TAP Air Announces New Routes and Construction of a New Maintenance and Engineering Hub in Porto
TAP Air Portugal is taking a significant step in its network and infrastructure strategy by announcing a package of new routes, increased intercontinental capacity, and industrial investments focused on Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport. This move not only solidifies Porto as a critical point within the airline’s system but also sends a clear signal to the market: TAP aims to grow outside Lisbon with a long-term focus on operational efficiency and greater industrial resilience.
Increased Connectivity from Porto: Intercontinental Network and New Routes
During the winter season, TAP operates 135 direct weekly flights from Porto to international destinations, a figure that reflects an unprecedented level of activity for the company in northern Portugal.
Within this offering, 13 weekly flights to four key intercontinental destinations stand out:
- Rio de Janeiro
- São Paulo
- New York
- Luanda
This setup positions Porto as a relevant platform for long-haul traffic, both point-to-point and as a potential feeder for international flows, especially in TAP’s historical markets like Brazil, Africa, and the United States.
→ TAP Air bate récord histórico de pasajeros en rutas entre Portugal y Brasil
New Routes Confirmed Starting in July
Starting July 1, the airline will add two new routes from Porto:
- Porto — Terceira (Azores)
- Porto — Praia (Cape Verde)
Both will operate with three weekly frequencies, expanding regional connectivity and strengthening markets with significant ethnic, tourist, and VFR (Visiting Friends and Relatives) traffic components.
Boston Becomes Year-Round, and Tel Aviv Arrives
One of the most strategically relevant announcements is that the Porto–Boston route will cease to be seasonal and will operate year-round starting next winter. This is a clear sign of market maturity and commercial confidence in the North American market from Porto.
Additionally, direct Porto–Tel Aviv flights will commence, with four weekly frequencies, expanding TAP’s footprint in the Eastern Mediterranean and diversifying its network beyond traditional corridors.
Three-Year Growth Plan: More Long-Haul and Increased Frequencies
In its strategic plan for the next three years, TAP anticipates:
- New intercontinental routes, details to be announced.
- Increased frequencies on existing routes from Porto.
A New Maintenance Hub in Porto: Industrial and Operational Impact
Beyond the network, the most structural announcement is the construction of a new Maintenance and Engineering Hub at Porto Airport.
The project includes:
- Capacity for two A321 aircraft or similar.
- Expected entry into service in 2028.
- Creation of approximately 200 highly specialized jobs.
From an operational standpoint, this facility will allow TAP to internalize major fleet inspections, reduce external costs, and gain greater control over its heavy maintenance.
During the presentation at Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, Luís Rodrigues, CEO of TAP Air Portugal, emphasized the strategic nature of the announcement: “This is a new moment for TAP and for Northern Portugal. We are reinforcing our intercontinental operations and investing in critical infrastructure, guaranteeing more options for our Customers and more opportunities for the regional economy. TAP is focused on the North as never before.”
Collectively, these announcements send a clear message: Porto is no longer just a complementary base but is becoming a strategic pillar for TAP Air Portugal.
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