LATAM Brazil has announced a major international network expansion for 2026, confirming the launch of a direct route between São Paulo–Guarulhos and Cape Town, scheduled to commence in September 2026 with three weekly flights operated using Boeing 787 aircraft. The new Cape Town service was unveiled alongside additional intercontinental links to Amsterdam, beginning April 2026, and Brussels, beginning June 2026, each to be flown three times weekly from Guarulhos.
The Cape Town route materially strengthens LATAM’s South African exposure, adding a second direct South America–South Africa connection to supplement existing services to Johannesburg. Scheduled to operate with 787 equipment, the São Paulo–Cape Town flights will form part of LATAM’s broader strategy to expand long-haul connectivity from its São Paulo hub, and to offer improved access between Latin America and key African markets.
Johannesburg remains a strategic node for LATAM’s African operations. The carrier resumed São Paulo–Johannesburg services in July 2023, and subsequently increased frequencies to meet demand, establishing the route as a regular long-haul link between Brazil and southern Africa. LATAM’s Johannesburg operation also underpins commercial partnerships and onward connectivity across the region.
Beyond southern Africa, the new European services reflect LATAM’s continued push into primary continental markets from São Paulo. Amsterdam service will commence in April 2026 with three weekly rotations, followed by Brussels in June 2026 on the same frequency, both operated with Boeing 787 aircraft. These additions broaden LATAM’s direct access to Europe from Brazil, and complement the airline’s existing European network that includes Lisbon, Madrid, Barcelona, Rome, Milan, Paris, Frankfurt and London.
Domestically, LATAM will also expand its Brazilian footprint in 2026 by introducing four new domestic destinations, increasing the airline’s reach within Brazil to 63 airports, and reinforcing feeder connectivity into its Guarulhos long-haul operation. The carrier stated that the international growth will be centred at São Paulo–Guarulhos, aligning intercontinental capacity with its domestic network.
Jerome Cadier, CEO of LATAM Brazil, framed the expansion as the product of commercial analysis and market demand, noting that the announced routes “have undergone responsible analysis and make sense for both real travel demand and our business strategy.” The airline confirmed that international operations will be flown with the 787, reflecting a fleet and network plan calibrated for long-haul markets.
For South Africa, the introduction of a direct São Paulo–Cape Town service is significant. Cape Town offers diversified tourism and business demand distinct from Johannesburg, and the new link will provide direct market access for travellers and freight between Brazil’s largest aviation hub and South Africa’s southwestern gateway. The additional capacity may also facilitate broader commercial ties and tourism flows between the two countries.
The new São Paulo–Cape Town service is scheduled to begin in September 2026, operating three times weekly on Boeing 787 aircraft, with Amsterdam and Brussels services commencing April and June 2026 respectively. Domestic additions to Uberaba, Juiz de Fora, Caldas Novas and Campina Grande will bring LATAM’s Brazilian airport network to 63 destinations, while international reach from Brazil will expand to 28 direct markets.
