Brazilian airlines hit record passenger numbers despite soaring fuel costs

Brazilian civil aviation logged a historic 44.3 million passenger boardings from January to April 2026, a 7.6 % rise over the same period in 2025. The tally includes 33.7 million domestic trips and 10.6 million international flights, setting a new sector record despite a sharp increase in jet‑fuel prices linked to the Middle‑East conflict. The price of aviation kerosene rose from R$ 3.51 to R$ 5.40 per litre, a 53.8 % jump, pushing average domestic fares up 9.86 % in January.

The Brazilian government responded by extending a zero‑rate PIS/Cofins exemption on aviation fuel until 31 July and Petrobras reduced fuel prices by 14.2 % in early June, measures aimed at tempering fare growth. Meanwhile, industry analysts warn of longer‑term pressures: the International Air Transport Association (IATA) notes that Brazil operates about 9.9 % fewer routes than in 2019, though seat capacity rose 4 % to 145.3 million. IATA also projects that the pending tax reform could lift average domestic ticket prices from US$ 130 to US$ 160 and international fares from US$ 740 to US$ 935. "Aviation is not a luxury; it is an essential service for Brazil's development," said IATA vice‑president Peter Cerdá during the association’s annual meeting in Rio de Janeiro.