GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes (GOL) has announced its first-ever long-haul route, with the airline scheduling a thrice-weekly service from Rio de Janeiro Galeao International Airport (GIG) to New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and teasing new routes to Europe.
On March 6, 2026, GOL said that, starting July 8, it will offer thrice-weekly departures between GIG and JFK, signaling a “new phase in the airline's international expansion strategy.”
With the launch of its GIG-JFK flights, GOL will become the first Brazilian airline to offer a direct connection between the two cities since 2020, Cirium’s Diio Mi shows. American Airlines and Delta Air Lines also fly the route.
However, it is a winter seasonal itinerary for both of them, with American Airlines’ JFK-GIG service starting on October 25 this year. Delta Air Lines’ flights on the route will begin on December 20.
American Airlines and GOL have a codeshare agreement in place, which includes flights from GIG to JFK.
GOL’s booking engine showed that flights will depart on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Initially, the Brazilian airline will use a Wamos Air Airbus A330 to operate the route.
Abra Group, the parent holding company of GOL, as well as avianca, holds a minority stake in Wamos Air.
According to the Rio de Janeiro City Hall, GOL won the “Municipal Program for the Promotion of New International Air Routes” tender, which enabled the Brazilian airline to launch the flights.
“With the incorporation of widebody aircraft into its fleet, GOL also plans to open new intercontinental routes from Rio.”
The program provides “technical and institutional support and financial incentives,” the Rio de Janeiro City Hall said, adding that it aims to boost tourism to the city.
Celso Ferrer, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GOL, said that the Brazilian airline, which has now established a hub at the airport, will unveil additional European routes soon. The executive teased that Lisbon Airport (LIS) and Paris, potentially Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), will be its first European destinations.
“And this is just the beginning. We will bring foreign tourists to visit Brazil with everything that Rio has to offer.”
The same day, Abra Group confirmed that out of the seven A330-900s it will lease from Avolon, avianca will welcome two, while five will be delivered to GOL. According to planespotters.net, all seven A330-900s are ex-Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras (Azul) aircraft.
Rytis Beresnevicius
