New Direct Flights to Brazil in 2026

Brazil’s international air network is going through its widest expansion in years. Fifteen new nonstop routes now connect the country to seven markets in Europe and North America, and they do not all land in São Paulo: Curitiba, Fortaleza, Recife, São Luís and Rio de Janeiro all gain direct access from abroad.

For anyone building itineraries, this changes the arithmetic. A client flying into Curitiba or Fortaleza no longer loses a day connecting through Guarulhos, and regions that used to sit three flights away from Europe are now one.

Below is the full list our team tracks, organised by continent, with the airline, the airports and what we know about start dates. Schedules do change, so always confirm before quoting.

Europe to Brazil

Portugal

• Lisbon (LIS) to Curitiba (CWB) and Rio de Janeiro (GIG), TAP. Started on 2 July 2026, three times a week with an A330-200, on the Lisbon, Curitiba, Rio de Janeiro, Lisbon routing. It is the first regular direct link between Europe and Paraná.
• Lisbon (LIS) to Fortaleza (FOR), LATAM. Started in April 2026, seasonal, once a week.
• Lisbon (LIS) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG), GOL. Starts on 16 September 2026, four times a week from RIOgaleão. It is the first transatlantic service in GOL’s history to Europe.
• Lisbon (LIS) to São Luís (SLZ) and Fortaleza (FOR), TAP. Starts on 26 October 2026 with an A321LR, two weekly frequencies, outbound to São Luís and return via Fortaleza. It puts the gateway to the Route of Emotions and the Lençóis Maranhenses one flight from Europe.

Spain

• Madrid (MAD) to Fortaleza (FOR), Iberia. Started on 19 January 2026, three times a week with the A321XLR.
• Madrid (MAD) to Recife (REC), Iberia. Started on 13 December 2025, three times a week, also with the A321XLR, opening Pernambuco to a direct European connection.

France

• Paris (CDG) to Curitiba (CWB), Air France. Started in July 2026. It is Air France’s first direct service to southern Brazil, and it means Curitiba now has two European connections in the same season.
• Paris (CDG) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG), GOL. Confirmed for the second half of 2026, to be operated with GOL’s new A330-900neo and its INSIGNIA business class. The exact date and frequency have not been announced.

Belgium

• Brussels (BRU) to São Paulo (GRU), LATAM. Started on 1 June 2026, three times a week with the 787-9. It is the first direct link between Belgium and South America in more than 25 years.

Netherlands

• Amsterdam (AMS) to São Paulo (GRU), LATAM. Started at the end of March 2026 with the 787-9, growing to six weekly frequencies.

North America to Brazil

Photo: Brian Stuart Nel / Shutterstock.com

United States

• New York (JFK) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG), GOL. Started on 8 July 2026, three times a week. It is the first long haul route in GOL’s 25 year history, operated initially with a wet leased Wamos Air A330 and moving to GOL’s own A330-900neo later in the year.
• Orlando (MCO) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG), GOL. Confirmed, four times a week with A330 aircraft. The start date has not been announced.

Canada

• Toronto (YYZ) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG), Air Transat. Inaugurated on 4 February 2026, twice a week with the A330. Seasonal service, so it does not operate all year.
• Montreal (YUL) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG), Air Transat. Inaugurated on 5 February 2026, once a week with the A330, also seasonal.
• Calgary (YYC) to São Paulo (GRU), WestJet. Announced for 8 November 2026 with the 787-9 and later revised: the season was shortened, with the first departure now planned for 15 December 2026. It is the first direct connection between Western Canada and South America.

What actually changes on the ground

Curitiba becomes a real international gateway. With TAP and Air France arriving in the same season, southern Brazil stops depending on connections through São Paulo. For itineraries that include Foz do Iguaçu, the south coast or the wine region of Serra Gaúcha, this saves a full day.

The Northeast gains three doors. Fortaleza, Recife and São Luís now receive direct flights from Lisbon and Madrid. That is the practical unlock for the Route of Emotions, Jericoacoara and the Lençóis Maranhenses, which previously required two domestic connections after a long haul flight.

Rio recovers international weight. Galeao gains New York and Lisbon this year, with Paris and Orlando confirmed. For programmes that start in Rio de Janeiro, and for MICE and events where arrival logistics decide the destination, this is the most relevant shift of 2026.

Planning notes

• Several of these routes are seasonal. The Canadian services and the Lisbon to Fortaleza flight do not run year round, so confirm operating dates before committing a group.
• Start dates move. WestJet is the clearest example of a route that was announced, then rescheduled, after itineraries had already been built around it.
• Frequencies grow. LATAM has already increased Amsterdam, and GOL plans to replace the wet leased aircraft on New York with its own fleet, which changes the onboard product mid season.

Our team monitors these movements because they define where a programme can realistically start and end. If you are planning 2026 or 2027 and want to know which gateway makes more sense for your client, talk to your Blumar contact.

