TAP Air Portugal Launches New Domestic Flights Between Faro and Funchal

Key Takeaways

• TAP Air Portugal resumes direct Faro-Funchal flights June 2 to September 11, 2025, twice weekly.
• Flights use Embraer E190 planes with 106 seats, offering economy and business classes.
• Round-trip economy fares start at 193 EUR; 30 round-trip flights planned this season.

TAP Air Portugal Resumes Direct Flights Between Faro and Funchal: What Travelers Need to Know

TAP Air Portugal has announced the return of direct domestic flights between Faro and Funchal for the summer 2025 season, marking a significant development for travelers, residents, and the tourism industry in Portugal 🇵🇹. The first flight is scheduled for June 2, 2025, and the service will run twice weekly until September 11, 2025. This move reconnects two of Portugal’s most popular regions—the Algarve and Madeira—after a gap of more than 25 years, with the last direct flight on this route operated in March 1998.

This article provides a detailed look at the new route, including schedules, fares, booking steps, and the broader impact on travelers, local businesses, and the tourism sector. Whether you are a resident, a tourist, or a business owner, understanding these changes can help you plan better and take advantage of the new opportunities this route brings.

Key Details of the New TAP Air Portugal Route

Who: TAP Air Portugal, the country’s flag carrier, is operating the flights.

What: Direct flights between Faro (Algarve) and Funchal (Madeira).

When: From June 2, 2025, to September 11, 2025.

Where: Flights connect Faro Airport (FAO) and Funchal Airport (FNC).

Why: To improve travel options for residents and tourists, boost regional tourism, and support local economies.

How: Using Embraer E190 aircraft, with 106 seats per flight, offering both economy and business class options.

Flight Schedule and Frequency

TAP Air Portugal will operate two round-trip flights per week on this route, scheduled for Mondays and Thursdays. Here’s how the schedule looks:

Mondays:
– Funchal (FNC) to Faro (FAO): Departs 20:50, arrives 22:30 (Flight TP1716)
– Faro (FAO) to Funchal (FNC): Departs 23:15, arrives 01:05 the next day (Flight TP1717)

Thursdays:
– Funchal (FNC) to Faro (FAO): Departs 06:05, arrives 07:45 (Flight TP1716)
– Faro (FAO) to Funchal (FNC): Departs 08:35, arrives 10:30 (Flight TP1717)

Total Flights: 30 round-trips are planned for the season, with a total of 3,180 seats available in each direction.

Fares and Booking Information

TAP Air Portugal is offering competitive fares for this route:

• Economy fares: Start at 193 EUR for a round-trip ticket on select dates in late 2025 and early 2026.
• Business fares: Begin at 429 EUR for a round-trip ticket on select dates.

Booking: Tickets can be purchased directly through the TAP Air Portugal official website, where travelers can view schedules, select seats, and manage their bookings.

Tip: Booking early is recommended, as the limited number of flights and seats may lead to higher prices or sold-out dates during peak travel periods.

Step-by-Step Booking and Travel Process

To make the booking process simple, here’s a step-by-step guide for travelers interested in flying between Faro and Funchal:

1. Search and Book: Go to the TAP Air Portugal website or mobile app. Enter Faro (FAO) and Funchal (FNC) as your departure and arrival airports. Choose your travel dates within the June–September 2025 window.
2. Select Fare: Review available economy and business class fares. Compare prices and choose the option that fits your needs.
3. Complete Booking: Enter passenger details, select your preferred seats, and finalize payment.
4. Check-In: Online check-in opens 36 hours before departure. You can check in using the website or app.
5. Travel: Arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before your flight. This allows time for security checks and boarding.

Why This Route Matters: Stakeholder Perspectives

For Travelers

The return of direct flights between Faro and Funchal means:

• Shorter travel times: No need to connect through Lisbon or Porto, saving several hours.
• More convenience: Direct flights make it easier for families, business travelers, and tourists to plan trips.
• Better fares: Competition and direct service can lead to more affordable prices, especially for early bookings.

For Local Businesses and Tourism

• Increased visitors: Hotels, restaurants, and tour operators in both regions expect more business from travelers who can now combine Algarve and Madeira in one trip.
• Longer stays: Easier connections may encourage tourists to spend more time in Portugal 🇵🇹, benefiting the local economy.
• New opportunities: Businesses can offer combined packages, tours, and experiences that link both regions.

For TAP Air Portugal

• Stronger domestic network: The airline can serve more passengers within Portugal 🇵🇹, especially during the busy summer season.
• Efficient fleet use: Operating the Embraer E190 on this route helps TAP Air Portugal make the most of its aircraft.
• Market leadership: By reopening this route, TAP Air Portugal reinforces its role as the leading airline in Portugal 🇵🇹.

Official Statements and Industry Analysis

On March 31, 2025, TAP Air Portugal released an official statement highlighting the strategic importance of this route. The airline emphasized its commitment to connecting two of Portugal’s major tourism regions and making travel easier for both residents and visitors.

Aviation analysts see this move as a smart response to growing demand for domestic leisure travel. After years of pandemic-related disruptions, more people are looking for easy, direct ways to explore their own country. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the resumption of the Faro–Funchal route is expected to boost both tourism and local economies, while also helping TAP Air Portugal strengthen its domestic presence.

