Exciting New Flight from Faro to Funchal and Future Plans for Brazil Announced!

New Flight Connection

The Faro Airport is set to launch a new flight to Funchal, operated by TAP, with plans to soon announce a direct connection to Brazil. This exciting news was revealed on March 18th during the conference titled "Algarve Tourism: Overcoming Challenges, Building Tomorrow" held in Albufeira.

With this new route to Funchal, Faro Airport will now be connected to all national airports. André Gomes, president of the Algarve Tourism Region (RTA), expressed his satisfaction, stating that they successfully secured this direct route with TAP, enhancing connectivity for the region.

Current Flight Operations

Currently, TAP operates only three daily flights from Faro to Lisbon, which connect to various other destinations. However, the Algarve is pushing for greater presence of TAP at Faro Airport. Gomes emphasized the importance of expanding TAP's operations, specifically requesting a direct flight from Faro to Porto, similar to what Ryanair offers.

Strategic Importance of Air Connectivity

Gomes highlighted that air connectivity is crucial for promoting any tourist destination, especially for the internationally recognized Algarve. He noted that the region has made significant strides in this area since he took office, with many objectives being achieved.

Upcoming Routes and Promotions

As previously announced, Faro Airport will have 86 routes to 75 destinations and 22 international markets this summer, including three new routes to New York (USA), Helsinki (Finland), and Reykjavik (Iceland). The Algarve Tourism Board is also ramping up its promotional efforts in the North American market, organizing two strategic events in Boston and New York this month to promote air links between the USA and the Algarve.

Despite current global uncertainties, the Algarve Tourism Board remains optimistic about the growth potential of the North American market. A recent study indicated that Portugal ranks as the second most desired destination for American tourists in 2025, underscoring the need for continued investment in attracting this audience.

The promotional activities will involve workshops aimed at highlighting the connections between Logan Airport (Boston) and JFK Airport (New York) to Faro, via Ponta Delgada, which is seen as a strategic move to bring the Algarve closer to the North American market.

The second promotional event in New York will collaborate with United Airlines and Madeira Tourism to showcase the new direct flights to Faro and Funchal. Both events will feature participation from 16 tourism companies that will have opportunities to connect with travel agents, tour operators, and media from the USA.

Regarding plans for entering the South American market, Gomes noted that while the timeline is uncertain, efforts are underway to establish connections, particularly with Brazil.

The declarations of the RTA president were made during the Algarve Tourism conference, which is part of a series of 55 events planned to celebrate the RTA's 55th anniversary from March 18 to September 27. These events will include cultural and sports activities, strategic conferences, and celebrations of milestones such as the 60th anniversary of Faro Airport.