According to information received by TAM Airlines from the Chilean aviation authorities, Santiago International Airport (“Arturo Merino Benitez” - SCL) remains closed to commercial flights and there is currently no clear indication as to when the airport will re-open for such services. The airport sustained damage during the earthquake on 27 February.

Because of the situation in Santiago, TAM has had to cancel its daily flights between Brazil and Chile that include JJ8029 (Santiago / São Paulo Guarulhos / Rio de Janeiro Galeão), JJ8026 (São Paulo Guarulhos / Santiago), JJ8027 (Santiago / São Paulo Guarulhos) and JJ8028 (Rio de Janeiro Galeão / São Paulo Guarulhos / Santiago).

All passengers affected by the airport closure in Santiago and holding TAM Airlines’ tickets (TAM 957 / PZ692) on flights JJ, PZ and JJ* (code share routes operated by LAN), may change their tickets for alternative dates of travel up to 30th March 2010 without incurring any penalties for refunds or revalidation, subject to availability in the cabin of the original reservation.

Once Santiago Airport is open, TAM Airlines will be putting on extra flights to clear the backlog in the shortest possible period of time for passengers wanting to fly to-and-from Santiago.

TAM will inform its passengers, agents and travel partners just as soon as it has news on the commencement of TAM flights between Brazil and Chile. In the UK passengers can get more information by calling 020 8897 0005.