Posts you might also be interested in:

• What Is the Best Time to Visit Rio de Janeiro?
• Beaches in Southeastern Brazil
• Best Destinations in Southeastern Brazil to Visit in the Summer of 2027
• DMC in Rio de Janeiro: Why the Marvelous City Needs a Local Partner
• Kiosks in Copacabana

FAQ - New Direct Flights to Brazil in 2026

Photo: Alexandre Macieira / MTur

1. What are the new international flights to Brazil in 2026?

Brazil is seeing one of its largest international air network expansions in years, with 15 new nonstop routes connecting Brazil with Europe and North America. The new and announced services involve airlines including TAP, LATAM, Iberia, Air France, GOL, Air Transat and WestJet.

The expansion is especially significant because many of the new international flights to Brazil in 2026 serve gateways beyond São Paulo, including Rio de Janeiro, Curitiba, Fortaleza, Recife and São Luís.

2. Which Brazilian cities are gaining new international flights?

The main Brazilian gateways benefiting from the expansion are:

• Rio de Janeiro (GIG)

• Curitiba (CWB)

• Fortaleza (FOR)

• Recife (REC)

• São Luís (SLZ)

• São Paulo (GRU)

This wider network gives international travelers more options for starting and ending their Brazil itineraries without automatically connecting through São Paulo.

3. Which European countries have new direct flights to Brazil?

The expansion includes new services from Portugal, Spain, France, Belgium and the Netherlands.

European departure cities include Lisbon, Madrid, Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam, connecting with destinations such as Rio de Janeiro, Curitiba, Fortaleza, Recife, São Luís and São Paulo.

4. What are the new flights from Lisbon to Brazil?

Several new routes strengthen connectivity between Portugal and Brazil:

• Lisbon–Curitiba/Rio de Janeiro with TAP, launched on July 2, 2026.

• Lisbon–Fortaleza with LATAM, launched in April 2026 as a seasonal service.

• Lisbon–Rio de Janeiro with GOL, scheduled to begin on September 16, 2026.

• Lisbon–São Luís/Fortaleza with TAP, scheduled to begin on October 26, 2026.

The São Luís service is particularly useful for travelers visiting Lençóis Maranhenses and the Route of Emotions, making it possible to reach Maranhão from Europe without first connecting through another Brazilian gateway.

5. Are there direct flights from Europe to Curitiba?

Yes. Curitiba gains direct European connectivity in 2026, including TAP's service from Lisbon and Air France's service from Paris.

This represents an important change for tourism in southern Brazil because international travelers can use Curitiba as their first Brazilian gateway instead of entering through São Paulo.

6. Why are the new flights to Curitiba important for travelers?

Direct international flights to Curitiba can simplify itineraries throughout southern Brazil.

Travelers planning to combine Curitiba, Foz do Iguaçu, the southern coast or the Serra Gaúcha wine region, for example, may be able to build more efficient itineraries with fewer domestic connections.

For tour operators and DMCs, this also creates opportunities for open-jaw itineraries, where travelers arrive through one Brazilian city and depart through another.

7. What are the new direct flights from Spain to Brazil?

Iberia has expanded its Brazilian network with two important routes:

• Madrid–Fortaleza, launched on January 19, 2026.

• Madrid–Recife, launched on December 13, 2025.

Both services operate with the Airbus A321XLR and give northeastern Brazil stronger direct access to the Spanish and wider European markets.

8. Are there direct flights from Paris to Brazil beyond São Paulo?

Yes. Air France launched a Paris–Curitiba service in July 2026, creating its first direct connection to southern Brazil.

GOL has also confirmed plans for a Paris–Rio de Janeiro route during the second half of 2026. The exact launch date and frequency have not yet been announced, so travelers and itinerary planners should confirm the latest schedule before booking.

9. What new international flights are available to Rio de Janeiro in 2026?

Rio de Janeiro is one of the biggest beneficiaries of Brazil's international aviation expansion.

New or announced routes include:

• New York (JFK)–Rio de Janeiro (GIG), GOL

• Lisbon (LIS)–Rio de Janeiro (GIG), GOL

• Paris (CDG)–Rio de Janeiro (GIG), GOL

• Orlando (MCO)–Rio de Janeiro (GIG), GOL

• Toronto (YYZ)–Rio de Janeiro (GIG), Air Transat

• Montreal (YUL)–Rio de Janeiro (GIG), Air Transat

Rio is also part of TAP's Lisbon–Curitiba–Rio de Janeiro–Lisbon operation.

10. Are there direct flights from New York to Rio de Janeiro?

Yes. GOL launched its New York JFK–Rio de Janeiro GIG service on July 8, 2026, initially operating three times per week.

The route is particularly noteworthy because it represents the first long-haul service in GOL's 25-year history. Operations initially use a wet-leased Wamos Air A330, with plans to transition to GOL's own Airbus A330-900neo later in the year.

