Brazilian airline Gol Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes (GOL) has confirmed Lisbon Humberto Delgado International Airport (LIS) and Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) as its first European destinations.
This announcement follows the Brazilian low-cost carrier move to secure five Airbus A330-900neo widebody aircraft on lease through its parent company, Abra Group. These five A330-900neo aircraft are part of an order of seven aircraft which Abra Group expects to receive in 2026 and 2027.
Although GOL already operates some relatively long flights within the American continent, for example, with its routes between Brazil and Florida, it does so with a fleet made entirely of Boeing 737 narrowbody aircraft. The arrival of the A330-900neos will significantly expand the potential geographical reach of the airline.
The Rio de Janeiro Galeão (GIG) to Lisbon service will operate four times per week, starting on September 16, 2026, while the details of the Paris service, also from Rio de Janeiro, have not been disclosed yet.
In addition to its European debut, GOL also announced the start of a thrice-weekly nonstop service between Rio de Janeiro and New York (JFK) on July 8, 2026, also with the A330-900neo. A new route between the Carioca city and Orlando (MCO), Florida, is also on the cards. GOL already serves Orlando from Brasilia (BSB) and Fortaleza (FOR).
Speaking to Portuguese broadcaster RTP, GOL’s CEO, Celso Ferrer Junior stated that while it had been difficult to obtain slots due to capacity constraints at Humberto Delgado International Airport, the Portuguese capital is undoubtedly the most popular destination in Europe for Brazilians.
The airline executive explained that the carrier had considered, and obtained slots for, nonstop services between Brazil and Porto (POR), Portugal’s second largest city. However, it decided to prioritize the link to Lisbon as soon as it could secure a toehold at Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado International Airport.
Celso Ferrer also confirmed that GOL is already planning to increase the frequency of its Lisbon service as soon as more widebody aircraft become available.
source
