Paraguay is quickly establishing itself as a key player in the South American aviation landscape, particularly when it comes to international flights. A clear sign of this shift is the increased attention from major airlines. As of June, Air Europa now operates daily flights between Asunción and Madrid, strengthening the connection between Paraguay and Europe.
A decade of growth in international flight services
Air Europa first launched its Asunción operations in 2015 with just two flights per week. Over the past decade, demand has steadily grown, and the airline now offers daily service, a reflection of Paraguay’s increasing need for international connectivity. Spanish authorities have also pointed to Paraguay’s strong immigration security as a contributing factor in strengthening bilateral travel and cooperation.
Imanol Pérez, commercial director of Air Europa, told a local newspaper that “2024 was an exceptional year for our company, consolidating a steady growth with turnover exceeding 2.9 billion euros.” He credited both a strong appetite for travel and consistent demand as driving factors behind this expansion.
To support this growth, Air Europa has added three new Boeing 787 aircraft to its fleet, with a “special focus on Asunción,” according to Pérez. This increased capacity will further enhance international flight options for travellers in Paraguay and the wider region.
The development is also making waves beyond Paraguayan borders. Newspapers in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, located just 320 kilometres from Asunción, have highlighted that flights from Paraguay’s capital offer one of the shortest and most convenient routes to Europe.
New routes and international potential
The growing aviation market in Paraguay is not limited to Europe. In December 2024, Brazilian low-cost carrier Azul began operating routes from Asunción to Curitiba and Campinas, the latter being a major connection hub for destinations in the United States, Europe and the Caribbean. Azul has also introduced seasonal flights to Florianópolis and Recife, expanding tourist travel opportunities between Paraguay and Brazil.
Nelson Mendoza, president of the National Directorate of Civil Aeronautics (DINAC), stated in an interview that the institution is actively working towards FAA certification from the United States. This approval would allow Paraguayan aircraft to operate directly in American airports, a significant milestone in Paraguay’s international flight ambitions.
The certification process, expected to take around 12 months, includes technical assessments by FAA specialists and the implementation of their recommendations.
Airport expansion and global events
As Paraguay’s importance in the international aviation market grows, infrastructure is evolving to meet demand. The DINAC is advancing plans to expand the capacity of Silvio Pettirossi International Airport by constructing a new terminal. This is not only a response to increasing air traffic but also part of preparations for Paraguay hosting one of the opening matches of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
With major airlines investing in new routes and the government pushing forward key regulatory and infrastructural projects, Paraguay is poised to become a strategic hub for international flights in South America.