11. Are there direct flights from Canada to Rio de Janeiro?

Yes. Air Transat introduced seasonal nonstop flights from Toronto and Montreal to Rio de Janeiro in February 2026.

The Toronto–Rio service began on February 4 with two weekly flights, while Montreal–Rio started on February 5 with one weekly frequency.

Because these are seasonal flights to Brazil, travelers should check operating periods before planning an itinerary around them.

12. Is there a direct flight from Western Canada to Brazil?

WestJet has announced a Calgary–São Paulo route using the Boeing 787-9. The service was initially announced for November 8, 2026, but its season was subsequently revised, with the first departure planned for December 15, 2026.

The route is significant because it creates a direct connection between Western Canada and South America.

As schedules can change after announcement, its operating dates should be reconfirmed before finalizing travel arrangements.

13. Which new international routes make Northeast Brazil easier to reach?

Fortaleza, Recife and São Luís are emerging as increasingly useful international gateways.

Direct connections from Lisbon and Madrid can significantly simplify access to destinations such as:

• Jericoacoara

• Lençóis Maranhenses

• Route of Emotions

• Fortaleza and the Ceará coast

• Recife and Pernambuco

Instead of arriving in São Paulo and adding one or more domestic flights, some European travelers can now begin their journey directly in Northeast Brazil.

14. How do the new flights improve access to Lençóis Maranhenses?

The planned TAP service from Lisbon to São Luís, beginning October 26, 2026, is particularly relevant for Lençóis Maranhenses.

São Luís is one of the principal gateways for itineraries into Maranhão and the Route of Emotions, which connects Lençóis Maranhenses, the Parnaíba Delta and Jericoacoara.

For European travelers, direct access to São Luís can remove the need for a domestic air connection through São Paulo, Brasília or another Brazilian hub.

15. Why is Rio de Janeiro becoming more important as an international gateway?

The new routes reinforce Rio de Janeiro International Airport (GIG/RIOgaleão) as a strategic entry point for Brazil.

New connections with cities including New York, Lisbon, Toronto and Montreal, together with announced services from Paris and Orlando, make it easier to design itineraries that begin directly in Rio.

This is particularly valuable for leisure programs, luxury travel, groups and MICE in Brazil, where arrival logistics and transfer times can strongly influence destination selection.

16. Do the new international flights operate year-round?

Not all of them. Some of the new international routes to Brazil are seasonal, including Canadian services to Rio de Janeiro and LATAM's Lisbon–Fortaleza flight.

Operating periods, frequencies and aircraft can also change throughout a season.

Travelers, travel advisors and tour operators should therefore verify the current airline schedule before confirming flights, accommodation and ground arrangements.

17. Can the start dates of newly announced flights change?

Yes. Airline schedules are subject to commercial and operational adjustments.

The Calgary–São Paulo WestJet route is a good example: its originally announced November 2026 launch was later revised, with the first departure planned for December 15.

For itineraries planned far in advance, announced routes should not be treated as fixed until the operating schedule is confirmed.

18. Can flight frequencies change after a new route launches?

Yes. Airlines frequently adjust frequencies according to demand, aircraft availability and seasonal conditions.

LATAM's Amsterdam service, for example, has already been planned to grow to six weekly frequencies. Aircraft can change as well: GOL intends to transition its New York service from a wet-leased aircraft to its own A330-900neo.

These changes may affect schedules, seat availability and the onboard experience.

19. How can travel advisors use the new Brazil flights to build better itineraries?

The biggest opportunity is to stop treating São Paulo as the automatic international gateway for every Brazil itinerary.

Depending on the client's origin and destinations, an itinerary could begin in Curitiba, Fortaleza, Recife, São Luís or Rio de Janeiro and finish through another international airport.

For example, a European traveler visiting Lençóis Maranhenses could potentially enter through São Luís, continue overland through the Route of Emotions and leave from Fortaleza, avoiding unnecessary backtracking.

20. What should travelers check before booking a new international route to Brazil?

Before confirming one of the new flights, check:

• Current start and operating dates

• Whether the flight is seasonal or year-round

• Weekly frequency

• Days of operation

• Aircraft type

• Connection possibilities within Brazil

• Baggage rules

• Schedule changes

• Whether the route fits the overall itinerary better than a connection through São Paulo

For complex Brazil itineraries, selecting the right international gateway can save considerable travel time and make the entire journey more efficient.

21. What is the biggest impact of Brazil's international flight expansion in 2026?

The biggest change is decentralization.

International travelers have more opportunities to enter Brazil closer to the destinations they actually want to visit. Curitiba strengthens access to southern Brazil, Fortaleza, Recife and São Luís open new possibilities in the Northeast, while Rio de Janeiro regains importance as a major international gateway.

For travelers and travel professionals alike, the practical benefit is straightforward: fewer domestic connections, more efficient itineraries and more ways to explore Brazil.