Nonstop Flight to New York Reinforces RIOgaleão’s Recovery as Brazil’s International Gateway

The Rio de Janeiro has taken another step to strengthen its position as Brazil’s main international gateway. On Wednesday (July 8), GOL operated the inaugural nonstop flight between **Tom Jobim International Airport (RIOgaleão)** and **John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport** in New York. The new route, with three weekly frequencies, expands the city’s connection to one of the world’s leading economic and tourism hubs, reinforces RIOgaleão’s strategic role as the airline’s new international hub, and marks the evolution of the travel experience offered to customers with the launch of the new **Business INSIGNIA by GOL** class.

The inaugural flight ceremony was attended by Rio Mayor Eduardo Cavaliere, GOL CEO Celso Ferrer, RIOgaleão President Alexandre Monteiro, and Invest Rio President Sidney Levy.

> “We announced the partnership between the City Hall and RIOgaleão, and GOL, together with American Airlines, decided to launch this route. In addition to creating more affordable travel opportunities by increasing flight availability, it also ensures year-round service. That is why the City Hall decided years ago to establish this fund to encourage new destinations. Today, we have reached a strategic and highly important destination with the first Rio–New York flight operated by a Brazilian airline on an aircraft capable of flying these long distances while proudly carrying the Brazilian flag and the Carioca spirit,” said Mayor Eduardo Cavaliere.

GOL also announced that Lisbon will be its next long-haul international destination from RIOgaleão, with operations scheduled to begin in September.

> “We believe in the tremendous growth potential of tourism in our country, and Rio de Janeiro plays a fundamental role as a major gateway to Brazil and Latin America. This breathtaking and internationally admired destination is now even closer to the world with the launch of our long-haul flights to New York, which also introduce new smart services for our customers, both in terms of the travel experience and loyalty,” said Celso Ferrer, CEO of GOL.

The expansion of RIOgaleão’s international operations is the result of a joint effort by the Rio City Hall, the federal and state governments, and the aviation sector to rebalance the city’s air network while reinforcing the airport’s international vocation. The redistribution of domestic flights between Tom Jobim International Airport and Santos Dumont Airport has restored Rio’s international connectivity, boosting tourism, attracting investment, and generating jobs.

> “We will continue working to expand our connectivity and improve our operations, strengthening RIOgaleão as the main gateway connecting Rio and Brazil to the world,” said Alexandre Monteiro, President of RIOgaleão.

As RIOgaleão’s recovery continues, passenger traffic at Rio’s airports expands

Between January and May 2026, Rio’s airports handled **10.8 million passengers**, an increase of **12.7%** compared to the same period in 2025 and **35.3%** compared to 2024.

RIOgaleão was the main driver of this growth. During the first five months of the year, the airport welcomed **8.1 million passengers**, up **15.8%** from 2025 and an impressive **45.3%** compared to 2024. International traffic reached **2.9 million passengers**, representing a **16.5%** increase over the previous year and **52.8%** growth compared to 2024. Domestic traffic totaled **5.2 million passengers**, a **15.4%** increase year over year.

The recovery is also reflected in flight availability. Between January and May this year, Rio’s airport system recorded **75,600 flight operations**, an **8.2%** increase compared to 2025. RIOgaleão alone accounted for **52,000 flights** during the period, up **12.6%** from the previous year and **36.7%** compared to 2024, further consolidating its recovery as the city’s primary international airport.

Meanwhile, Santos Dumont Airport has returned to operating within its regional role. The terminal recorded stable flight numbers, reflecting the redistribution of the air network, which has expanded RIOgaleão’s operational capacity and strengthened its international operations.

Schedule for the new Rio–New York flight

GOL’s new Rio–New York route will operate **three times a week**, departing from RIOgaleão on **Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays** at **9:55 p.m.**, arriving at **John F. Kennedy International Airport** at **6:55 a.m.** the following day. Return flights will operate on **Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays**, departing New York at **11:00 p.m.** and arriving in Rio at **9:55 a.m.**

> “New York is the financial capital of the world, so having a direct connection is extremely important. We are very pleased that GOL embraced this challenge and is launching this route starting today,” said Sidney Levy, President of Invest Rio.

In addition to facilitating travel for tourists and business executives between the two cities, the new service expands international connectivity, strengthens Rio de Janeiro’s business environment, and helps consolidate the city as one of the leading tourism and economic destinations in the Americas.