Azul Linhas Aéreas cuts three routes from Fort Lauderdale amid bankruptcy

Another route set to end connects Fort Lauderdale with Manaus–Eduardo Gomes International Airport (MAO), covering 2,096 nautical miles. Azul operates this route using its Airbus A320 aircraft.

The third route to be exited links Fort Lauderdale with Willemstad Curaçao International Airport (CUR), spanning 1,044 nautical miles. Azul typically uses its Airbus A320s on this two-hour flight and operates four weekly flights between these destinations.

Azul has faced financial challenges since the COVID-19 pandemic began. On May 28, 2025, after attempts to restructure pandemic-era debt without resorting to bankruptcy failed, the airline filed for Chapter 11 protection in the U.S. The restructuring plan includes commitments for around $1.6 billion in additional financing and support from American Airlines and United Airlines.

John Rodgerson, CEO of Azul Linhas Aéreas, stated that “had too much debt on the balance sheet that principally came from COVID. We now have an opportunity to clean it all up." The company has entered into agreements with key financial stakeholders including bondholders and AerCap while receiving support from strategic partners like United and American Airlines.

Azul had considered merging with rival Gol as a strategy to consolidate Brazil’s aviation market. However, Gol's own financial difficulties complicated merger prospects. With both airlines having filed for Chapter 11 protection recently, reports suggest that chances of reviving merger talks have significantly decreased according to Reuters.