Ireland and Brazil Advance Towards Direct Flight Agreement

Negotiations are underway for a new Air Services Agreement (ASA) between Ireland and Brazil, paving the way for potential direct flights between the two countries. The agreement would establish the legal and regulatory framework necessary for scheduled air services, opening up new opportunities for tourism, and trade.

Growing Demand and Potential Routes

Currently, travelers between Ireland and Brazil must utilize connecting flights. In 2024, approximately 140,000 passengers traveled between Dublin and Brazil via these indirect routes [RTÉ]. Dublin Airport (DAA), which also operates Cork Airport, is actively engaging with airlines to explore the possibility of launching routes to Brazil, as well as to India and South Africa [MSN].

Sao Paulo has emerged as the most desired destination in Brazil for direct flights from Ireland, according to a public poll conducted by DAA [Dublin Airport]. The potential for direct connectivity is further underscored by the growing Brazilian population in Ireland, which has more than doubled in the last decade to approximately 40,000 people [RTÉ].

Government Support and Next Steps

The talks between Ireland and Brazil were initiated following a meeting between Irish Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien and Brazilian Minister for Ports and Airports Silvio Costa Filho [RTÉ]. Minister O’Brien emphasized that a bilateral ASA would “realise significant benefits for tourism and trade and further develop the growing bonds” between the two nations [RTÉ].

Minister Costa Filho echoed this sentiment, stating that the agreement represents an opportunity to expand aviation links and boost tourism between Latin America and Europe [RTÉ]. The governments are hopeful that a carrier from Ireland, another EU country, or Brazil will ultimately operate the route.

Airport Capacity and Legislative Changes

DAA has previously highlighted that passenger capacity limitations at Dublin Airport posed a challenge to establishing new routes. However, the Irish government is currently working to remove the existing passenger cap of 32 million, after Dublin Airport handled 36.4 million passengers in the previous year [RTÉ]. Passenger numbers at Dublin Airport increased by almost 10% year-on-year in February, reaching over 2.3 million, and were up almost 15% in January.

The commencement of the talks was announced on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 [RTÉ].