XAP: Tornado Shuts Chapecó Airport in Brazil Indefinitely

CHAPECÓ, Brazil — November 5, 2026 — A tornado tore through Chapecó’s Serafim Enoss Bertaso Airport (XAP) in Santa Catarina state on Wednesday morning, wrecking hangars and damaging parked aircraft. All flights are suspended indefinitely, with no date set for reopening.

What happened

When: Wednesday, November 4, 2026, in the morning. Radar picked up the tornado around 10:30 a.m. local time, according to Metrópoles.
Terminal damage: the metal canopy at the entrance was ripped off, large glass panels were shattered and part of the main lobby was damaged.
Hangars and aircraft: roof panels were torn from hangars, including those of the Chapecó aero club and a Civil Police aviation unit, and thrown onto the runway. ND Mais reported that at least three aircraft were seriously damaged, some thrown into each other, with signs of fuel leaking. Aircraft types and operators were not named.
Wind: Brazil’s weather institute INMET recorded gusts of 126 km/h. Civil Defence confirmed it was a tornado.
Injuries: none confirmed at the airport in early reports.
Status: takeoffs and landings are suspended indefinitely. The airport operator, Voe Xap, is inspecting the site, and the airport manager said equipment must be restored and safety checks completed before flights resume. Reopening date: TBA.
Airlines affected: not named in the reports; passengers are told to contact their airline directly.

What it means for travelers

Do not head to XAP. The operator has asked passengers not to go to the airport until further notice.
Look at nearby airports. If you need to reach western Santa Catarina, check alternatives with your airline and plan ground transport from there.
Expect fuller flights into nearby airports as ticketed passengers are rebooked, which will squeeze seats.
Check for updates before you travel. Once flights restart, the first days may run on a reduced schedule.