The start of the second half of the year highlights a long-haul network between Europe and Latin America undergoing major transformation. Madrid is once again concentrating a significant share of these developments, with new connections and additional capacity reinforcing its role as a major redistribution hub for destinations across the region.
At the same time, expansion is extending beyond the Spanish hub, with new direct routes linking South America to the Middle East, as well as added capacity on services connecting Europe and North America to destinations such as San José, Santo Domingo, Lima and Buenos Aires.
A new gateway between the Middle East and South America
Qatar Airways will launch a new triangular route between Doha, Bogotá and Caracas starting July 22, marking an unprecedented step forward in the region’s air connectivity. The operation will make the airline the first Gulf carrier to fly to Venezuela and establish a direct link between the Middle East and these capitals.
Doha (DOH) – Bogotá (BOG) – Caracas (CCS) – Wednesdays and Sundays
- Flight QR783: DOH 07:30 – BOG 16:05
- Flight QR783: BOG 17:35 – CCS 20:40
- Flight QR783: CCS 22:40 – DOH 19:55 (+1)
This new route will expand Qatar Airways’ network to 16 destinations in the Americas and forms part of the airline’s South American expansion strategy, aimed at strengthening long-haul connectivity to emerging markets across the continent.
Spain strengthens its role as a hub with more frequencies to Latin America
Air Europa is increasing its weekly frequencies for the 2026 summer season (June to September) to Santo Domingo, which will rise to 11 flights, Santiago de los Caballeros with 3 flights, and Guayaquil with 4 flights.
In addition, the Spanish airline will launch a new route between Geneva and Madrid from June 19, 2026, with two daily flights operated year-round on Boeing 737-800 aircraft. This new connection will become the airline’s second destination in Switzerland after Zurich. Air Europa plans to offer more than 260,000 annual seats on the route, strengthening connectivity between Switzerland and the Madrid-Barajas hub.
Madrid (MAD) – Geneva (GVA)
- Flight UX1663: MAD 07:55 – GVA 09:50
- Flight UX1665: MAD 16:40 – GVA 18:35
Geneva (GVA) – Madrid (MAD)
- Flight UX1664: GVA 10:50 – MAD 12:45
- Flight UX1666: GVA 19:35 – MAD 21:30
Meanwhile, Iberojet will launch a direct service between Madrid, Barcelona and San Salvador starting in September. The operation will be carried out using Airbus A350-900 aircraft and designed as a nonstop connection between these markets, while also incorporating cargo capacity in the hold.
Madrid (MAD) – San Salvador (SAL)
- Flight E9865: MAD 18:35 – SAL 21:55 – Sunday
- Flight E9866: SAL 05:05 – MAD 22:30 – Tuesday
Barcelona (BCN) – San Salvador (SAL) – Monday
- Flight E9867: BCN 22:25 – SAL 02:00
- Flight E9868: SAL 00:45 – BCN 18:30
At the same time, Plus Ultra is adjusting its South American network with additional capacity on two of its main routes. The Madrid–Lima route will increase to seven weekly frequencies from July 14, while Madrid–Buenos Aires will gradually rise to five weekly frequencies starting July 20. These adjustments are part of a network reorganization focused on more profitable routes within the Andean corridor and the Southern Cone.
Madrid (MAD) – Lima (LIM) – daily
- Flight PU301: MAD 11:00 – LIM 16:10
- Flight PU302: LIM 18:10 – MAD 13:05 (+1)
Madrid (MAD) – Buenos Aires (EZE) – Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday
- Flight PU501: MAD 23:10 – EZE 06:45 (+1)
- Flight PU502: EZE 13:25 – MAD 06:30 (+1)
New connections to the Caribbean and Central America
Neos Air will launch a route between Rome and Holguín starting June 30, 2026. The service will operate once a week and strengthen European access to eastern Cuba, a region that includes beach destinations such as Guardalavaca, as well as itineraries linked to natural and archaeological heritage.
Rome (FCO) – Holguín (HOG) – Tuesday
- Flight NO0256: FCO 09:00 – HOG 16:35
- Flight NO0257: HOG 18:05 – FCO 12:55
Further north, Frankfurt will also strengthen its connectivity with Central America during the winter season. Lufthansa will increase its direct service to Costa Rica from three to five weekly frequencies between October 25, 2026 and March 27, 2027. The route will be operated with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft equipped with the Allegris configuration in Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy.
Frankfurt (FRA) – San José (SJO) – Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
- Flight LH 518: FRA 13:40 – SJO 18:55
- Flight LH 519: SJO 20:40 – FRA 13:15 (+1)
The United States and Canada increase frequencies to Latin America
In Colombia, Avianca announced the reinforcement of two of its main routes from the United States. The Fort Lauderdale–Bogotá service will increase to two daily frequencies starting June 1, 2026.
Fort Lauderdale (FLL) – Bogotá (BOG) – daily
- Flight AV 67: FLL 10:45 – BOG 13:25
- Flight AV 66: BOG 14:40 – FLL 19:30
At the same time, the Miami–Barranquilla route will increase from three weekly frequencies to a daily operation from the same date.
Miami (MIA) – Barranquilla (BAQ) – daily
- Flight AV 3: MIA 13:30 – BAQ 15:15
- Flight AV 2: BAQ 07:50 – MIA 11:45
From Canada, Porter Airlines will introduce a new direct route between Toronto and San José, Costa Rica, starting December 2. The route will operate four times a week on Embraer E195-E2 aircraft configured for 132 passengers. The service is initially scheduled through April 2027.
Toronto (YYZ) – San José (SJO) – Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
- Flight PD 789: YYZ 16:55 – SJO 21:25
- Flight PD 790: SJO 23:55 – YYZ 06:10 (+1)
Brazil expands its role in transatlantic connectivity
Gol will begin operating a new connection from Rio de Janeiro during the second half of 2026. The Rio–Lisbon route, scheduled to launch on September 16, will mark the Brazilian airline’s entry into the wide-body intercontinental segment.
Lisbon (LIS) – Rio (GIG) – Wednesday, Friday and Saturday
- Flight G3 7021: LIS 23:30 – GIG 17:30 (+1)
- Flight G3 7020: GIG 08:00 – LIS 21:40
The flight is part of Abra Group’s strategy — which includes Avianca, Gol and Wamos — to strengthen a broader transatlantic network from the Southern Cone to Europe and the United States. The group also plans to introduce additional long-haul connections in future phases, including markets such as Orlando and Paris.
Photo: Simple Flying
