Updated:November 1, 2025
LATAM Airlines announced an ambitious expansion of its international network by 2026, with a 6% increase in its seat offering between Brazil and North America/Europe, and the evaluation of a pioneering operation in the Middle East that could revolutionize connectivity between Latin America and that strategic region.
6% Growth in Key Routes
The airline will progressively implement frequency increases on its most popular routes from São Paulo/Guarulhos (GRU), consolidating its position as the leading company in the Brazilian market and reinforcing air bridges with strategic destinations on two continents.
Comparing August 2025 to August 2026, the growth represents thousands of additional seats that will benefit both business and tourism travelers, improving connectivity between South America and major urban centers in the United States and Europe.
Expansion in the United States: More Options for Travelers
LATAM will significantly strengthen its presence in the North American market with strategic increases in four key cities:
Orlando (MCO) - Family Paradise
- New frequency:14 weekly flights (two daily)
- Start:June 2026
- Impact:Virtually doubles connectivity with the main family tourist destination in the United States
Orlando, home to Disney World, Universal Studios and dozens of attractions, will receive the most significant increase, facilitating access for Brazilian and Latin American tourists to one of the most popular destinations in the world.
Los Angeles (LAX) - Gateway to the Pacific
- New frequency:5 weekly flights (an increase of one frequency)
- Start:June 2026
- Impact:Improves connections with the west coast and possible links to Asia
Los Angeles, the second largest city in the United States and a technological-cinematic hub, expands its connectivity with Brazil, facilitating business and tourism trips to California.
Miami (MIA) - The Latin American Bridge
- New frequency:15 weekly flights (temporary increase)
- Validity:June 2026
- Impact:Strengthens the main Latin American hub of LATAM
Miami, with its enormous Spanish-speaking population and its role as the financial and commercial center of Latin America, receives strategic reinforcement in the month of greatest demand.
Boston (BOS) - Academic and Technology Center
- New frequency:4 weekly flights
- Start:May 2026
- Impact:Connect with the educational and technological hub of the American northeast
Boston, home to Harvard, MIT and dozens of prestigious universities, becomes a more accessible destination for students, researchers and professionals.
Europe: Consolidation in Strategic Markets
The European continent will also see a significant reinforcement in LATAM offering, with three cities experiencing substantial increases:
Rome (FCO) - The Eternal City
- New frequency:Daily service (7 weekly flights)
- Start:June 2026
- Impact:Rome now has daily service, facilitating weekend getaways
The Italian capital, with its historical, cultural and gastronomic wealth, will be more accessible than ever for South American travelers, with direct flights every day of the week.
Barcelona (BCN) - Door to the Mediterranean
- New frequency:5 weekly in April, 7 weekly (daily) from June
- Start:April 2026
- Impact:Daily service during the European summer
Barcelona, with its modernist architecture, Mediterranean beaches and vibrant cultural life, doubles its connectivity, becoming a more attractive option for tourists and the important Latin American community in Spain.
Madrid (MAD) - Iberian Capital
- New frequency:14 weekly flights (two daily)
- Start:April 2026
- Impact:Madrid reaches two daily flights, consolidating itself as the main European destination
The Spanish capital, the nerve center of Spanish-speaking businesses in Europe, receives the earliest increase (April 2026), responding to the strong demand for connections between Brazil, Spain and the rest of Europe.
Middle East: The Next Horizon
In a statement that has captured the attention of the aeronautical industry, LATAM confirmed that it is carrying out a"deep evaluation" to operate a destination in the Middle East.
What does this mean?
Aline Mafra, Sales and Marketing Director of LATAM Brazil, noted:"We began an in-depth operational evaluation for a destination in the Middle East, which would enhance our reach in the region".
