GOL launches direct flights between Rio de Janeiro and Lisbon

Brazilian airline GOL has launched a new direct international route connecting Rio de Janeiro to Lisbon, marking its entry into the European market. The service began in mid-September 2026 with four weekly flights, with plans to increase frequency to five flights per week starting November 24, 2026.

Initially, the route is operated using an Airbus A330 leased from Wamos Air, though GOL intends to deploy its own A330neo aircraft starting in February 2027. The inaugural flights carried approximately 300 passengers, signaling strong initial demand for the connection.

GOL aims to use Rio de Janeiro as a gateway for travelers to access its extensive domestic network, which includes over 25 Brazilian destinations, as well as connections to Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. The airline also maintains an existing codeshare agreement with TAP Air Portugal to facilitate travel within Brazil.