Key Takeaways
• Azul launched Campinas-Porto flights June 9, 2025, with three weekly Airbus A330neo flights.
• Viracopos serves 72 Brazilian cities, easing Europe travel and boosting local economy.
• São Paulo lowered aviation fuel tax to 12%, encouraging more flights and jobs.
Azul Linhas Aéreas has launched a new international route connecting Viracopos Airport in Campinas, São Paulo, to Porto, Portugal 🇵🇹, marking a major step in the airline’s European expansion. The Campinas-Porto route, which officially began on June 9, 2025, is not only a return to pre-pandemic service but also a sign of growing ties between Brazil 🇧🇷 and Portugal 🇵🇹. This development brings new travel opportunities for tourists, business travelers, and immigrants, while also boosting the local economy and strengthening Viracopos Airport’s role as a key international hub.
What’s New: The Campinas-Porto Route
The new Campinas-Porto route is operated by Azul, Brazil’s largest airline by number of cities served. The route features:
- Three weekly flights between Campinas and Porto
- Aircraft: Airbus A330-900neo (A330neo), a modern, fuel-efficient plane
- Passenger capacity: 298 seats (34 in business class, 264 in economy)
- Flight duration: About 9 hours and 55 minutes
- Distance: 5,105 miles (about 8,216 kilometers)
This route is part of Azul’s broader international growth plan, which also includes the resumption of flights from Viracopos to Montevideo, Uruguay 🇺🇾, starting in July 2025.
Why This Route Matters
The launch of the Campinas-Porto route is important for several reasons:
1. Reconnecting Brazil and Portugal 🇵🇹:
Portugal 🇵🇹 is a top destination for Brazilian immigrants, tourists, and business travelers. Many families have ties in both countries, and there is a strong demand for direct flights. The new route makes travel easier and faster, especially for people living outside São Paulo city.
2. Boosting Viracopos Airport’s Role:
Viracopos Airport is Azul’s main hub. It connects to 72 cities across Brazil 🇧🇷, making it easy for travelers from smaller towns to reach Europe 🇪🇺 without having to go through the busy São Paulo-Guarulhos Airport. This gives Azul a competitive edge and makes Viracopos a gateway for international travel.
3. Supporting Economic Growth:
Direct flights encourage tourism, business, and trade. They also create jobs at the airport and in related sectors like hotels, restaurants, and transportation. The São Paulo state government has supported this growth by lowering the tax on aviation fuel, making it cheaper for airlines to operate more flights.
4. Meeting Summer Travel Demand:
Launching the route in June lines up with Europe’s busy summer travel season. This timing helps Azul attract both Brazilian tourists heading to Portugal 🇵🇹 and Portuguese travelers visiting Brazil 🇧🇷.
5. Expanding Azul’s International Network:
With the addition of Porto, Azul now offers direct flights from Viracopos to several international destinations, including Lisbon, Paris-Orly, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and seasonal routes to places like Punta del Este and Mendoza.
How the Route Works: Details for Travelers
Travelers flying on the Campinas-Porto route can expect:
- Modern Comfort: The Airbus A330-900neo is known for its quiet cabins, larger windows, and improved air quality. Business class offers lie-flat seats, while economy class provides personal entertainment screens and USB charging ports.
- Easy Connections: Passengers from 72 Brazilian cities can connect through Viracopos Airport, making it simple to reach Porto without extra layovers in other countries.
- Flexible Schedules: With three flights per week, travelers have multiple options for planning trips, whether for business, family visits, or tourism.
For those interested in immigration or long-term stays, direct flights make it easier to move between Brazil 🇧🇷 and Portugal 🇵🇹, whether for work, study, or family reunification.
Stakeholder Perspectives: What Leaders Are Saying
Several key figures have commented on the importance of the new route:
- César Grandolfo, Azul’s Senior Manager of Institutional Relations:
“Azul passengers will now have new options to enter Europe and Uruguay, benefiting both tourism and business travel.” This highlights Azul’s focus on giving travelers more choices and supporting economic ties. -
Roberto de Lucena, São Paulo’s Secretary of Tourism and Travel:
He called Campinas a “strategically located city with strong infrastructure for tourism and events,” underlining the city’s growing role as a travel hub. -
Maria Fan, Commercial Director of Viracopos Airport:
She expressed confidence in the new routes, pointing to Azul’s partnership in expanding the airport’s network and bringing more international connections to the region.
Economic Impact: How the Route Helps the Region
The São Paulo state government has taken steps to help the aviation industry grow:
- Lower Fuel Taxes: In January 2025, the state cut the ICMS tax on aviation fuel to 12%. This makes it cheaper for airlines to operate flights from São Paulo, encouraging them to add more routes.
- Airline Commitments: In return for the tax cut, airlines agreed to keep their planes in the state longer (from three to five days) and add at least 100 more departures compared to the previous year.
These policies are designed to make São Paulo a more attractive place for airlines to base their operations, which in turn brings more jobs, tourism, and investment to the region. Viracopos Airport is at the center of this plan, serving as a key hub for both domestic and international flights.
Historical Context: A Return to Pre-Pandemic Service
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Azul operated regular flights between Campinas and Porto. The route was suspended during the pandemic, as travel restrictions and low demand made international flights difficult to maintain. The resumption of the Campinas-Porto route marks a return to pre-pandemic service levels and shows that international travel is recovering.
