As part of the preparations for the 2026 Paraguay World Rally Championship, the country is adding new domestic flights. National air connectivity is taking a key step forward with the launch of new domestic flights operated by Paranair, Paraguay’s flag carrier. Encarnación is included as one of its strategic destinations.
Nelson Mendoza, president of the National Directorate of Civil Aeronautics (DINAC) made the announcement. He said that regular flights to Ciudad del Este will begin operating in early March on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Flights to Encarnación will be added on Mondays and Fridays. Departures will be early in the morning and returns at night, facilitating travel for both business and tourism.
Domestic flights to boost tourism
The opening of this route represents a significant boost for Encarnación and the Itapúa Department. Especially in anticipation of major international events held in the country like the Rally Paraguay. Events like this will require more efficient transportation for technical teams, delegations, press, and national and international visitors.
Mendoza noted that domestic flights existed in the country in the past, albeit on a limited basis. He also expressed hope that this initiative will mark the beginning of more sustained internal air connectivity. He aims for a strengthen territorial integration and the development of tourism, the local economy, and logistics for major events.
Main 2026 Rally Paraguay hub
With this new route, Encarnación consolidates its role as one of the main hubs for the 2026 Rally Paraguay. This is also reaffirming the event’s importance on the country’s calendar of major sporting events. These new domestic flights are adding a fast and efficient alternative to the national transportation system, which is composed mainly of buses.
While domestic flights are back on track, at the end of 2025, Flybondi was also offering flights to the city of Encarnación from Argentina. The Argentinian low-cost company was the first to offer flights to Paraguay to a city not being Asunción.
