GOL Opens Its Rio–New York Route

GOL Airlines has opened its first long-haul international route, connecting Rio de Janeiro's Galeão airport with New York's John F. Kennedy airport. The inaugural flights were celebrated on 8 and 9 July 2026. The service operates three times a week using an Airbus A330, with GOL using Terminal 8 at JFK.

A seasonal start

The initial operating period runs through October. Continuous operation is planned from March 2027, so the July launch does not establish an uninterrupted year-round schedule for the first winter.

Bookings for the following season

In its 3 June announcement, GOL opened ticket sales for travel beginning on 28 March 2027, with three weekly round trips. The airline identified several sales channels for that season:

• GOL and Smiles websites and applications.
• GOL airport stores and travel agencies.
• American Airlines sales channels.

Long-haul cabin service

The same announcement describes INSIGNIA Business Class with fully flat beds, personal entertainment screens and priority check-in and boarding. The premium dining menu is curated by Brazilian chef Felipe Bronze. These features describe the business-class offering, rather than benefits included with every ticket.

Rio's role in the network

GOL's March expansion announcement identified Galeão as the base for its new long-haul network. The airline presented this development alongside its existing hubs at Guarulhos, Congonhas, Brasília and Salvador, positioning Rio as another gateway into its Brazilian and Latin American network.

The announced international expansion also included Lisbon, Paris and Orlando. Those destinations formed part of the wider programme; the completed July inauguration covered the New York connection. Information about the airline and its services is available at https://www.voegol.com.br/.

Company contact

GOL Linhas Aéreas
Sales and customer service in the United States and Canada: 1 855 862 9190.
Other countries: +55 11 3913 2027.
Press enquiries: gol@inpresspni.com.br.
Customer contact directory: https://www.voegol.com.br/en-us/nh/atendimento/contatos-atendimento-online