January 2026 set the tone for the year ahead in terms of air connectivity in Latin America. Within just a few weeks, airlines and authorities confirmed new routes, frequency increases and several structuring agreements.
Beyond the figures, these announcements reflect a more strategic approach to source markets and a clear intention to prepare the 2026 season with greater clarity regarding geographic priorities and corridors currently being consolidated.
Barcelona strengthens its link with Peru
LEVEL has officially announced the launch of a direct service between Barcelona and Lima starting on 3 June 2026. Operated three times a week, it will be the only non-stop connection between the two cities. This new route consolidates the Catalan capital’s presence in South American long-haul operations and improves access to Peru from Southern Europe.
Schedules between Barcelona (BCN) and Lima (LIM) – Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday:
- Flight LL 2611: BCN 13:55 – LIM 20:20
- Flight LL 2610: LIM 22:05 – BCN 17:50 (+1)
Guanacaste moves towards year-round service
Porter Airlines has confirmed the continuation of its Toronto–Guanacaste (Liberia) route throughout the year, following positive results since its launch in late 2025.
Initially designed as a seasonal service, the route will operate two weekly flights from May to October, increasing to up to six weekly frequencies during the high season. This decision strengthens Costa Rica’s stability in the Canadian market and supports more evenly distributed visitor flows.
Schedules between Toronto (YYZ) and Liberia (LIR) – Wednesday and Sunday:
- Flight PD 783: YYZ 09:10 – LIR 12:30
- Flight PD 784: LIR 13:30 – YYZ 20:55
The Dominican Republic consolidates its links with Europe
Air France has resumed its seasonal flights between Paris and Punta Cana, with three weekly frequencies operated by Boeing 777-300 aircraft until the end of March 2026.
This resumption is part of the country’s strategy to strengthen long-haul connectivity and facilitates onward connections via Paris–Charles de Gaulle, particularly from Asia and the Middle East.
Schedules between Paris (CDG) and Punta Cana (PUJ) – Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday:
- Flight AF 0968: CDG 14:25 – PUJ 18:45
- Flight AF 0969: PUJ 21:15 – CDG 10:40 (+1)
Ireland opens a new route to Mexico
Air Lingus has inaugurated a direct service between Dublin and Cancún, operated three times a week.
This new route increases Mexico’s exposure in the Irish market and, more broadly, across Northern Europe, strengthening the country’s presence in long-haul leisure-focused programmes.
Schedules between Dublin (DUB) and Cancún (CUN) – Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday:
- Flight EI 143: DUB 13:30 – CUN 19:20
- Flight EI 142: CUN 21:05 – DUB 11:15 (+1)
Argentina prepares for the post-World Cup period
Aerolíneas Argentinas has announced the launch of a direct route between Córdoba and Miami starting on 5 June 2026. Initially linked to the World Cup calendar, the route will be maintained beyond the event and operated with Airbus A330 aircraft.
This announcement strengthens Córdoba’s international connectivity and contributes to a more balanced distribution of inbound traffic beyond Buenos Aires.
Schedules between Miami (MIA) and Córdoba (COR) – Friday and Sunday:
- Flight AR 1311: MIA 02:10 – COR 12:00
- Flight AR 1310: COR 15:00 – MIA 23:00
Plus Ultra strengthens its position in South America
Spanish carrier Plus Ultra has doubled the frequencies on its Madrid–Cartagena de Indias route, now reaching six weekly flights. This increase responds to sustained demand for Colombia observed at the end of 2025.
Schedules between Madrid (MAD) and Cartagena de Indias (CTG) – Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday:
- Flight PU 0721: MAD 14:45 – CTG 19:45
- Flight PU 0722: CTG 21:30 – MAD 13:30 (+1)
In addition, the airline will launch the Madrid–Buenos Aires (Ezeiza) route on 23 May, initially with two weekly flights, increasing to four frequencies from July.
Schedules between Madrid (MAD) and Buenos Aires (EZE) – Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday:
- Flight PU 0501: MAD 23:10 – EZE 06:45 (+1)
- Flight PU 0502: EZE 13:25 – MAD 06:30 (+1)
Australia and Peru lay the groundwork for future development
A new air services agreement will facilitate the launch of routes between Australian cities and several destinations in Peru, expanding connectivity between Oceania and South America. The agreement removes operational and administrative restrictions, allowing Australian airlines to freely determine capacity, frequencies, routes and aircraft types.
The announcements made at the start of the year show that the region is no longer merely reacting to demand: it is anticipating long-haul market needs and adjusting its networks accordingly.
For tourism professionals, these developments provide clear signals regarding destinations set to gain visibility, high-potential periods and new itinerary combinations that are now easier to build—key elements for shaping 2026 programming and commercial strategies.
Photo: Level
