New Canada–Brazil Links Set to Boost Travel Across South America
Air Transat has confirmed a new interline partnership with GOL Airlines, expanding connection options between Canada, Brazil, and wider South America. Under the agreement, passengers flying to Rio de Janeiro will gain access to GOL’s large network of onward routes. The announcement comes as Air Transat gets ready to start its first direct flights to Rio in early February 2026. The new route adds another connection between Canada and Brazil and reflects growing interest in travel between the two regions.
The partnership allows passengers arriving in Rio de Janeiro to continue their journey using GOL’s links to 65 domestic and 17 international destinations. Key Brazilian cities, including São Paulo, Salvador, Recife, Belo Horizonte, and Porto Alegre, will be simpler to reach through the new coordinated connections. The agreement is already active. Tickets for trips that use both airlines will be released soon, giving passengers a wider range of routes and a simple way to arrange their onward travel.
"We are thrilled to partner with GOL to make it easier than ever for Canadians to explore Brazil and beyond. This partnership strengthens our presence in South America and expands our network in a way that perfectly complements our new non-stop service to Rio de Janeiro."
This launch comes as Air Transat prepares to inaugurate its first-ever non-stop flights to Rio de Janeiro:
- From Toronto (YYZ): starting February 4, 2026, operating twice weekly
- From Montreal (YUL): starting February 5, 2026, operating once weekly
These additions broaden Air Transat’s South American offering and complement its growing long-haul network. The arrangement allows passengers to use one itinerary for flights on both airlines. It also means they can continue their journey beyond Brazil’s main hubs without having to make several separate bookings.
With the expanded route map, travellers will have an easier path to places such as Salvador’s coastline, Recife’s beaches, Porto Alegre, the cultural districts of São Paulo, and the historic centre of Ouro Preto. The improved links across South America also open access to destinations served by GOL’s international network. These routes make it simpler to reach coastal cities, heritage towns and well-known national parks that lie beyond the major gateways.
The new agreement comes at a time when interest in travel between Canada and South America continues to rise. It links Air Transat’s direct flights with GOL’s broad regional network, giving passengers shorter connections and clearer options when travelling beyond Rio. When the new services start in early 2026, it will be easier to move between several cities on the same booking rather than arranging each leg separately.