Brazil’s GOL Airlines intends to resume flights to Venezuela after withdrawing from the market in 2016 due to revenue concerns.
Since then, direct flights between Brazil and Venezuela have been nonexistent. Travelers have had to rely on layovers, mostly in Panama.
Venezuela seeks economic integration with Brazil and Colombia amid crisis.
President, Nicolás Maduro, directed his new economic ministers to work towards economic integration in the Latin America and Caribbean region.
Maduro highlighted the necessity of enhancing productive integration with South America and the Caribbean, especially with Colombia and Brazil.
Venezuela’s suspended status in Mercosur complicates its global standing, making reintegration a strategic move, especially given its abundant oil reserves.
Last August, GOL began talks with Venezuelan officials to renew this route. Recently, Venezuela’s Transport Minister confirmed the plan on local radio.
The airline has scheduled four weekly flights for this service. These flights will link São Paulo’s Guarulhos Airport to Caracas, Venezuela’s capital.
The company will use Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX 8 planes. The relaunch is set for December.
The resumption signifies an easing of aviation tensions. Political and economic issues have led to declining air travel to Venezuela in recent years.
The reentry of GOL can encourage other airlines to follow suit. It could also help boost Venezuela’s tourism industry.
Background
Airlines from other nations may take cues from GOL’s move. Direct flights to Venezuela remain scanty, primarily due to political instability.
This decision could serve as a test case for other international airlines. If successful, GOL may pave the way for more airlines to resume operations there.
In contrast, some airlines are reluctant to operate in Venezuela. Concerns include currency repatriation and operational safety.
GOL’s positive step could prompt a reevaluation of these concerns.
Additionally, the four-times-weekly schedule indicates a cautious optimism. GOL appears to be testing the market initially. Based on consumer response, they could modify the frequency later.
The timeline is intriguing, with December chosen for the relaunch. This coincides with the holiday season, a peak time for air travel.
The timing seems strategic, aimed at maximizing initial flight bookings.