Brazil Launches Open Skies Agreement for South American Flights

Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay have signed an open‑skies agreement that will allow airlines from the three countries to operate domestic routes across each other's territories. The pact, signed in Asunción and overseen by Brazil’s Minister of Ports and Airports Tomé Franca, will enable foreign carriers to land in Brazilian cities such as Belém and continue to Manaus, creating new cabotage opportunities and increasing competition on regional routes. The new system is expected to come into force within 12 months, with a working group – supported by the Inter‑American Development Bank – tasked with shaping the single‑market framework.

Chile and Uruguay have expressed interest in joining the arrangement and are expected to discuss accession at the upcoming meeting of the Latin American Civil Aviation Commission in Santo Domingo. Officials say the liberalisation should lead to lower fares, better service and greater sustainability for passengers throughout the region.