Latam plane is forced to make a go-around after a balloon approaches the Galeão runway, in Rio

The captain informed the passengers about the need to postpone the landing, which took place without incident. After landing, they applauded the pilot's performance.

In a statement, Latam informed that the aircraft responsible for flight LA3685, between Foz do Iguaçu and Rio de Janeiro, took a turn for operational reasons and landed safely at 1:13 pm.

The company reiterated that the go-around is a standard aviation procedure and stated that it follows all protocols to ensure the safety of passengers.

The concessionaire RioGaleão reported that it maintains an observation team to permanently monitor the airport's operational area. The company also carries out awareness campaigns about the risks posed by the release of balloons to civil aviation and the environment. According to the concessionaire, the terminal operates normally.

The flight had departed from Foz do Iguaçu, in Paraná, and was scheduled to land in Rio de Janeiro at 1 pm. During the approach, the pilot identified a balloon moving close to the runway and decided to gain altitude to make a new landing attempt.

A go-around is adopted when there is any interference or condition that could compromise the safety of the aircraft during landing.

Reports published on social media pointed to the sighting of several balloons in Rio de Janeiro this Sunday. One of them passed close to residences in Engenho de Dentro, in the north zone. Another fell on a street in Piedade, in the same region, and caught fire.

The previous Sunday (26), another aircraft that was preparing to land at Galeão also had to go over after a balloon fell near the terminal, according to the Rio Fire Department.

The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) informs that releasing free balloons with fire is a crime provided for in environmental legislation. The practice puts aircraft, properties, electrical networks and vegetation areas at risk. The penalty can be up to three years in prison, in addition to a minimum fine of R$10,000.

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