In recent days, professionals and companies in the foreign trade and international transport sectors have voiced concerns on LinkedIn about critical issues in cargo transport at São Paulo’s Guarulhos International Airport, Brazil’s busiest terminal. The airport is currently facing operational challenges that are impacting both importers and exporters.

Ocean Express highlighted that Guarulhos’ cargo terminal is experiencing severe congestion, exacerbating logistical issues and causing lengthy delays in cargo pick-up and delivery. “The situation is critical. With some cargo being diverted to Campinas Airport (VCP), operations at Viracopos have also been affected,” the company stated.

Another professional in the industry described the scenario as a “collapse” at Guarulhos’ cargo terminal, noting significant delays in operations and challenges in meeting import and export demands. In his words, “GRU has collapsed! It’s a real mess, impacting not only logistical costs but also the country’s competitiveness.”

Main Issues at Guarulhos Airport

The list of challenges at the cargo terminal is extensive, directly affecting freight agents, customs brokers, importers, and exporters. The most commonly reported issues include:

• Lack of adequate storage space, leading to disorganized cargo accumulation.
• Use of inspection areas for storage, delaying cargo release.
• Delays and inconsistencies in scheduling systems, hampering the collection and distribution of goods.
• Lack of communication with support sectors and delays in processing due to system outages.

These obstacles result in significant financial losses and delays in cargo clearance. The inefficiency in the logistical process not only causes economic losses but also damages Brazil’s image in foreign trade.

Responses from the Administrators of Guarulhos and Viracopos Airports

In response to these concerns, Aeroportos Brasil Viracopos (ABV), which manages Viracopos International Airport, reported that its terminal is operating normally, despite the increase in cargo volume. ABV stated that its operations maintain high standards of agility, efficiency, and security, with the capacity to accommodate a greater volume of international cargo.

Meanwhile, GRU Airport, the operator of Guarulhos Airport, confirmed that cargo volume has substantially increased over recent months and that steps are being taken to normalize the flow as soon as possible.

Impact on Brazil’s Competitiveness and Economy

The situation at Guarulhos Airport reflects an operational crisis that affects the competitiveness of Brazilian companies in the global market. The lack of logistical efficiency raises import and export costs, jeopardizing contracts and the country’s credibility as a trading partner.

The foreign trade sector is now hoping for measures to be implemented to reduce bottlenecks and optimize cargo flow. After all, the stability and efficiency of logistical processes are essential for the growth and credibility of the Brazilian economy.