GOL Launches Direct Flights to Aruba from Brazil
Starting December 2024, GOL Linhas Aereas will commence regular direct flights from São Paulo/Guarulhos (GRU) to Aruba (AUA). The new service will operate up to three times a week, offering flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.
This new route marks a significant boost for tourism in Aruba, a favorite destination among Brazilians known for its warm climate, pristine beaches, and a variety of recreational activities. Located outside the hurricane belt, Aruba is an attractive option for families, groups of friends, and couples.
The flights will be conducted using Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, which can accommodate 176 passengers. Brazilian citizens will benefit from visa-free stays of up to 90 days but must present an international yellow fever vaccination certificate.
Ronella Croes, CEO of the Aruba Tourism Authority, expressed her excitement about the new service, highlighting the historical presence of Aruba in the Brazilian market since 1985. She noted a record 24,733 Brazilian tourists in 2014 and anticipates a 50% increase in Brazilian visitors by 2025 due to the new direct flights.
GOL's Vice President of Strategy, Mateus Pongeluppi, emphasized that this new route underscores GOL's commitment to international expansion and its role in enhancing tourism and business travel in the region. The Minister of Tourism and Public Health of Aruba, Danguillaume Oduber, also welcomed GOL's new connection, expecting it to bolster the island's tourism industry.
Jo-Anne Meaux-Arends, Aviation Business Development Executive at Aruba Airport, echoed the enthusiasm, noting that the route will not only draw more Brazilian tourists but also improve connectivity with key destinations like Buenos Aires, Argentina.
This strategic move by GOL promises to strengthen ties between Brazil and Aruba, boosting tourism and fostering new business opportunities.