Dutch flag-carrier KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is to return to Rio de Janeiro with effect from November 1st 2011.

Rio is an attractive destination for European tourists especially because of famously popular beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema.

Brazil will also host two of the world’s largest sporting events - the World Cup in 2014 and the Olympic Games will take place in Rio in 2016.

From the start of the winter season, KLM will operate direct service three times a week to and from Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport in Rio de Janeiro.

Flight KL705 will depart from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 10:40, arriving in Brazil the same day at 19:30.

The return flight (KL706) will depart from Rio de Janeiro on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 21:40, arriving in Amsterdam the following day at 11:55.

The flights will be operated using Boeing 777-200ER equipment, offering capacity for 318 passengers: 35 in World Business Class and 283 in Economy Class.

KLM president, Peter Hartman, said: “Latin America is an emerging market.

“By adding Rio de Janeiro as KLM’s 9th destination in Latin America, we intend to greatly strengthen our position in this rapidly expanding region.

“Because Brazil is experiencing such strong economic growth we see Rio’s inclusion in the KLM network as beneficial to our business passengers. Foreign investment in the region is increasing strongly, fuelled by the growing oil and gas industry.”

Air France KLM’s codeshare partner GOL offers connecting flights from Rio to an extensive number of destinations in Brazil.