Unprecedented Flood Shuts Down Porto Alegre Airport As Boats Are Used To Navigate Runway

by Gary Leff

At least 85 people have been killed as a result of flooding in Brazil’s southermost state, and more than 130 people remain missing. Around 150,000 people have been displaced.

Porto Alegre–Salgado Filho International Airport first suspended takeoff and landing operations Friday as heavy rains created flooding in the capital of Rio Grande do Sul, in southern Brazil. The airport eventually submerged, with boats being used to move between aircraft.

The airport remains closed indefinitely as a result of the historic flood, the third record-setting water event in the region. Conditions may not recede for several weeks. Estimates are that the airport may not re-open until end of month.

About Gary Leff

Gary Leff is one of the foremost experts in the field of miles, points, and frequent business travel - a topic he has covered since 2002. Co-founder of frequent flyer community InsideFlyer.com, emcee of the Freddie Awards, and named one of the "World's Top Travel Experts" by Conde' Nast Traveler (2010-Present) Gary has been a guest on most major news media, profiled in several top print publications, and published broadly on the topic of consumer loyalty. More About Gary »

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