Since the beginning of the year, demand for Latin America and the Caribbean has continued to grow. In response to this trend, airlines are adjusting their networks and business models, with a series of announcements in April that provide a clearer view of how connectivity in the region is evolving.
Three main trends are emerging: the launch of direct routes on corridors that previously relied on stopovers, the strengthening of already solid markets—particularly Brazil and the Caribbean—and an increasingly structured Canadian presence in sun destinations. In addition, new commercial models are gradually reshaping the way people travel.
New long-haul direct routes from November
ITA Airways confirms its entry into the Caribbean with a new direct route between Rome and Santo Domingo, starting November 30, 2026. The route will begin with one weekly flight on Mondays, increasing to two frequencies with the addition of Sundays from December 14 through the end of March 2027. Flights will be operated on Airbus A330neo aircraft, featuring Business, Premium Economy, and Economy cabins.
Rome (FCO) – Santo Domingo (SDQ) – Mondays and Sundays:
- Flight AZ 686: FCO 09:10 – SDQ 15:15
- Flight AZ 687: SDQ 17:15 – FCO 08:00 (+1)
At the same time, El Al announces a direct route between Tel Aviv and Buenos Aires, the first connection between Israel and Argentina. Sales are expected to open in May, with operations beginning in November, with two weekly frequencies.
Strengthening connectivity between Europe and Brazil
Iberia details its winter 2026–2027 schedule with an 18% increase in capacity to Brazil, totaling 322,000 seats between late October and March.
This growth is based on recently launched routes to Recife and Fortaleza. Frequencies will range from five to seven weekly flights for Recife, and from four to five for Fortaleza, with daily service to Recife during certain periods. These routes are operated with Airbus A321XLR aircraft, a long-haul narrow-body with 182 seats in Business and Economy.
In the shorter term, Iberia is adding an extra frequency in May to both destinations, temporarily bringing the offer to four weekly flights per city.
Madrid (MAD) – Recife (REC) – Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays:
- Flight IB 141: MAD 15:55 – REC 19:50
- Flight IB 142: REC 21:20 – MAD 10:25 (+1)
Madrid (MAD) – Fortaleza (FOR) – Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays:
- Flight IB 149: MAD 11:45 – FOR 15:30
- Flight IB 150: FOR 17:00 – MAD 05:50 (+1)
Canada reshapes its presence in Latin America and the Caribbean
Air Canada continues expanding its network with a new route between Vancouver and Guanacaste, operating from December 13, 2026 to April 12, 2027, with two weekly flights on a Boeing 737 MAX 8 (177 seats).
Vancouver (YVR) – Guanacaste (LIR) – Wednesdays and Sundays:
- Flight AC 2134: YVR 23:15 – LIR 07:35 (+1)
- Flight AC 2135: LIR 08:35 – YVR 15:30
The airline is also adding a seasonal route between Montreal and Santo Domingo, from December 10, 2026 to April 18, 2027, with two weekly frequencies.
Montreal (YUL) – Santo Domingo (SDQ):
- Flight AC 1380: YUL 17:55 – SDQ 23:20 (+1) – Thursdays and Sundays
- Flight AC 1381: SDQ 12:30 – YUL 15:55 – Mondays and Fridays
This strategy continues in Mexico with a Toronto–Mérida route (November 21, 2026 – April 17, 2027) and a Vancouver–Mazatlán connection (December 15, 2026 – April 9, 2027), both operating twice a week.
Toronto (YYZ) – Mérida (MID) – Mondays and Saturdays:
- Flight AC 1491: YYZ 09:10 – MID 12:35
- Flight AC 1490: MID 13:30 – YYZ 18:25
Vancouver (YVR) – Mazatlán (MZT) – Tuesdays and Fridays:
- Flight AC 2130: YVR 09:15 – MZT 13:55
- Flight AC 2131: MZT 14:30 – YVR 19:45
Roatán is also added to this network with seasonal operations from Montreal, from December 12, 2026 to April 11, 2027, operated on Airbus A220-300 aircraft.
Montreal (YUL) – Roatán (RTB) – Fridays and Saturdays:
- Flight AC 1499: YUL 08:35 – RTB 13:00
- Flight AC 1498: RTB 13:55 – YUL 19:40
Innovation, technology, and new travel models
JetSMART introduces a different model with its “All You Can Fly” subscription, allowing unlimited travel across South America for 12 months through a one-time payment, with passengers only paying taxes and fees per segment.
Bookings can be made up to 24 hours before a domestic flight and 72 hours before an international flight. This model targets travelers seeking flexibility and short-term decision-making capacity.
It also opens up the possibility of building multi-destination itineraries across several countries without the usual pricing constraints.
These developments show that connectivity is no longer just about responding to demand. The launch of new routes, adjustments in frequencies, and the emergence of more flexible models are directly shaping travel flows and structuring markets. In this context, the ability to capture these dynamics becomes a key factor for destinations.
Photo: ITA Airways
