Gol Linhas Aéreas, one of Brazil's largest carriers, will cut at least 20 domestic and international routes starting in February 2027, in response to the surge in aviation kerosene (QAV) prices, which the company says have doubled. The airline confirmed the move on Wednesday (14), according to G1 and the travel site Melhores Destinos.

Gol has not disclosed which destinations will be suspended or see reduced frequencies. In a statement, it said network planning is a continuous process that follows operational needs, and that the changes are made "without any regional distinction or prioritization". According to the company itself, QAV now accounts for about 40% of its operating costs.

Rising fuel costs have squeezed the sector for months. According to Melhores Destinos, Brazil's three major airlines, Azul, Gol and Latam, have already spent R$ 3.8 billion (roughly US$ 700 million) more than planned on jet fuel since the war in the Middle East began in late February, based on data from Abear, the Brazilian airlines association. The Abra Group, Gol's controlling shareholder, had already announced months ago a fare increase of about 20% because of fuel costs.

For passengers with tickets on affected routes, the airline says it will keep offering travel alternatives, through connecting flights or partnerships with other carriers. Gol says it holds more than 60 codeshare and interline agreements, arrangements that let airlines sell joint flights or combine legs of a single trip.

What to do if your flight is changed

Passengers who booked directly with Gol can request rebooking, credit or a refund through the call center: 0300-115-2121 in Brazil and +55 11 3471 2973 from abroad. Tickets issued with miles must be managed through Smiles, Gol's loyalty program (0300 115 7001 for Smiles and Silver members; 0300 115 7007 for Gold and Diamond; WhatsApp +55 11 991 824 233 for Magno members, with 24-hour service). Those who booked through a travel agency should contact the agency directly.

For the airlines, the math is straightforward: with fuel weighing 40% of costs, each new rise in QAV forces them to cut capacity or pass the price on. For travelers, the practical effect from February is fewer direct flights and the possibility of more expensive fares, a move Gol's controlling group had already signaled.