Starting in April, São Luís will introduce daily direct flights to Rio de Janeiro, operated by Gol Linhas Aéreas. Previously, the airline had maintained a more limited schedule with four flights per week between Marechal Cunha Machado International Airport in São Luís and Tom Jobim International Airport (Galeão) in Rio de Janeiro. This new service aims to facilitate easier travel between the two capitals, allowing passengers to fly without the need for stopovers.

The introduction of daily flights is timely, coinciding with a rise in demand for travel to Maranhão, particularly to attractions such as the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. According to the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC), more than 2 million passengers arrived in the state via air transport in 2025, reflecting a 14% increase compared to 2014. This surge suggests a growing interest in visiting Maranhão and neighboring regions, bolstered by improved flight connectivity.

Socorro Araújo, the Secretary of State for Tourism in Maranhão, emphasized that the expansion of flight routes plays a vital role in boosting the local tourism sector. As air travel becomes more accessible between São Luís and Rio de Janeiro, it is anticipated that this will further stimulate tourism in the area, enhancing the experiences of travelers and potentially benefitting the local economy.