New Route of the Day (16 September 2026): GOL between Lisbon and Rio de Janeiro
Brazilian carrier GOL introduced flights between Lisbon and Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday 16 September, marking its entry into the European market. The 7,690-kilometre route will be maintained 4-weekly, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, with the A330-200 aircraft. A fifth weekly service will be introduced on Tuesdays from 24 November. The carrier will compete against 15-weekly flights operated by TAP Portugal.
What they said
Mateus Pongeluppi, Vice President of Commercial at GOL, said: “The launch of the route on 16 September marks our strategic entry into Europe and paves the way for the company’s further expansion across the continent. By adding a fifth weekly frequency between Rio de Janeiro and Lisbon ahead of the peak travel season, we are providing more travel options for customers from across Brazil and strengthening connectivity with Portugal, one of the most popular international destinations among Brazilian travellers.”
GOL plans further long-haul expansion
GOL has embarked on the most significant international expansion in its history, entering the long-haul market for the first time since commencing operations in 2001.
The Brazilian carrier inaugurated flights from Rio de Janeiro to New York JFK in July, followed by Lisbon. Both routes are initially being operated with A330-200 aircraft wet-leased from Spain’s Wamos Air.
GOL has also announced plans to introduce non-stop services from Rio to Paris and Orlando, although their launch dates have yet to be confirmed. Rio will serve as the hub for the airline’s intercontinental network, supported by domestic and regional connections across Brazil and Latin America.
The expansion will ultimately be supported by GOL’s own A330-900neo fleet, marking a major departure from its long-standing reliance on Boeing 737 aircraft. Parent company Abra has agreed to lease five A330-900neos from Avolon, with the possibility of adding two more.
The airline is expected to gradually replace the Wamos Air wet-leases as the A330neos enter service in early 2027.