The Brazilian government has proposed creating an open flight zone for national airlines from Mercosur countries and associated nations such as Chile and Peru. The initiative aims to allow airlines from one country to operate domestic flights in another, enhancing regional integration. For example, a Chilean airline could operate flights within Brazil, and a Brazilian airline could do the same in Chile and Argentina.
Brazil’s Minister of Ports and Airports, Tomé Franca, emphasized that this measure will benefit the public by offering more flight options and greater connectivity between cities in the region. It is also expected to boost commercial competitiveness and help reduce airfares.
Additionally, the Brazilian government plans to facilitate the availability of low-cost flights within the country, a model already popular in Europe and implemented in Chile through two local airlines that also operate some international routes to Argentina and Uruguay. This strategy aims to expand access to air travel for more people.
At the same time, the minister updated progress on the Ampliar program, which transfers the management of Brazilian airports to private companies through auctions. The goal is to secure infrastructure investments at strategically located terminals with high potential. So far, 72 passenger airports have been auctioned, with six deals underway and another ten expected by the end of the year. In the first phase, 13 airports in the North and Northeast regions were included, strengthening connections with the Caribbean and other destinations in the Americas.