Vila Real Mayor Criticizes Inadequate Flight Schedule Between Trás-os-Montes and Algarve

Mayor Expresses Concerns Over Flight Services

The Mayor of Vila Real, Rui Santos, expressed his dissatisfaction on Thursday regarding the flight service between Trás-os-Montes and Algarve, set to resume on February 19. He stated that the schedule is not ideal as Sevenair will not operate flights on Wednesdays and Thursdays in Vila Real, leading to a decline in service quality under the current government.

In response to the revival of the connection linking the North and South of the country, Santos remarked that while it is better late than never, the arrangements are not suitable. He emphasized the need for daily flights, which were previously available, highlighting that Vila Real, Viseu, and Bragança are the only district capitals without train services, thus necessitating more regular air service.

Flight Schedule Adjustments

Under a new four-year concession contract, Sevenair will resume daily flights from Monday to Saturday until March, with increased frequencies during peak demand from April to October. However, the flight schedule from February 19 to March 29 will feature fewer connections, only linking Bragança to Cascais on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Santos criticized the reduction in service, labeling it a strange and detrimental choice for both the airline and the residents depending on this transportation link. He recalled that this flight service was previously suspended between 2011 and 2013, attributing these interruptions to a government that neglects the interior regions.

Recent Developments

Recently, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Housing announced that the Court of Auditors approved the concession contract for the regional air link between Bragança and Portimão. This contract allows for the resumption of the air service, marking a significant development for the region's connectivity with the Algarve.