Chapeco Airport Flights Suspended After 126 km/h Tornado in SC

The operator of Chapeco Airport in Brazil’s Santa Catarina state, Voitha Chapeco, has suspended all flight operations indefinitely following a destructive tornado that struck the city. Passengers have been advised not to travel to the terminal until further notice and to contact their respective airlines directly regarding cancellations or rescheduling. Initial reports indicate no confirmed timeline for the airport’s reopening.

Airport Infrastructure Destruction

Damaging winds and heavy rainfall severely compromised the airport building, shattering sections of its glass facade and collapsing parts of the surrounding structure, including aircraft hangars. Visual evidence circulating on social media platforms depicts twisted metal frameworks, damaged roofs, broken glass, and scattered debris across the facility grounds.

Meteorological Event Details

Civil Defense authorities in Santa Catarina reported that the tornado hit Chapeco on Wednesday morning. Wind speeds recorded in the area reached approximately 126 kilometers per hour, though officials noted this figure is not yet considered a final measurement of the storm’s peak velocity. The meteorological event originated from an instability line moving through western Santa Catarina toward the state’s central-western region.

The convergence of severe thunderstorms and destructive winds resulted in widespread damage throughout Chapeco and neighboring municipalities. Brazilian media outlets documented the incident, which occurred on November 4, 2026, highlighting the extensive impact on local infrastructure.