GOL Plans First Direct Europe Flights
Brazilian airline GOL has announced plans to launch direct flights linking Rio de Janeiro with Lisbon and Paris, marking its first non-stop services to Europe since the company was founded in 2001. The new routes form part of the carrier’s strategy to expand beyond Latin America and strengthen long-haul operations. The flights will connect Rio Galeão International Airport with two of Western Europe’s busiest aviation hubs.
The new services will be operated using Airbus A330-900neo aircraft, recently added to the airline’s fleet. These wide-body aircraft can carry around 300 passengers and have the range required for long intercontinental routes. Until now, GOL’s international operations have been limited mainly to Latin America and parts of the southern United States because its fleet consisted primarily of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.
"It's the main destination for Brazilians and also the destination most desired by Brazilians from all regions of Brazil."
Lisbon will become the airline’s first European destination, with flights scheduled to begin on 16 September. The route is expected to operate four times per week. While the Paris connection has also been confirmed, the airline has not yet released a detailed timetable. The service to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is expected to begin in July 2026.
Planned European routes
- Rio de Janeiro – Lisbon (four weekly flights starting 16 September)
- Rio de Janeiro – Paris Charles de Gaulle (planned start July 2026)
The new connections will make it easier to reach several major European gateways from Brazil. Lisbon remains one of the main entry points for travellers heading between South America and Europe, while Paris provides access to a wide network of rail and air connections across the continent. These routes also link Brazil’s tourism centres with cities known for culture, museums and historic districts.
If the plans proceed as expected, the move could reshape how the airline participates in long-haul travel. GOL has mostly operated regional routes in the past, but the new wide-body aircraft make longer intercontinental flights possible. Non-stop services between Rio de Janeiro and major European cities could also bring another airline onto routes that have so far been handled by only a small number of carriers.
