Latin America is increasingly asserting itself on the global aviation map. With record-breaking flights, new regional connections, and international airline expansions, the region is reshaping its air routes and opening new markets. For travelers and industry professionals alike, the coming months promise exciting opportunities.
Argentina: a new route to Shanghai
China Eastern Airlines will launch the Shanghai–Buenos Aires route on December 4, 2025, with a technical stop in Auckland and two weekly flights. Covering over 19,600 kilometers in more than 25 hours, it will be the longest scheduled flight in the world.
Beyond reducing travel time compared to traditional routes via North America or Europe, this connection positions Buenos Aires as a strategic air bridge between the two continents.
Schedule between Shanghai (PVG) and Buenos Aires (EZE):
- Flight MU745: PVG 2:00 – EZE 16:55 (Monday and Thursday)
- Flight MU746: EZE 2:00 – PVG 13:15 (+1) (Tuesday and Friday)
JetBlue expands in Central America and the Caribbean
The U.S. airline announced a major expansion from its Fort Lauderdale base, with nine new routes starting in November 2025. Among them are direct flights to Cali and Cartagena (Colombia), Liberia (Costa Rica), and San Pedro Sula (Honduras).
Liberia will also see increased frequency from Boston, going from two weekly flights to daily service starting December 18.
Schedule between Boston (BOS) and Liberia (LIR) – Daily:
- Flight B6 897: BOS 8:15 – LIR 13:10
- Flight B6 898: LIR 14:30 – BOS 20:51
Winter season: new routes and increased frequencies
Air Europa will double its Madrid–Santo Domingo flights during the holiday season. From December 18, 2025, to January 31, 2026, the route will go from one to two daily flights.
Schedule between Madrid (MAD) and Santo Domingo (SDQ) – Daily:
- Flight UX 185: MAD 11:30 – SDQ 15:30
- Flight UX 186: SDQ 17:30 – MAD 6:35 (+1)
Frontier Airlines will launch a direct Houston–San Pedro Sula (Honduras) route on December 20, operating every Saturday.
Schedule between Houston (IAH) and San Pedro Sula (SAP) – Saturday:
- Flight F9 350: IAH 15:31 – SAP 18:24
- Flight F9 351: SAP 10:45 – IAH 13:46
The low-cost airline will also launch a Houston–Guatemala City route with three weekly flights.
Schedule between Houston (IAH) and Guatemala (GUA) – Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday:
- Flight F9 344: IAH 15:47 – GUA 18:41
- Flight F9 345: GUA 10:58 – IAH 14:02
LATAM Airlines will open a daily Buenos Aires–Miami route on December 1, operated with Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft.
Schedule between Miami (MIA) and Buenos Aires (EZE) – Daily:
- Flight LA 543: MIA 22:55 – EZE 9:35 (+1)
- Flight LA 542: EZE 11:00 – MIA 17:55
New horizons for Iberia in Brazil
As part of its Flight Plan 2030, Iberia will strengthen its presence with direct flights to Recife (starting December 13) and Fortaleza (starting January 19), operated with A321XLR aircraft and three weekly frequencies.
Schedule between Madrid (MAD) and Recife (REC):
- Flight IB 139: MAD 12:45 – REC 5:45 (Monday, Friday, and Saturday)
- Flight IB 140: REC 19:15 – MAD 7:15 (+1) (Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday)
2026 Outlook: Southwest connects Nashville to Costa Rica
Southwest Airlines announced the launch of a seasonal route between Nashville and San José in March 2026. It will operate every Saturday for four weeks initially, with potential for extension.
Schedule between Nashville (BNA) and San José (SJO) – Saturday:
- Flight WN 538: BNA 9:50 – SJO 14:05
- Flight WN 3381: SJO 12:50 – BNA 18:15
From the world’s longest flight to regional routes that ease daily mobility, aviation in Latin America is experiencing unprecedented growth. These new routes are more than lines on a map — they represent the opening of new markets, the rise of strategic hubs, and the airlines’ commitment to supporting a continent that’s soaring on the global stage.
Photos: Frontier Airlines
