Summary:
Direct flights between Algarve and Madeira start this summer, ending years of isolation.
Flights will operate on Mondays and Thursdays for a limited period from June to September.
Current travel via Lisbon takes around five hours, highlighting the efficiency of the new route.
TAP Express is launching the route despite growth restrictions due to union agreements.
Lack of support from tourism organizations for domestic routes shows a disregard for local tourism.
In a country renowned for its tourism, how have Algarve and Madeira managed to remain without a direct flight connection for so long? This question arises, especially when the state owns four airlines aimed at combating Portugal's peripheral condition and promoting decentralized tourism. Until now, travel between Faro and Funchal has been reliant on the Lisbon hub, leading to longer travel times and higher costs.
Starting June 2 and running until early September, travelers can now fly directly from Faro to Funchal on Mondays and Thursdays in a 100-minute non-stop flight. This is a significant improvement compared to the current travel time of approximately five hours via Lisbon, which also exposes passengers to the risk of missed connections due to delays.
Interestingly, this new route is being launched by TAP Express, a state-owned airline that has faced growth restrictions due to an agreement with a pilots' union. Moreover, it's noteworthy that organizations like Turismo de Portugal, Turismo da Madeira, and Turismo do Algarve do not provide direct support for new domestic routes, showing a lack of interest in promoting local tourism.
The irony lies in the fact that if a direct flight from Ayamonte, Spain, to Madeira were established, there would likely be institutional support and celebration for such an international route. However, a simple connection between Faro and Funchal is merely acknowledged with a pat on the back.
For decades, the "go abroad within the country" mantra has led many Madeirans to prefer trips to the Canary Islands, where they can enjoy sandy beaches lacking in Madeira. The Canaries benefit from established direct flights, making them a more attractive option for spending money on hotels, car rentals, dining, and shopping.
This summer, Madeirans will trade their 100-minute flights to Las Palmas for the same duration to Faro. Similarly, Algarve residents previously enjoyed daily flights to Palma de Mallorca.
However, like in the tale of Cinderella, this direct flight magic will end on September 11, returning to the previous state of no flights. One can only hope for a future where Algarve and Madeira are permanently connected by air!
Transportation Systems educator and aviation, airport, and tourism consultant
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