In March 2025, Azul announced plans to bring back two international routes from Viracopos for the Northern Hemisphere’s summer season, with Porto being one of them. This move is part of a broader trend of airlines restoring routes that were paused during the pandemic.
Viracopos Airport: A Growing International Hub
Viracopos International Airport has been working hard to expand its reach. The airport has:
- Won Awards: In May 2025, Viracopos was named the Best Airport in Brazil 🇧🇷 for the fifth time in its category, showing its commitment to quality and customer service.
- Expanded Routes: The airport is adding new flights to North America, Europe, and Asia, making it a key player in Brazil’s aviation network.
- Invested in Growth: Viracopos has a development plan that includes building new facilities, improving passenger services, and attracting more airlines.
These efforts are paying off, as more travelers choose Viracopos for both domestic and international flights. The airport’s growth also supports the local economy by creating jobs and attracting investment.
Immigration and Travel: What This Means for Passengers
The new Campinas-Porto route has several practical benefits for immigrants, tourists, and business travelers:
1. Easier Family Visits:
Many Brazilians have family in Portugal 🇵🇹, and vice versa. Direct flights make it easier to visit loved ones, attend family events, or provide care for relatives.
2. Business Opportunities:
Portugal 🇵🇹 and Brazil 🇧🇷 have strong business ties, especially in areas like technology, agriculture, and tourism. Direct flights help businesspeople travel quickly for meetings, conferences, and trade shows.
3. Student Mobility:
Many Brazilian students study in Portugal 🇵🇹, attracted by shared language and cultural ties. The new route makes it easier for students to travel between the two countries for school, internships, or exchange programs.
4. Immigration Pathways:
Portugal 🇵🇹 is a popular destination for Brazilians seeking residency or citizenship, thanks to friendly immigration policies and historical connections. Direct flights support this movement by making travel simpler and more affordable.
For those considering moving to Portugal 🇵🇹, it’s important to understand the country’s visa and residency requirements. The official Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) provides up-to-date information on visas, residency permits, and citizenship options.
How the Route Affects Different Groups
Immigrants:
Direct flights reduce travel time and costs, making it easier for immigrants to maintain connections with family and friends in both countries. This is especially important for those who travel frequently for work or family reasons.
Employers:
Companies with operations in both Brazil 🇧🇷 and Portugal 🇵🇹 benefit from faster, more reliable travel options for their staff. This can help with recruiting talent, managing projects, and building business relationships.
Students:
Young people studying abroad can travel home more easily during holidays or emergencies. This can make the idea of studying in another country less stressful for both students and their families.
Tourists:
Travelers looking to explore Portugal 🇵🇹 or Brazil 🇧🇷 now have a convenient, direct option. This can boost tourism in both countries and encourage cultural exchange.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Azul and Viracopos Airport
The launch of the Campinas-Porto route is just one part of Azul’s larger international strategy. The airline is reportedly considering new European destinations, with Madrid 🇪🇸 mentioned as a possible future route. While no official announcement has been made, this shows Azul’s commitment to growing its presence in Europe 🇪🇺.
Viracopos Airport is also expected to continue expanding, with more routes and improved facilities on the horizon. As the airport grows, it will likely attract more airlines and become an even more important hub for international travel.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the addition of new international routes from Viracopos not only benefits travelers but also strengthens Brazil’s position in global aviation. The airport’s growth supports economic development, job creation, and increased international cooperation.
Practical Guidance for Travelers
If you’re planning to travel between Brazil 🇧🇷 and Portugal 🇵🇹, here are some tips:
- Check Visa Requirements: Depending on your nationality and the purpose of your trip, you may need a visa. Visit the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) for the latest information.
- Book Early: Summer is a busy travel season in Europe 🇪🇺. Booking your flight early can help you get the best prices and secure your preferred travel dates.
- Prepare Documents: Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after your planned return date. If you’re moving for work or study, gather all required documents before you travel.
- Stay Informed: Travel rules can change quickly. Check with your airline and official government websites for updates on entry requirements, health protocols, and other important information.
Conclusion: A New Era for Brazil-Portugal Travel
The launch of Azul’s Campinas-Porto route from Viracopos Airport marks a new chapter in travel between Brazil 🇧🇷 and Portugal 🇵🇹. With modern aircraft, convenient schedules, and strong support from local and state governments, this route is set to benefit travelers, businesses, and the wider community.
As Viracopos Airport continues to grow and Azul expands its international network, travelers can look forward to more options, better service, and stronger connections between Brazil 🇧🇷 and the world. Whether you’re visiting family, doing business, studying abroad, or starting a new life in another country, the new Campinas-Porto route opens up a world of possibilities.
For more information about flights, immigration requirements, and travel tips, always consult official sources and stay updated on the latest developments in international travel.
Learn Today
Airbus A330-900neo → A modern, fuel-efficient wide-body aircraft with 298 seats for long-haul international flights.
Viracopos Airport → An international airport in Campinas, São Paulo, serving as Azul’s main hub with extensive domestic and international routes.
ICMS tax → A Brazilian state tax on goods and services, here reduced on aviation fuel to boost flights.
Residency permit → An official authorization allowing a foreign national to live legally in Portugal for work or study.
Business class → A premium airline cabin offering enhanced comfort such as lie-flat seats and extra amenities.
This Article in a Nutshell
Azul’s new Campinas-Porto route revives a key Brazil-Portugal connection, offering modern Airbus A330neo flights three times weekly, enhancing travel and economic ties via Viracopos Airport, and supporting tourism, business, and immigration between the countries.
— By VisaVerge.com
