GOL launches new Lisbon to Rio de Janeiro flight route

Brazilian airline GOL has launched a new flight route connecting Lisbon, Portugal, to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The move aims to capitalize on increasing tourism between the two nations and establish Rio de Janeiro as a regional gateway for travelers.

The service is initially operating with four weekly frequencies using Airbus A330 aircraft, which have a capacity of approximately 300 passengers. GOL plans to increase this to five weekly flights by November 24 and has expressed long-term ambitions to make the connection a daily service. The company is also considering future routes to Porto.

Mateus Pongeluppi, GOL's commercial vice president, noted that the airline intends to use Rio de Janeiro to connect passengers to various other destinations in Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, and Uruguay. To enhance competitiveness, the airline will also offer stopovers in Rio de Janeiro for up to three nights.