Ministers welcome landmark negotiations on a new air services agreement between Ireland and Brazil
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From: Department of Transport
- Published on: 11 March 2026
- Last updated on: 11 March 2026
A new direct service will provide access not only to Brazil but also onward connectivity to destinations throughout the continent
Minister for Transport of Ireland, Darragh O’Brien, and Minister for Ports and Airports of Brazil, Silvio Costa Filho, have announced the opening of formal negotiations on an Air Services Agreement between Ireland and Brazil.
An Air Services Agreement (ASA) provides the legal and regulatory framework for the operation of scheduled air services. The agreement would facilitate the introduction of direct scheduled flights between the two countries, should any commercial operator wish to begin services.
“I am delighted that negotiations are underway between our officials. A bilateral air services agreement between Ireland and Brazil would send a strong signal to industry of the commitment our two Governments have to facilitating direct connectivity between our two countries which would realise significant benefits for tourism and trade and further develop the growing bonds between our people. I am optimistic about the pace of progress, and I look forward to both sides bringing the agreement to fruition in due course.”
Minister for Transport, Darragh O'Brien
While the decision to introduce direct flights will remain a commercial matter for interested airlines, data suggests that there is increasing demand from passengers to travel directly from Ireland to Brazil and some airlines have informally expressed an interest in this route. It is hoped that this demand will be met by a carrier from Ireland, Brazil or indeed the European Union.
There are currently no direct flights to South America from Ireland. A new direct service could provide access not only to Brazil but also onward connectivity to destinations throughout the continent, via key international hubs such as São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport.
“The bilateral air services agreement between Brazil and Ireland represents an opportunity not only to expand aviation links between the two countries, but also to boost tourism between Latin America and Europe. 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. The Ministry of Ports and Airports and the Federal Government will make every effort to ensure that the agreement will be concluded soon, paving the way for air operations between the two nations.”
Minister for Ports and Airports of Brazil, Silvio Costa Filho
As an international agreement, the ASA will need to pass through the various domestic procedures of both countries before being signed and entering into force.