A long-discussed aviation link between Ireland and Brazil may soon become reality. Officials from both countries have begun formal negotiations on a bilateral Air Services Agreement (ASA) that would allow airlines to launch direct scheduled flights between the two nations for the first time.
If finalized, the agreement could mark a major milestone in connectivity between Europe and South America, opening new opportunities for tourism, trade, and cultural exchange.
Negotiations Underway for a Bilateral Air Services Agreement
The governments of Ireland and Brazil have initiated official talks to establish an Air Services Agreement, which is the legal framework required for airlines to operate scheduled international flights between two countries.
Currently, Ireland does not have any direct flights to South America. Travelers flying between Ireland and Brazil must connect through European hubs such as Lisbon, Madrid, Paris, or Amsterdam.
Irish Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien described the negotiations as a strong signal of commitment from both governments to improve air connectivity and deepen economic ties. Brazilian Minister for Ports and Airports Silvio Costa Filho echoed that sentiment, noting the agreement could significantly expand tourism flows and strengthen relations between Latin America and Europe.
However, even if the agreement is signed, launching flights will ultimately depend on airlines deciding the route is commercially viable.
Growing Demand for Direct Connectivity
Demand for a direct Ireland–Brazil route has been building for years. Thousands of passengers already travel between the two countries annually using connecting flights, with many routing through Portugal due to strong links between Brazil and Lisbon.
Ireland is also home to a large Brazilian community. More than 39,000 Brazilian-born residents live in the country, making them the largest Latin American diaspora in Ireland.
In addition to diaspora traffic, the potential route could attract leisure travelers and business travelers moving between Ireland’s technology sector and Brazil’s rapidly expanding markets.
Possible Routes and Airlines
Although no airline has officially announced plans for service yet, industry observers suggest several possibilities.
A likely route would be Dublin – São Paulo (Guarulhos), Brazil’s largest international hub. From São Paulo, passengers could connect to dozens of destinations across Brazil and South America.
Potential operators could include:
-
Aer Lingus, expanding its long-haul network
-
LATAM Airlines, which has expressed interest in serving new European markets
-
Another European or Brazilian carrier operating long-haul services
For airlines, the route would represent an untapped market. Ireland currently has no direct flights to any South American destination.
Tourism and Trade Opportunities
A direct connection between the two countries could significantly boost tourism and commercial ties.
For Ireland, Brazil represents a rapidly growing outbound tourism market as well as a gateway to the wider South American region. For Brazil, improved connectivity could help attract Irish visitors to destinations such as Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and the Amazon.
Business travel could also increase as companies in sectors such as technology, fintech, and renewable energy strengthen ties between the two economies.
A New Bridge Between Europe and South America
If negotiations succeed and airlines move forward with service, Ireland could soon gain its first nonstop connection to South America.
For travelers, the change would transform what is currently a multi-connection journey into a single overnight flight. For the aviation industry, it would represent a new strategic bridge between two growing markets on opposite sides of the Atlantic.
With talks now underway, the possibility of seeing a Dublin–Brazil flight on airport departure boards may no longer be far off.
