GOL Airlines to End Bogotá-Buenos Aires Route in 2025
Brazil’s GOL Linhas Aéreas has announced it will discontinue its fifth freedom route connecting Bogotá (BOG) and Buenos Aires (EZE) in early 2025, following the suspension of the São Paulo (GRU)-Bogotá leg in December 2024. This decision marks a significant shift in GOL’s network strategy just 10 months after launching the routes.
Short-Lived Expansion Ends
GOL inaugurated the Bogotá-Buenos Aires route on April 1, 2024, shortly after the launch of its São Paulo-Bogotá service on March 31. Initially operating four times weekly with Boeing 737-8 aircraft, the service increased to daily flights in July, reflecting strong early demand. However, plans filed with OAG Schedules Analyser reveal that GOL will cease the São Paulo-Bogotá leg on December 8, 2024, and the Bogotá-Buenos Aires leg on February 3, 2025.
Market Implications
With GOL exiting this market, Avianca and Aerolíneas Argentinas will remain the only carriers offering direct flights between Bogotá and Buenos Aires. Avianca currently operates 17 weekly flights between Bogotá and Buenos Aires Ezeiza (EZE), while Aerolíneas Argentinas provides daily service to Buenos Aires Aeroparque (AEP).
GOL’s withdrawal may impact connectivity for passengers seeking alternatives for multi-city South American travel. However, the airline will maintain a presence in Bogotá through a new route from Brasília (BSB), launching on February 4, 2025. The new service will operate three weekly roundtrips using Boeing 737-8 aircraft.
Financial and Operational Context
GOL’s route suspension comes as the airline works to strengthen its financial position. Earlier this month, Abra Group, GOL’s parent company and co-owner of Avianca, announced a major debt restructuring. The agreement includes converting $950 million in secured debt to equity, eliminating $1.7 billion in pre-Chapter 11 obligations, and addressing $850 million in additional liabilities. These measures are part of GOL’s strategy to exit U.S. Chapter 11 bankruptcy and regain financial stability.
Despite these challenges, GOL continues to rebuild its network. The airline is operating at 81% of pre-pandemic capacity in November 2024, offering approximately 3.13 million seats system-wide. A significant 94% of this capacity is allocated to domestic routes within Brazil, showcasing a focus on strengthening its home market presence.
Future Outlook
While GOL’s decision to withdraw from the Bogotá-Buenos Aires market reflects shifting priorities, the airline’s introduction of the Brasília-Bogotá route indicates its commitment to maintaining connectivity with Colombia. This move aligns with GOL’s broader strategy to optimize its route network amid ongoing financial restructuring.
Travelers can expect Avianca and Aerolíneas Argentinas to fill the void left by GOL in the Bogotá-Buenos Aires market, providing continued options for direct travel between these major South American capitals.
Book now for GOL’s final flights between Bogotá and Buenos Aires, or explore their upcoming route from Brasília starting February 2025.
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