Formal negotiations have begun between Ireland and Brazil toward a new Air Services Agreement, a step that could pave the way for the first direct flights between the two countries. The talks, initiated following a meeting between Irish Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien and Brazilian Minister for Ports and Airports Silvio Costa Filho, aim to establish a legal and regulatory framework for scheduled air services, according to a statement released by the Irish Department of Transport.
Currently, there are no direct flights connecting Ireland and South America. Minister O’Brien stated that a bilateral agreement would “realise significant benefits for tourism and trade and further develop the growing bonds” between Ireland and Brazil. He also emphasized that such an agreement would demonstrate a “strong signal to industry of the commitment our two governments have to facilitating direct connectivity between our two countries.”
The commencement of negotiations was announced on Tuesday, March 10th, 2026, by the Department of Transport. An Air Services Agreement is essential for airlines to operate scheduled routes between the two nations. Even as the agreement itself would need to undergo domestic procedures in both Ireland and Brazil before any flights could commence, the initiation of talks represents a significant advancement in establishing a direct air link.
According to the Irish Examiner, airlines have already expressed informal interest in operating a direct route between the two countries. There are currently over 40,000 Brazilians residing in Ireland, with estimates suggesting the number may be closer to 60,000, creating a potential demand for direct travel options.
Brazilian Minister Costa Filho echoed the sentiment, stating that the negotiations represent “an opportunity not only to expand aviation links between the two countries, but also to boost tourism between Latin America and Europe.” He described the move as “a very important milestone” for both governments, highlighting their shared interest in opening new markets and strengthening long-haul transport options.
The Irish Ambassador to Brazil, Martin Gallagher, and the Executive Secretary of the Brazilian Ministry of Ports and Airports, Tomé Franca, were also present during the initial discussions. Minister O’Brien expressed optimism regarding the progress of the negotiations, stating his expectation that both sides would work to bring the agreement to fruition. No timeline for completion of the agreement has been publicly announced.
