This article mentions that the 3rd phase of the search was expected to start before yearīs end but is now postponed "until at least the end of February":
Air France crash memorial in Rio amid criticism | ajc.com
Thatīs four months away. While a delay of a few months may not matter much at this stage, what might be the reason? Bad weather conditions this time of the year? Boats and equipment not available right now? Nobody wants to pay Christmas bonuses to the searchers?