All flights out of Brazil's major airports have been suspended, the country's airport authority has said.
All flights out of Brazil's major airports have been suspended, the country's airport authority has said.
The move comes hours after a hunger strike was announced by air-traffic controllers at one of the main control centres in the capital Brasilia.
The move comes hours after a hunger strike was announced by air-traffic controllers at one of the main control centres in the capital Brasilia.
Thousands of passengers have been stranded by the protest.
Thousands of passengers have been stranded by the protest.
In a statement, the striking controllers said they had lost all confidence in their commanders and the equipment at their disposal.
In a statement, the striking controllers said they had lost all confidence in their commanders and the equipment at their disposal.
Air traffic controllers in Brazil have staged similar protests since last September when 154 people were killed in the country's worst air disaster.
Air traffic controllers in Brazil have staged similar protests since last September when 154 people were killed in the country's worst air disaster.
The BBC's Tim Hersch in Sao Paulo says internal flights have been in a state of chaos since the crash.
The move comes days after President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva promised to work to bring a swift end to disruptions at the country's airports.
The move comes days after President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva promised to work to bring a swift end to disruptions at the country's airports.
Airport authority Ifraero said all of the country's 49 commercial airports were closed for take-off, although planes in flight were being allowed to land normally.
Airport authority Ifraero said all of the country's 49 commercial airports were closed for take-off, although planes in flight were being allowed to land normally.
Brazilian TV showed airport lobbies jammed with thousands of people, many desperate and confused.
Brazilian TV showed airport lobbies jammed with thousands of people, many desperate and confused.
Air traffic control in Brazil is under the control of the air force, and most controllers are military and non-unionised.
Air traffic control in Brazil is under the control of the air force, and most controllers are military and non-unionised.
Civilian controllers are expected to ballot for a national strike on Monday.
Civilian controllers are expected to ballot for a national strike on Monday.
Are you affected by the Brazilian airport shutdown? If you would be willing to speak to the BBC News website about the situation in the country's airports, please use the form below to send us your contact details.
Are you affected by the Brazilian airport shutdown? If you would be willing to speak to the BBC News website about the situation in the country's airports, please use the form below to send us your contact details.
