Brazilian airline GOL announces European routes

Hello, some (potentially) good news for Brazil lovers—GOL airline is launching a route to Europe from Rio, starting in September for Lisbon, then Paris at a later date that hasn’t been announced yet. They’ll be using their new A330-900 neo. No prices have been announced so far, but hopefully we’ll find direct flights from GIG at a more interesting fare than AF or Latam…

Yeah, let's hope it turns out to be a cheaper option than the airlines already serving Brazil. It's too bad there aren't other cities served besides Rio (and São Paulo with other airlines).

Hi there,

When low-cost carriers (LC) jump into long-haul flights without the right culture or network, it rarely goes well. These will be multi-class flights, with service that might be basic, but at least it’ll follow standard commercial practices and norms—just without the backing of an alliance.

Michel

without the power of an alliance.

Hi there,

I think GOL is part of the same alliance as Air France. A few years ago, I traveled to Bolivia with Air France and had a connection in São Paulo with GOL.

Hi,

No, GOL isn’t part of any alliance, but they do have code-shares, of course. That said, it’s still a downside for passengers—when it comes to lounges, they’ll be limited to contract lounges, and rerouting options will be more limited. It’s a challenge for them, but others have failed before.

Michel

It’s always a bit of a risk to fly with an airline that’s not part of an alliance and has few long-haul planes...

But a friend of mine recently had his direct GIG/CDG flight on AF canceled and replaced with a flight the next day on LATAM, with a layover in São Paulo... I think he’ll get financial compensation, but for those who *need* to get back, it just goes to show that even with an airline like AF, you’re not immune to a nightmare...

There isn't much competition on flights to South America.

So, if a new player enters the market, it could be really interesting for travelers! 😊

But a friend recently had his direct GIG/CDG flight on AF canceled and replaced with a flight the next day on Latam with a layover in São Paulo... He’ll probably get financial compensation, but for those who absolutely need to get back, it makes you realize that even with an airline like AF, you’re not safe from a nightmare...

...Epilogue: AF refunded him an amount higher than the price of his ticket (around 800 €) after he provided hotel and restaurant receipts. A trip that didn’t cost him much, then.

Since there were several of us on separate flights and he was leaving first, we started hoping, “Cancel our flight too!!” But no such luck...

Dear Agnès,

I agree with you—in the sense that there isn’t much competition on routes between Europe and South America and/or South America and Europe. That’s a fact. So, the entry of a new competitor on these routes is always great news (e.g., from a price perspective).

However, I’m less optimistic about GOL, Linhas Aéreas (G3), because this Brazilian airline is currently showing clear signs of trouble. With an unstable domestic and international network, unreliable and often delayed flights, repeated issues, a high rate of passenger complaints, and having entered Chapter 11/bankruptcy protection to avoid financial collapse—only to exit that protection later... etc. etc.

Also, GOL’s plan for its long-haul flights to Europe and the U.S. (northern North America) has faced at least its share of problems, changes, and setbacks. Azul’s Airbus A330s—initially planned—couldn’t be taken over as expected, and it remains to be seen whether the WAMOS (a Spanish airline) leasing solution will hold up and prove reliable and "stable" for these flights. I have serious doubts about that...

We shouldn’t forget that right now (June 2026 is just around the corner), the situation in the airline market—for airlines—is at best complicated and difficult. Just look at SPIRIT’s recent bankruptcy in the U.S. And with fuel/kerosene prices through the roof, weaker airlines are facing major instability and liquidity challenges...

Personally, I wouldn’t commit to buying a GOL Linhas Aéreas (G3) ticket for travel more than 2 months out (at most). If you buy a GOL ticket with the last flight (in the itinerary) scheduled more than 1–2 months after purchase, expect surprises—like losing money or flight cancellations...

Thanks, Chris