Brazilian carrier GOL Airlines has announced plans to launch its first direct flights to Europe, introducing new routes connecting Rio de Janeiro with Lisbon and Paris.
The new routes mark the first time the airline will operate direct services to Europe since it was founded in 2001. The expansion is part of the company’s broader strategy to strengthen its international network and establish itself as an intercontinental airline.
The flights will be operated using the Airbus A330-900neo, which recently joined the airline’s fleet. The aircraft, capable of flying for up to 15 hours and carrying around 300 passengers, arrived earlier this month and is expected to play a key role in GOL’s long-haul operations.
The airline plans to use five A330-900neo aircraft to support its expansion beyond the Americas. Until now, GOL has operated only Boeing 737 MAX jets, which limited its international flights to destinations within Latin America and parts of the southern United States, including routes to Orlando.
With the introduction of long-range aircraft, the airline is seeking to broaden its reach to major destinations in North America and Europe. Among its future plans is a potential route connecting Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport with John F. Kennedy International Airport.
Flights between Rio de Janeiro and Lisbon are scheduled to begin on September 16, with four round-trip services per week. The airline has not yet confirmed the detailed schedule for the Paris route, but it expects flights to Charles de Gaulle Airport to begin in July 2026.
The decision to prioritise Lisbon comes after GOL received authorisation to operate at Humberto Delgado Airport. The airline had previously secured more than 292 airport slots at Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport in 2025. However, company officials said the launch of operations in Porto will be postponed due to limited aircraft availability.
Chief executive Celso Ferreira said Lisbon remains the most popular European destination for Brazilian travellers. He told Portuguese broadcaster RTP that the airline will focus its resources on routes with the highest demand.
GOL is also a partner of TAP Air Portugal, which has operated flights between Portugal and Brazil for decades. The Brazilian airline maintains one of its main hubs at Rio’s Galeão International Airport, linking passengers to more than 30 destinations.
At present, the airline serves five international routes within Latin America, and the new European connections are expected to significantly expand its global footprint. Industry analysts say the new services could strengthen travel links between Brazil and Europe while offering passengers more direct options between the regions.
