GOL to Launch Rio de Janeiro–New York JFK Nonstop

RIO DE JANEIRO — Brazilian carrier GOL Linhas Aéreas (G3) has announced a new nonstop route linking Rio de Janeiro and New York, the airline’s first long-haul service as it pushes deeper into international markets.

The new service is scheduled to begin on July 8, 2026, operating three weekly frequencies between Galeão International Airport (GIG) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).

The route was developed through a partnership with Rio de Janeiro City Hall, according to the carrier, and tickets are now available through GOL’s direct sales channels, the airline said.

New York launch marks GOL’s first long-haul step

GOL said the launch follows its decision to introduce widebody capability to support longer-haul flying, marking a notable shift for an airline historically associated with narrowbody operations.

Good on them, the Rio–New York service is more than a new route for G3; it’s the carrier’s first move into long-haul flying as it shifts beyond an all-Boeing 737 operation.

Behind the scenes, Reuters reports the Brazilian airline’s long-haul plan is tied to incoming Airbus A330-900 (A330neo) widebodies, with GIG positioned as the hub for the new intercontinental network.

Aviation Week has also pointed to parent group ABRA’s widebody pipeline—including A330neos—as part of the broader fleet-diversification strategy enabling longer routes.