Brazil’s GOL Linhas Aéreas has taken an important step toward expanding its presence in Europe — but not without setbacks. According to recent industry updates, the airline successfully obtained landing slots at Porto Airport (OPO) in Portugal, marking a potential new long-haul destination for Brazil’s largest low-cost carrier. However, requests for slots in London and Lisbon were denied, temporarily blocking GOL’s broader European ambitions.
New Interest in Porto
GOL applied for a pair of daily slots at Porto, which were approved in coordination with European airport slot authorities. This approval suggests the airline is evaluating the possibility of launching a direct Brazil–Porto route, likely from São Paulo–Guarulhos (GRU) or Rio de Janeiro–Galeão (GIG).
Porto is one of Portugal’s fastest-growing international gateways, with significant demand from Brazilian travelers, expatriates, and VFR (visiting friends and relatives) markets. For GOL, the city represents an opportunity to enter Europe with a less-crowded competitive landscape compared to Lisbon.
Denied Access to Lisbon and London
While the Porto decision was positive for GOL, the carrier’s applications for Lisbon (LIS) and London (LHR/LGW) were rejected. These airports are among Europe’s most capacity-constrained, and new slots are extremely difficult to secure.
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Lisbon Airport has long operated at near-maximum capacity. Even established carriers often struggle for additional frequencies.
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London, particularly Heathrow, remains one of the most coveted and restricted slot markets in the world.
The denial means GOL cannot proceed with its planned strategic expansion into those key markets for now.
What This Means for GOL
Although GOL does not currently operate long-haul flights, the company has signaled growing interest in expanding its international footprint through potential partnerships, wet-leases, or future widebody aircraft acquisitions.
Securing slots in Porto could serve as a gateway into Europe, offering:
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A strong Brazilian community in northern Portugal
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Growing tourism flows
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Increased cargo potential
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Competitive positioning against TAP Air Portugal and Azul
If GOL proceeds, this would mark its first-ever transatlantic service — a major milestone in the airline’s network evolution.
A Developing Story
While Lisbon and London remain out of reach for now, the Porto approval indicates GOL is actively exploring transatlantic opportunities. Industry watchers will be following closely as GOL evaluates aircraft requirements, partnerships, and network strategy to determine whether Porto becomes its gateway to Europe.
