Argentine low-cost airline Flybondi announced the launch of four weekly flights connecting Buenos Aires with Encarnación in the south of Paraguay. The announcement was celebrated on the Flybondi account on X: “Starting flag: coming soon.”
To enable the new route, Encarnación’s Teniente Ramon Amín Ayub González International Airport is being upgraded to meet international standards. The refurbishments and enhancements are expected to be finalised by August 7, 2025. This new air connection not only strengthens inbound tourism, but also positions Encarnación as a strategic hub for international events.
Flybondi’s ultra-low-cost approach
Flybondi is a low-cost airline headquartered in Argentina. Established in 2016, the airline is recognised for its ultra-low-cost approach. It provides competitive fares by prioritising efficiency and basic services, with extra fees for add-ons such as luggage and seat selection. The airline is comparable to Ryanair, which operates international flights across Europe.
The airline uses a Boeing 737–800 aircraft, which typically seats around 189 passengers. Flybondi primarily operates domestic flights within Argentina, connecting key cities including Buenos Aires, Rosario, Córdoba, Mendoza, Salta, Tucumán, Jujuy, Ushuaia, and others. It also serves destinations in Bolivia and Brazil. Flybondi previously operated international flights from Buenos Aires to Asunción from December 2018 to March 2020, before services were suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Encarnación attracts
Encarnación’s Teniente Ramon Amín Ayub González International Airport, built between 2010 and 2013, previously operated international flights. In its initial phase, it serviced routes from Resistencia, Argentina, and Salvador de Bahia, Brazil, among others.
Encarnación, the largest city in the Department of Itapúa, will host several international events in the coming months, including the World Rally Championship and sporting events of the 2025ASU Junior Pan American Games. The city boasts the most beaches in Paraguay and is near the Jesuit Ruins, making it a draw for tourists.
The improved connectivity is expected to enhance local tourism and encourage visitors to explore more nearby attractions. Such initiatives will contribute significantly to the local economy. International flights to Encarnación are also likely to attract investment and promote economic growth. Moreover, the airline’s operations will generate direct and indirect employment opportunities in the region, ranging from airport staff to tourism-related roles.
Expansion of Paraguay’s international flights
Paraguay is seeking to increase international flight connections to the heart of South America. The government is in discussions with its American counterparts regarding the potential for flights from North America. A key focus of these talks is the enhancement of Silvio Pettirossi International Airport in Luque, near Asunción. The existing border security system would need to meet American standards to facilitate new flight routes.
Previous discussions have explored the possibility of international flights from Asunción to Miami, as well as from New York City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport. These two U.S. cities are home to significant Paraguayan diaspora communities. American Airlines previously operated flights from Miami to Asunción between 1990 and 2015.
Recently, international flights to and from Silvio Pettirossi International Airport saw rapid expansion. As for Guaraní International Airport in Minga Guazú, near Ciudad del Este, there are no plans for international flights.