Although the airline did not reveal specific destinations, the most likely candidates include:
- Dubai (DXB):Global hub of connections and luxury tourist destination
- Doha (DOH):Qatar Airways center and headquarters of the 2022 World Cup
- Abu Dhabi (AUH):Capital of the United Arab Emirates with strong tourism growth
Potential Impact
A direct route between São Paulo and the Middle East would represent:
- First direct connectionbetween Brazil and the region
- Bridge for Asian connections(India, Southeast Asia, China)
- Access to emerging destinationsfor luxury tourism and business
- Direct competitionwith Persian Gulf airlines dominating transcontinental routes
Beyond: Europe and Africa on the Radar
LATAM also confirmed that it is studying the feasibility of new destinations in:
- Europe:Possible candidates include Lisbon, Amsterdam, Frankfurt or London
- Africa:You could explore Johannesburg or Cairo, connecting two southern hemispheres
Connectivity from the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean
For Dominican and Caribbean travelers, this LATAM expansion opens up new connectivity opportunities:
Improved Connections
Passengers flying from Santo Domingo, Punta Cana or Santiago can benefit from:
- Better connections via São Pauloto Europe and the United States
- More itinerary optionswith convenient scales
- Greater competition = better priceson transatlantic routes
- Mileage accumulationin the LATAM Pass program
LATAM Caribbean Routes
LATAM currently operates from several points in the Caribbean with connections to its Brazilian hub, facilitating:
- Flights to Europe via São Paulo with a single stopover
- Access to South American destinations (Buenos Aires, Santiago, Lima)
- Alternative options to traditional routes via the United States
Impressive numbers
LATAM's expansion is based on solid figures:
- 90 international destinationsoperated from Brazil
- Up to 11% growthprojected in total international supply
- Market leaderBrazilian domestic and international from 2021 (according to ANAC)
- Thousands of additional seatsbetween Brazil and the world
Strategic Alliance with Embratur
The expansion is aligned with the partnership between LATAM and the Agência Brasileira de Promotion Internacional do Turismo (Embratur), which seeks to position Brazil as a global tourist destination.
Marcelo Freixo, president of Embratur, commented:"LATAM is a partner of Brazilian tourism, and this investment in expanding the frequency of flights that connect us with Europe and the United States is married to Embratur's actions to promote Brazil abroad".
When to reserve?
Tickets for all incremental flights will be available next weekon the official LATAM channels:
- Website latamairlines.com
- LATAM mobile app
- Travel agencies and associated OTAs
- Official call centers
Tips for Travelers
- Early booking:New frequencies usually have promotional rates
- Date flexibility:More flights = more options to find better prices
- Loyalty program:Take advantage of LATAM Pass to accumulate miles
- Price alerts:Set notifications for your favorite routes
Context: Market War in Latin America
LATAM's expansion occurs in a competitive context where airlines fight to dominate transatlantic routes and to the United States:
- Avianca:Strong in Colombia and Central America
- Copa Airlines:Dominate the Panamanian hub
- Aeromexico:Leader in Mexico and connections to Asia
- LATAM:Hegemony in South America, especially Brazil, Chile and Peru
LATAM Competitive Advantages
- Modern fleet:Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A350 for long routes
- Extensive network:Unique coverage in South America
- Alliances:Oneworld (with codeshares with American, British Airways, Iberia)
- Strategic Hub:São Paulo as a connection center
Implications for Industry
This expansion states:
- Full recoveryof post-pandemic traffic
- Latin American appetitefor international travel
- Confidence in economic growthfrom Brazil
- Intensified competitionon transatlantic routes
Year of "Strong Expansion"
Aline Mafra concluded that"it will certainly be a year of strong expansion for LATAM", marking 2026 as a transformative year for South American air connectivity.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When do the new LATAM flights start?Frequency increases will be implemented progressively between April and June 2026, depending on the destination.
From which airport does LATAM operate these flights?All the mentioned flights operate from São Paulo/Guarulhos (GRU), the main LATAM hub in Brazil.
Can I connect from the Dominican Republic?Yes, LATAM offers connections from various points in the Caribbean to São Paulo, facilitating trips to Europe and the United States.
When will tickets be available?Tickets for the new frequencies will go on sale next week on all official LATAM channels.
Will they confirm the fate of the Middle East?LATAM is in the evaluation phase. An official announcement is expected in the coming months once feasibility studies are completed.
About LATAM Airlines
LATAM Airlines Group is the leading airline group in Latin America, with presence in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay and Peru. It operates one of the largest networks in the world, connecting 19 countries and transporting more than 70 million passengers a year. It is a member of the Oneworld alliance.
Fountain:Aviation Line / AeroinPublication date:November 1, 2025Categories:Commercial Aviation, LATAM Airlines, International Flights, Air Connectivity
Important note:Frequencies and dates mentioned are subject to regulatory approvals and may change. For updated official information, consult the LATAM Airlines website or contact their customer service channels.
