Mice Insights

By Viviane Vaz

BRUSSELS, 3 June 2026 (MICE INSIGHTS) – The international business travel and MICE industry received a boost this week as direct flights between Brussels Airport (BRU) and São Paulo (GRU) officially took off. The historic route, operated by LATAM Airlines, marks the first direct passenger air link between Belgium and the South American continent since the year 2000, ending a 26-year connectivity gap.

The inaugural flight, operated by a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, landed at Zaventem at 10:30 AM on Tuesday. Travelers arriving in the departures hall were greeted with a festive celebration featuring a live band and dancers to commemorate the milestone, before the aircraft made its return journey to Brazil just after 1 PM.

The new non-stop flight bridges the two economic hubs in just under 12 hours, running three times per week.

Strategic asset for global corporate planners

For the MICE and corporate travel sectors, the timing of the launch is highly strategic. It aligns closely with the provisional activation of the new EU-Mercosur trade frameworks, which are already triggering an influx of cross-border investments and corporate delegations.

By eliminating grueling layovers, the route drastically reduces travel fatigue for international conference delegates, corporate event organizers, and incentive groups traveling between Europe and Latin America.

The new passenger service builds on LATAM’s existing presence in Belgium, where the carrier has operated its European cargo hub at Brussels Airport since 2023.

Diplomatic and airport leadership celebrate the milestone

The launch brought together high-ranking diplomatic and aviation figures, all of whom highlighted the profound economic impact the route will bring to both regions.

The Brazilian ambassador to Belgium, Silvio Albuquerque, issued an official statement celebrating the launch:

“The first direct passenger air link between Belgium and South America in more than 25 years, the new route represents an important step to bring Brazil and Belgium even closer together, strengthening tourism, business, investments, and exchanges between our societies.”

When Brussels Airport officially announced in November 17, 2025, that LATAM Airlines would be launching this direct route to São Paulo, the CEO of Brussels Airport, Arnaud Feist, emphasized the vital synergy between the airport’s existing logistics and this new passenger milestone:

“This route significantly strengthens our intercontinental network and offers our passengers direct access to one of Latin America’s major hubs. For travellers from Brazil, Brussels Airport, located in the heart of Europe, also serves as an ideal gateway to Belgium and many other European destinations. We look forward to a strong and sustainable partnership.”

Speaking at the inauguration on Tuesday, Feist acknowledged that what should have been “a day of pure celebration” was overshadowed by an unexpected wildcat strike by air traffic controllers at skeyes.

Flight schedule and booking details

Running three times a week, the new service suits the schedules of international business travelers, offering premium business cabin configurations alongside standard economy.

With Brussels Airport solidifying its position as a primary European hub for South American transit, international event planners can now design stress-free Belgian-Brazilian itineraries for their 2026 and 2027 global calendars.