Brazil Expands Long-Haul Flight Connectivity as New SAF Rules Approach

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São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are consolidating their status as Brazil’s major international airport gateways ahead of the introduction of mandatory sustainable aviation fuel rules in 2027 as well as the country’s attempts to attract more long-distance tourists from Europe, North America and Asia. Airport incentives, expanded connections and other aviation-related programmes by the Brazilian government are helping the country to achieve these goals. The major players in this case continue to be São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport and Rio de Janeiro/Galeão International Airport. Although Guarulhos remains the main international airport gateway to Brazil, Galeão is experiencing a revival due to the development of extra overseas flights as well as its positioning as an international transfer hub. This is amid plans by Brazil to launch the National Programme for the Production and Adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (ProBioQAV), which provides increasingly stringent emission reduction obligations for domestic airlines starting from 2027.

Guarulhos Introduces Incentives for International Airlines

São Paulo-Guarulhos is strengthening its position as a major gateway for international visitors through an airport incentive programme designed to attract new airlines and international routes.

The airport’s proposed 2026 incentive programme identifies three principal areas: new international destinations, additional airline operators and flights scheduled outside peak operating periods.

These incentives are intended to encourage airlines to introduce new services and increase their presence at Brazil’s busiest international airport.

For international tourism, stronger connectivity through Guarulhos provides access to São Paulo’s business districts, cultural attractions and wider domestic flight network. Visitors can explore Avenida Paulista, Ibirapuera Park, the Municipal Market and the city’s extensive cultural and culinary offerings before continuing to other Brazilian destinations.

The airport also serves as an important transfer point for international passengers travelling onwards to destinations across South America.

Galeão Strengthens Rio de Janeiro’s International Connections

Rio de Janeiro-Galeão is also receiving renewed attention as Brazil looks to increase international passenger traffic.

In March 2026, GOL announced plans to strengthen its international operations from Galeão, including three weekly flights to New York beginning in July. The Brazilian Ministry of Ports and Airports identified the development as part of the airport’s wider international hub ambitions.

Additional international connections could improve access to Rio de Janeiro for visitors from North America while supporting onward travel to other Brazilian destinations.

Rio remains one of the country’s most recognisable tourism markets, attracting visitors through Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain and its surrounding Atlantic rainforest landscapes.

Improved international access could also benefit regional tourism businesses offering excursions to destinations such as Paraty, Búzios and Ilha Grande.

Brazil’s 2027 SAF Requirements Enter a New Phase

Sustainable aviation fuel is becoming an increasingly important part of Brazil’s aviation policy.

The country’s Fuel of the Future Law, Law No. 14,993/2024, established ProBioQAV to encourage research, production, commercialisation and use of sustainable aviation fuel.

The programme was formally regulated through Decree No. 13,094 in August 2026, establishing rules for SAF production, certification, commercialisation and emissions-reduction obligations.

From 1 January 2027, domestic airline operators will be required to achieve a 1% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions through eligible SAF-related measures. The requirement will increase progressively, reaching 10% from 2037.

Importantly, these targets concern emissions reductions across domestic airline operations rather than a straightforward compulsory SAF blending percentage for every international flight.

The regulatory framework also allows certain alternative compliance mechanisms within specified limits, including low-carbon aviation fuels, decarbonisation credits and recognised sustainability certificates.

LATAM and GOL Face a Changing Aviation Environment

Brazil’s leading domestic airline groups are operating in an environment where international expansion, fuel costs and environmental requirements increasingly influence network planning.

LATAM Airlines Brasil has an established international network, including long-haul services connecting Brazilian gateways with overseas markets. GOL, meanwhile, is developing its international presence, including its planned New York connection from Galeão.

Both airlines face the wider challenge of balancing competitive international fares, aircraft availability and operational efficiency as Brazil’s aviation sustainability framework develops.

The country’s SAF programme could also create opportunities for domestic fuel producers as demand for lower-carbon aviation energy increases. Brazil’s established agricultural and biofuel industries provide a foundation for developing alternative aviation fuel production, although commercial availability, certification and distribution capacity remain important considerations.

Ecotourism Creates Opportunities Beyond Major Cities

Improved international connectivity could benefit Brazil’s wider tourism economy, particularly destinations requiring additional domestic connections after arrival in São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro.

The Amazon rainforest offers opportunities for wildlife observation, river excursions and community-based tourism. The Pantanal attracts visitors interested in biodiversity and wildlife experiences, while the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park is recognised for its seasonal freshwater lagoons and extensive white sand dunes.

Iguazú Falls, shared with Argentina, remains another major attraction for international visitors.

For travellers arriving from Europe and Asia, stronger long-haul connections through Brazil’s principal gateways could make these destinations more accessible within longer holiday itineraries.

Brazil Prepares for the Next Stage of Aviation Development

The approach to aviation within Brazil is developing on two fronts that are connected to one another: the increasing number of foreign passengers, and preparing domestic flights for increasingly stringent regulations regarding emissions. Given the existence of international route incentives at Guarulhos Airport, increased connections at Galeão, and SAF-related emissions reduction frameworks developed by ProBioQAV that will begin in 2027, Brazil is ready for a new phase in aviation.