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MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT Darragh O’Brien has announced that negotiations are underway for Ireland’s first direct flight route to Brazil.
Formal talks are underway to create the first Air Services Agreement (ASA) between the two counties.
The ASA provides the legal framework for direct flights, but introduction of these is contingent on an airline choosing to run them.
In a statement today, the Department of Transport said “data suggests that there is increasing demand from passengers to travel directly from Ireland to Brazil” and it hopes “this demand will be met by a carrier from Ireland, Brazil or indeed the European Union”.
Any ASA also needs to go through Cabinet and Brazil’s own domestic procedures.
There are currently no direct flights from Ireland to South America.
Welcoming the negotiations O’Brien said they “send a strong signal to industry of the commitment our two Governments have to facilitating direct connectivity between our two countries”.
He said an ASA would have “significant benefits for tourism and trade” in both countries.
“I am optimistic about the pace of progress, and I look forward to both sides bringing the agreement to fruition in due course.”
Brazilian Minister for Ports and Airports Silvio Costa Filho said: “This is a very important milestone for both governments, which have demonstrated mutual interest in opening new markets and strengthening the mode of transport that carries the largest number of people worldwide on long-haul journeys”.
His said his ministry will “make every effort to ensure that the agreement will be concluded soon”.
Aer Lingus has expanded on its transatlantic routes recently. The airline began offering direct flights to Cancun in January 2026, which will be offered until April.
Aer Lingus is also launching a direct route to Pittsburgh four times a week from May 2026.
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