune, the instability was identified in aircraft of the Embraer E2 family, leading the airline to cancel and reorganize part of its schedule as a precautionary measure.

It is estimated that approximately 80 flights have been affected across the country. According to Azul, the cancellations and delays impacted more than 8,000 passengers. In Paraná, the problems were recorded mainly in the airports of Curitiba and Cascavel.

Curitiba records eight cancelled flights

At the Afonso Pena International Airport, in São José dos Pinhais, in the Metropolitan Region of Curitiba, eight flights operated with Embraer aircraft were canceled on Tuesday (22). It is estimated that approximately 1,000 passengers have been affected by the cancellations at the terminal.

According to the Motiva, the concessionaire responsible for the administration of the airport, the services were resumed normally on Wednesday (23). In Foz do Iguaçu, a flight was canceled on Tuesday. Already on Wednesday, no new changes were recorded in the programming of the airports of Foz do Iguaçu and Londrina.

The Maringá Regional Airport also did not register cancellations between Tuesday and Wednesday.

Flights between Cascavel and Campinas are cancelled

In Cascavel, in the West of Paraná, the disturbances continued on Wednesday (23). A flight of Azul that was supposed to depart from Campinas, inside São Paulo, bound for Cascavel, at 10 am, was cancelled. Another operation, which would do the opposite route, from Cascavel to Campinas, was also cancelled.

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Passengers with scheduled flights should consult the status of their flights before travelling to the airport, as the schedule may change.

Embraer says problem does not compromise flight safety

Embraer said it received reports on Tuesday of instability in the GPS system affecting certain aircraft models, including the E2 family. According to the Brazilian manufacturer, the problem is not restricted to Brazil and also affects aircraft used by airlines in other countries.

The company said it is monitoring the situation together with operators and the equipment manufacturer, as well as providing technical support to resolve the failure.

Despite the impacts on the airlines’ programming, Embraer said the aircraft have systems capable of ensuring safe operations in compliance with the requirements of civil aviation authorities.

Azul also stressed that the cancellations were adopted as a precautionary measure, prioritizing the safety of passengers and crew.

Passengers can request a refund or rebooking

Passengers affected by cancellations have rights provided for in the rules of the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC). In cases of cancellation, the airline must offer alternatives such as re-accommodation on another flight, reimbursement or transport by another means, in accordance with the conditions provided for in the regulations.

The company must also provide assistance to passengers awaiting service at the airport, according to the waiting time and the circumstances of the occurrence. Azul said it is offering affected customers the assistance provided in Anac Resolution No. 400.