LATAM Airlines Unites GOL Linhas Aéreas, Iberia, Air France, and Emirates Join Forces to Launch New Flights to and from Brazil in 2026

Brazil, the largest country in South America, is a hub for international air traffic, and 2026 is set to be an exciting year for aviation in the country. Several new international and domestic routes will be launched, enhancing Brazil’s connectivity to the world and making it even easier for travelers to explore this vast and diverse nation. From expanded European routes to new connections within South America, here’s a comprehensive guide to the new flights to and from Brazil in 2026.

LATAM Airlines: Expanding Global Connections

LATAM Airlines is one of the largest carriers in South America and is making significant strides in expanding Brazil’s international connections. Among the most anticipated new routes in 2026 are those connecting Brazil to Europe and Africa.

São Paulo (GRU) ↔ Amsterdam (AMS) is a new route that LATAM will launch in early 2026. This flight will enhance Brazil’s access to the Netherlands and the rest of Europe, particularly beneficial for business travelers and tourists alike. Amsterdam is a popular hub for connecting flights throughout Europe, and this service will make it more convenient for travelers to access the continent from São Paulo.

Another exciting new route is São Paulo (GRU) ↔ Brussels (BRU), set to begin in June 2026. This marks the return of a direct connection between Brazil and Belgium, a relationship that had been dormant for over two decades. This route will open up fresh opportunities for business and leisure travel between Brazil and Belgium, strengthening trade ties and increasing tourism.

In addition to these European expansions, LATAM is also enhancing its connectivity with Africa. Starting in July 2026, LATAM will operate a São Paulo (GRU) ↔ Cape Town (CPT) route. This will be the first direct passenger service between South America and South Africa, offering travelers from Brazil a seamless connection to one of Africa’s most popular tourist destinations. Cape Town’s world-renowned beaches, vineyards, and cultural landmarks will now be more accessible to Brazilian tourists.

Lastly, LATAM will also offer São Paulo (GRU) ↔ Punta Cana (PUJ), launching on July 2, 2026. This new route will cater to the growing demand for leisure travel to the Caribbean, providing Brazilian tourists with a direct connection to one of the most popular resort destinations in the region.

LATAM’s Domestic Expansion

LATAM isn’t just expanding its international network. The airline is also focusing on improving regional connectivity within Brazil. In 2026, LATAM will introduce several new domestic routes aimed at better connecting major Brazilian cities and regional hubs.

One of the most notable additions is the Brasília (BSB) ↔ Uberlândia (UDI) route, which will offer daily flights starting in mid‑2026. This new service will significantly reduce travel times between these two cities and make it easier for business and leisure travelers to commute between the capital and this important commercial center in Minas Gerais.

LATAM will also introduce new flights between Brasília (BSB) ↔ São José do Rio Preto (SJP), as well as a Belo Horizonte (CNF) ↔ Fortaleza (FOR) route, which will now be a daily, year-round service. Both of these routes will help increase connectivity in Brazil’s bustling regional markets, ensuring that travel within the country is as seamless as possible.

In addition, LATAM will launch several new connections from São Paulo (GRU) to smaller regional airports such as Uberaba (UBA), Juiz de Fora (JDF), and Caldas Novas (CLV). These new routes will improve access to key regional destinations and support Brazil’s growing tourism industry.

GOL Linhas Aéreas: Strengthening South American Links

GOL Linhas Aéreas, another major Brazilian carrier, is also enhancing its international network in 2026 with new routes connecting Brazil to South America. Starting March 2026, GOL will launch a new Natal (NAT) ↔ Montevideo (MVD)route, providing travelers in Brazil’s Northeast with a direct connection to Uruguay. This new flight will cater to both leisure and business travelers and strengthen ties between the two countries.

Increased Capacity to Europe and the Americas

While not brand‑new routes, Iberia is significantly increasing its capacity to Brazil, with expanded services to São Paulo (GRU) and Rio de Janeiro (GIG) in 2026. Iberia will also introduce new services to Recife (REC) and Fortaleza (FOR), improving connectivity between Brazil and Spain. This is a sign of growing demand for travel between Europe and Brazil, with Spain remaining one of the top European countries from which travelers head to Brazil.

Additionally, Air France and Emirates have expanded their services to Brazil, with increased flights to São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. These airlines are responding to the growing demand for travel between Brazil and key markets in Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.

Domestic Connectivity Improvements

With the expansion of domestic flights, Brazil will also see increased regional connectivity. Several new routes will be introduced to improve travel within the country, especially to tourist destinations in the Amazon, Pantanal, and other remote areas. These flights will be crucial in facilitating domestic tourism, which is a growing sector of the Brazilian economy.

Conclusion

The year 2026 promises to be an exciting year for Brazil’s aviation industry. New international routes connecting Brazil to key destinations in Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean will enhance global connectivity and make Brazil even more accessible to international travelers. At the same time, the expansion of domestic routes will improve travel within Brazil, making it easier to explore this vast and diverse country. Whether you are planning a business trip, a leisure getaway, or exploring the cultural richness of Brazil, the new flights launching in 2026 will offer more options than ever before.