Fraport, the concessionaire that manages Salgado Filho International Airport, in Porto Alegre, informed that activities at the terminal should resume in the second half of December. The information was confirmed by the Minister of Support for Reconstruction, Paulo Pimenta, and the CEO of Fraport Brasil, Andreea Pal, after an inspection carried out today (3/06), which was attended by several authorities in the sector.
According to administrators, work with heavy machinery could only begin after the water level had dropped considerably. But there are still flooded areas. Rice farmers helped with drainage, using irrigation pumps to remove much of the accumulated water.
Cleaning in the landing and take-off area began this week, as well as in stores inside the airport. The work consists of removing debris and waste from runways, taxiways and aircraft aprons.
A soil analysis process was also initiated, from compaction to paving, so that technicians can assess possible damage caused by the flood. According to the Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filho, the asphalt on the runway is crumbling. The evaluation should last around 45 days, at the end of which it will be possible to define the necessary maintenance on the tracks.
According to Pal, a more precise date for reopening should be announced after analyzing the track, which is expected to be completed in July.
Also according to Fraport, “at this time, it is not possible to detail the total value of the damage and which equipment will need to be replaced or repaired. Fraport Brasil is in permanent contact with insurance companies to assess the scenario, receiving recurring inspections and carrying out an inventory of all items that were impacted,” he said in a note.
Salgado Filho Airport carried out 142 daily trips before it was closed, around 4,200 flights have been canceled since then. The state was also left without an international terminal, as this is the only one that operates this type of route.
Salgado Filho Airport before the flood
The National Aviation Agency (Anac) has banned the sale of airline tickets for flights to or from Porto Alegre International Airport since May 14th. To try to alleviate the inconvenience, the Government reinforced the air network in neighboring cities, including allowing the operation of commercial flights in Canoas, which should double from the 10/06.
Fee-free refund and cancellation
To mitigate the loss of passengers who already had tickets to or from Salgado Filho International Airport, in Porto Alegre, the National Aviation Agency (Anac) determined that there should be no cost for rescheduling flights within a period of up to one year from the date original. The refund or credit for canceling flights with a changed destination will also be full, with no fees charged. Read more in the post: Companies must change or refund airline tickets to Rio Grande do Sul without charging fees, determines Anac
Help flood victims in Rio Grande do Sul
Thousands of people were affected by the floods in Rio Grande do Sul and need all the help urgently! See how you can collaborate now:
Project Back to Dreaming Every day they deliver mattresses, blankets and other products to those in need in the cities of the Canoas region. More than 3,000 mattresses have already been delivered and there will be many deliveries in the coming days. The advantage is that they are there and their collaboration reaches those who need it most faster! Pix key: Lippert.v4@gmail.com
Government of Rio Grande do Sul – You can collaborate with the “SOS Rio Grande do Sul” account via PIX, using the CNPJ number of the Association of Banks in the State of Rio Grande do Sul: 92.958.800/0001-38 – the account is linked to Banrisul.
Online kitty – Another available option is to donate to the online Vakinha called “Biggest Solidarity Campaign in RS”carried out by Instituto Vakinha, Pretinho Básico and Badin Colono. Make your donation here!
There are several serious institutions committed to helping the population of Rio Grande do Sul, this page You can see a very complete compilation made by the Núcleo Jornalismo team about the reliable actions that are taking place. You can filter by category and even search for initiatives in your state.
With information from Jornal O Sul and cover photo André Ávila / Agencia RBS.