Tourism boards in both the Algarve and Madeira have welcomed the new flights, predicting a rise in visitor numbers and longer average stays. Local officials hope the route will encourage more people to discover the unique attractions of both regions.

Background: Why the Route Was Suspended and Why It’s Back

The last time TAP Air Portugal operated direct flights between Faro and Funchal was in March 1998. Since then, travelers had to connect through Lisbon or Porto, adding time and cost to their journeys.

Several factors led to the route’s suspension, including changes in demand, airline restructuring, and shifts in the travel market. However, recent trends—such as the recovery of domestic tourism and the desire for more direct connections—have created the right conditions for the route’s return.

The reopening of this route fits into a broader effort to revitalize domestic air travel in Portugal 🇵🇹 and support regional economies after the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Economic and Social Impact

Boosting Tourism

The direct link between Algarve and Madeira is expected to make it much easier for travelers to visit both regions in a single trip. This could lead to:

• More package tours: Travel agencies may offer combined Algarve–Madeira vacations.
• Higher hotel occupancy: Hotels in both regions could see more bookings, especially during the busy summer months.
• Increased spending: Tourists who visit both regions are likely to spend more on food, activities, and shopping.

Supporting Local Residents

For people living in the Algarve or Madeira, the new route means:

• Easier family visits: Residents can visit relatives or friends without long layovers.
• Better access to services: Some people travel for medical care, education, or business. Direct flights make these trips simpler.
• More job opportunities: Increased tourism can create jobs in hospitality, transportation, and related sectors.

Helping the Economy

• Local businesses: Restaurants, shops, and tour operators are likely to benefit from more visitors.
• Airports: Both Faro and Funchal airports may see higher passenger numbers, supporting airport jobs and services.
• Wider impact: The economic benefits can spread to other sectors, such as car rentals, entertainment, and cultural attractions.

Practical Tips for Travelers

If you’re planning to use the new TAP Air Portugal route between Faro and Funchal, here are some practical tips:

• Book early: With only two flights per week and limited seats, flights may sell out quickly, especially during holidays.
• Check baggage rules: Review TAP Air Portugal’s baggage policies before you pack to avoid extra fees.
• Monitor schedules: Flight times may change, so check your booking and email for updates.
• Plan connections: If you’re connecting to or from other flights, allow enough time for transfers.
• Use online check-in: Save time at the airport by checking in online and downloading your boarding pass.

For more information on travel within Portugal 🇵🇹, including airport security and passenger rights, you can visit the Portuguese Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC) website.

What to Expect Onboard

The Embraer E190 aircraft used for this route offers 106 seats, with both economy and business class options. Passengers can expect:

• Comfortable seating: Modern seats with enough space for short-haul flights.
• In-flight service: Complimentary snacks and drinks, depending on the fare class.
• Friendly crew: TAP Air Portugal is known for its professional and welcoming staff.

Business class passengers enjoy extra comfort, priority boarding, and access to airport lounges where available.

Looking Ahead: Future Prospects

TAP Air Portugal has stated that it will monitor demand for the Faro–Funchal route throughout the summer. If the flights are popular, the airline may consider:

• Extending the service: The route could continue beyond September 2025.
• Increasing frequency: More flights per week could be added in future seasons.
• Expanding to other routes: Success here could encourage TAP Air Portugal to reopen or launch other domestic connections.

Travelers and businesses are encouraged to share feedback with the airline, as customer input will help shape future decisions.

Contact Information and Resources

For the latest updates, schedules, and fares, travelers should use official sources:

• TAP Air Portugal Official Website: flytap.com
• Customer Service (Portugal): +351 218 415 000
• Faro Airport (FAO): For airport services and information.
• Funchal Airport (FNC): For airport services and information.

Summary Table: TAP Faro–Funchal Route (Summer 2025)

Final Thoughts and Takeaways

The return of direct TAP Air Portugal flights between Faro and Funchal is a welcome development for Portugal 🇵🇹. It offers more choices for travelers, supports local economies, and strengthens the country’s domestic air network. Whether you’re planning a holiday, visiting family, or doing business, this new route makes travel between the Algarve and Madeira easier and more enjoyable.

To make the most of these flights, book early, stay informed about schedules, and consider how you can combine both regions for a richer travel experience. For official travel information, always rely on trusted sources like TAP Air Portugal’s website and the Portuguese Civil Aviation Authority.

By connecting Faro and Funchal directly, TAP Air Portugal is not just reopening a route—it’s opening new possibilities for residents, tourists, and businesses across Portugal 🇵🇹.

Learn Today

Embraer E190 → A medium-sized, twin-engine jet aircraft with 106 seats, used for short domestic flights.
Round-trip → A flight itinerary that includes travel to a destination and return to the origin point.
Business Class → A premium flight seating offering enhanced comfort, services, and amenities over economy class.
Direct Flight → An airline route with no intermediate stops or connections between origin and destination.
Domestic Flights → Air travel routes operating within the same country, connecting regional airports.

This Article in a Nutshell

TAP Air Portugal reopens direct flights between Faro and Funchal after over 25 years, boosting travel ease and tourism from June to September 2025. Operating twice weekly on Embraer E190 aircraft, the route offers economy and business seats, enhancing regional connections and economic opportunities in Portugal.
— By VisaVerge.com