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  2. Major Flight Disruptions Leave Thousands Stranded as LATAM, Avianca, and Others Cancel Dozens of Routes Across South America

Major Flight Disruptions Leave Thousands Stranded as LATAM, Avianca, and Others Cancel Dozens of Routes Across South America

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Possibly eligible for compensation

By Alice Mariscotti-Wyatt

Last updated on 13 October 2025

34

Affected flights

5

Affected airports

2

Affected airlines

What Happened

Multiple airlines, including LATAM and Avianca, have suspended 34 flights across key cities in Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and Peru. The disruptions have left passengers stranded in hubs like Buenos Aires, São Paulo, Santiago, Bogotá, and Lima. Officials have reported cascading effects as travelers scramble to rebook and airlines work to resolve the situation.

Passengers affected by this flight disruption may be eligible for compensation of up to £520 under passenger rights regulations. Eligibility depends on the circumstances of the disruption.

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Flight Disruption Details

Significant flight disruptions have impacted travelers across South America, as several major airlines, most notably LATAM and Avianca, have suspended a total of 34 flights. As a result, passengers have been left stranded in major airports including Buenos Aires, São Paulo, Santiago, Bogotá, and Lima.

The cancellations have prompted widespread difficulties for passengers, who now face extended waits and uncertainty regarding their travel plans. The affected routes cover some of the region’s most important travel corridors between Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and Peru.

While specific causes for the suspensions have not been cited, the impact has been severe, with reports of numerous travelers left waiting for alternative arrangements. Airport authorities and airline representatives are currently coordinating efforts to re-accommodate affected passengers. Information on passenger numbers and exact itineraries remains unavailable, but the seriousness of the disruption is underscored by the involvement of leading domestic and international carriers.

Affected travelers are urged to stay in close communication with their respective airlines for further updates and rebooking instructions as efforts continue to normalize operations.

Know your rights

These are your air passenger rights

Sometimes it’s not immediately clear whether your flight qualifies for compensation. When the cause of the delay or cancellation is uncertain, the following general rights still apply. Pending eligibility Your right to care, rebooking, or refund is always guaranteed under EC 261, UK 261, ANAC 400, SHY-PASSENGER, GACA, and the Montreal Convention.

Rerouting or refund

If your flight is canceled, you are entitled to a new flight or a refund.

Care and assistance

If your flight is delayed by more than two to four hours, your airline must provide food and drink vouchers.

Accommodation

For overnight delays, airlines must provide hotel stays and transfers, regardless of whether compensation applies.

Communication You have the right to two phone calls or emails during extended waiting times.

Quick facts

Summary

Disruption

Cancellation

Cause

Other

Status

Current disruption

Compensation

Possibly eligible for compensation

Flights affected

34

Airlines affected

LATAM, Avianca

Airports affected

Buenos Aires, São Paulo, Santiago, Bogotá, Lima

Checked by

Alice Mariscotti-Wyatt

Date updated

13 October 2025

What To Do If Your Flight Is Cancelled

If you're traveling to or from the European Union, here's what to do when your flight is unexpectedly scrubbed:

Collect proof that your flight was cancelled, e.g. boarding pass, vouchers and any other travel documents.

Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the cancellation and reasons behind it.

Request an alternate flight to your destination - or a refund.

Make a note of the arrival time at your destination.

Ask the airline to pay for your meals and refreshments.

Don't sign anything or accept any offers that may waive your rights.

Get the airline to provide you with a hotel room, if needed.

Keep your receipts if your cancelled flight ends up costing you extra money.

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