GOL Linhas Aéreas has officially launched a new direct route connecting Miami and Belém, marking a significant enhancement in the travel corridor between North America and the Amazon region of Brazil. This much-anticipated route commenced operations on June 15, 2025, initially offering one flight per week, with plans to increase to two flights weekly starting June 26. The service is operated by the Boeing 737-800 aircraft, which is known for its efficiency and reliability, providing vital air access to Belém, one of Brazil’s most important regional hubs. This new link not only connects Belém directly to Miami but also strengthens the growing relationship between the two regions.
As the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) approaches in November 2025, Belém is poised to attract global attention. The significance of this new route cannot be overstated, as it coincides with substantial investments and infrastructure upgrades within the city. With a focus on improving international connectivity, GOL Linhas Aéreas is playing a pivotal role in supporting Belém’s growing recognition on the world stage.
The launch of the Miami-Belém service is part of a broader trend of increasing air connectivity between Brazil and the United States. Over the past year and a half, several new routes have been introduced, showcasing the heightened demand for travel between these two countries. Other notable expansions include:
- Azul’s Fort Lauderdale to Belém route, operating four times a week since 2022
- Direct flights from Orlando to Belo Horizonte, also operated by Azul
- Miami to Manaus, served by LATAM and Avianca
- Regular services from major U.S. cities such as Houston, Dallas, New York, Atlanta, and Miami to São Paulo (GRU), operated by American Airlines, United, Delta, LATAM, and GOL.
This surge in direct flights reflects a growing collaboration in tourism and trade between the two nations. Currently, over 200 weekly direct flights operate between the U.S. and Brazil, a remarkable increase compared to pre-pandemic levels. The United States remains a critical source of international visitors to Brazil, further bolstered by an expanding network of air routes. Marcelo Freixo, President of Embratur, the Brazilian Agency for the Promotion of International Tourism, stated, “In 2023 and 2024, we achieved growth in Brazil’s connectivity well above the global average, which allowed us to reach record numbers in flights, tourist arrivals, and tourism revenue.”
According to Freixo, international tourist arrivals to Brazil are expected to grow by 50% in 2025, a striking contrast to the UN’s forecast for the rest of the world, which ranges between 3% and 5%. He emphasized, “These numbers are the result of the high-quality work we’re doing to attract international flights and promote our tourist destinations abroad; never before had so many tourists arrived, and now they’re coming to a wider range of destinations, which helps regionalize development and create jobs.”
The rise in air travel complements Brazil’s robust tourism growth. From January to May 2025, Brazil welcomed 4.89 million international visitors, reflecting a 49.7% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Notably, Rio de Janeiro experienced a remarkable uptick, attracting over one million international tourists during the first five months, significantly influenced by a prominent concert at Copacabana Beach.
In addition to tourism growth, Brazil is experiencing a strong economic rebound. Between January and March 2025, the country attracted USD 81 million in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the tourism sector, marking an 88% increase over the same period in 2024. Investments in transport infrastructure led the way, followed by sectors such as culture and leisure. Overall, Brazil’s total FDI in tourism-related areas reached USD 360 million in 2024, a 40% rise compared to the previous year. Notably, Brazil emerged as the second-largest global recipient of FDI in 2024, securing nearly BRL 400 billion (approximately USD 70 billion) in investments, trailing only the United States.
With the expansion of air routes and a thriving tourism industry, Brazil is increasingly positioning itself as a leading destination for both international tourists and business investments. The ongoing improvements in infrastructure and greater global connectivity are essential to supporting this growth. As GOL Linhas Aéreas continues to expand its operations and enhance connectivity, the future looks bright for both Belém and the broader Brazilian tourism landscape. This new Miami-Belém flight is more than just a travel route; it symbolizes a commitment to bridging cultures and fostering economic growth through enhanced international collaboration.
