Negotiations to re-establish a direct air link between Asunción and Miami are at an advanced stage, according to the Paraguayan Ambassador to the United States. Gustavo Leite has revealed that the Brazilian carrier Gol Linhas Aéreas is showing significant interest in operating the route. He stated that the resumption of Asunción-Miami Flights is now considered “almost a fact,” signalling a major breakthrough in connecting Paraguay directly with North America.
The announcement followed a meeting between Ambassador Leite and senior executives from the airline. Subsequently, Leite informed Paraguayan President Santiago Peña of the progress made in the discussions. The ambassador further detailed the next steps in a social media post, confirming that airline executives are scheduled to travel to Asunción next week. This upcoming meeting aims to finalise the operational details, demonstrating the seriousness and momentum behind the initiative.
Timeline for Asunción-Miami Flights resumption
Gol Linhas Aéreas is reportedly keen to commence operations on the new route as soon as possible. This urgency is driven by a strategic objective to capitalise on the anticipated surge in travel demand linked to the upcoming 2026 World Cup. Major international sporting events consistently generate a significant increase in air travel, and securing this route beforehand would position the airline to serve thousands of fans and officials travelling to and from the region.
If finalised, this development would mark the return of a crucial connection for Paraguay. The original direct flight service to the city in Florida was suspended in 2021 amidst the global travel disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Its reinstatement is therefore viewed not only as a commercial opportunity, but also as a significant milestone in the recovery of Paraguay’s international aviation sector and its reintegration into global travel networks post-pandemic.
Regulatory approval and airport certification
A critical step towards resuming these flights occurred earlier in 2026. The United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officially certified Silvio Pettirossi International Airport. This certification confirms that Asunción’s primary airport meets the stringent security standards required to operate direct flights to destinations within the United States.
Following the certification, Paraguayan aviation authorities have been working to implement the final recommendations issued by the American airport authority. The successful completion of these measures is the last remaining regulatory hurdle.
Consequently, the combination of a willing airline partner and the necessary security clearance has created a clear path for the direct Asunción-Miami flights to be reinstated, restoring a vital link for business, tourism, and family connections between the two nations.
Economic and diplomatic significance
The re-establishment of a direct flight to a major US hub like Miami holds considerable economic and diplomatic weight for Paraguay. Miami serves as a key gateway not only to the United States, but also to Europe and the wider world, offering Paraguayan travellers significantly improved connectivity. This will reduce travel times and costs for both business and leisure passengers, who currently rely on connecting flights through other South American hubs such as São Paulo, Lima, or Panama City.
Furthermore, the direct route is expected to stimulate tourism in Paraguay, making the country a more accessible destination for North American visitors. It will also facilitate trade and investment by simplifying logistics for businesses operating between the two countries.
The final discussions, later in February in Asunción, are anticipated to solidify the operational framework and set a firm launch date for the renewed service.
