February 2026 is not simply about adding new routes. This month’s announcements point to a more structured evolution of connectivity to Latin America: the growing importance of the North American West Coast, consolidation of Europe–Brazil corridors, targeted seasonal reinforcement, and the opening of alternative gateways.
Behind the announced frequencies, a clear logic emerges: facilitating access to destinations beyond traditional hubs and better distributing flows throughout the year.
The U.S. West Coast strengthens its role toward Central America
Starting October 1, Southwest Airlines will launch a daily Las Vegas–San José (Costa Rica) service. This connection provides direct access to the country from the western United States, beyond routes historically dominated by Florida and Texas.
Las Vegas (LAS) – San José (SJO) schedule – daily
- Flight WN 2305: LAS 23:20 – SJO 06:05
- Flight WN 104: SJO 12:55 – LAS 17:50
The trend continues with Avianca, which will operate a direct Guatemala City–San Francisco flight four times weekly from June 1 to August 31.
San Francisco (SFO) – Guatemala City (GUA) schedule – Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
- Flight AV 553: SFO 07:45 – GUA 14:15
- Flight AV 552: GUA 01:20 – SFO 06:25
These two routes reflect a strategic repositioning: capturing demand from the U.S. Pacific coast toward nature- and culture-focused destinations, with shorter travel times and simplified connections.
Brazil diversifies its gateways
From October 26, TAP Air Portugal will inaugurate aLisbon–São Luís service (twice weekly), creating a new international gateway to the Northeast.
Lisbon (LIS) – São Luís (SLZ) schedule – Monday and Thursday
- Flight TP 17: LIS 19:05 – SLZ 12:10 (+1)
- Flight TP 18: SLZ 01:20 – LIS 06:25
This route goes beyond connectivity: it places a region with strong cultural and Afro-Brazilian identity directly on the European radar, without passing through traditional hubs such as São Paulo or Rio.
At the same time, LATAM Airlines is strengthening transatlantic links:
- Amsterdam–São Paulo will increase from 4 to 6 weekly flights.
- Lisbon–São Paulo will reach 8 to 10 weekly frequencies starting in June.
TAP will also add a fourth frequency to Porto Alegre and Florianópolis starting in July, consolidating southern Brazil within European itineraries.
Transatlantic capacity surges
During the European summer season, Iberia plans nearly 3.3 million seats to Latin America, with up to 366 weekly flights.
The Madrid–Buenos Aires route will reach 23 weekly frequencies between June and August, surpassing three daily flights for the first time.
On June 2, the airline will also open a new Madrid–Monterrey route (three weekly flights).
Madrid (MAD) – Monterrey (MTY) schedule – Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
- Flight IB 305: MAD 13:10 – MTY 17:05
- Flight IB 306: MTY 18:35 – MAD 13:05 (+1)
This expansion confirms the growing weight of Mexico and Argentina in transatlantic flows.
Canada consolidates its role as a complementary hub
Air Canada announced the expansion of its winter network with seasonal routes between Calgary and the Mexican destinations of Cancún and Puerto Vallarta, operating from December through April 2027.
Calgary (YYC) – Cancún (CUN) schedule – Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
- Flight AC 2120: YYC 08:30 – CUN 15:50
- Flight AC 2121: CUN 16:50 – YYC 21:00
Calgary (YYC) – Puerto Vallarta (PVR) schedule – Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
- Flight AC 2122: YYC 10:50 – PVR 16:40
- Flight AC 2123: PVR 17:40 – YYC 21:45
The airline will also resume Quito service for the 2026–2027 season using Boeing 787 Dreamliners, restoring direct connectivity with Ecuador.
Montréal (YUL) – Quito (UIO) schedule – Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
- Flight AC 962: YUL 17:40 – UIO 00:10 (+1)
- Flight AC 963: UIO 09:00 – YUL 15:15
Toronto (YYZ) – Quito (UIO) schedule – Saturday/Sunday
- Flight AC 960: YYZ 17:55 – UIO 00:10 (+1)
- Flight AC 961: UIO 09:00 – YYZ 15:10
Air Canada will also increase capacity to South America by advancing the resumption of services to Rio de Janeiro, Lima, and Santiago de Chile, while operating all Bogotá flights with Dreamliners, optimizing premium offerings and reinforcing Canada’s role as a complementary hub to the region.
These announcements strengthen inbound access to Latin America via major hubs and new entry points. New routes from the U.S. West Coast, seasonal service to Guatemala, expanded Brazil–Europe corridors, and increased winter capacity from Canada facilitate arrivals during key travel windows. For tourism professionals, these developments signal concrete opportunities to stimulate demand: simplified access to Costa Rica and Mexico during peak season, new European gateways to Northeast and southern Brazil, and the ability to design itineraries beyond the region’s most established destinations.
Photos: Air Canada
