Latest news and stories about aviation in travel in Azores, Portugal for expats and residents.
A TAP Air Portugal flight en route to Boston was forced to divert to the Azores following an emergency declaration, marking the airline's third technical incident in one week.
A SATA flight from Ponta Delgada to Toronto performed an emergency landing on Terceira Island following reports of smoke in the cabin, resulting in six passengers being hospitalised for smoke inhalation.
The privatisation jury for Azores Airlines has recommended rejecting the Atlantic Connect Group's sole admitted bid — an offer of €17 million for 85% of Azores Airlines' share capital — on the grounds that it does not safeguard the interests of SATA and the Azores region. SATA said it is analysing the panel's recommendation.
For the Azorean executive, the new route represents a “unique opportunity” to bring the North American market closer to the islands of the Central Group. The American airline already operated flights to São Miguel.
The operation, scheduled to run from 9 June to 5 September 2027, includes three weekly flights using a Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft.
The low-cost airline already connects Brussels to Faro and has announced a route to Porto starting in December. The third connection from Brussels to national territory will be to Ponta Delgada.
The Azores government must make the return of low-cost airlines an urgent priority as tourism continues to decline following Ryanair’s withdrawal from the archipelago, the regional Socialist Party has said. The post Azores tourism woes: low-cost airlines must return — PS appeared first on Portugal Resident.
The PS criticised the Government's lack of strategy in the tourism sector: overnight stays in tourist accommodation have decreased for the ninth consecutive time. The “end of Ryanair's operation” was a “very serious mistake”.
Pico airfield will become a regional alternative starting in December 2026. The measure follows episodes of intense fog that disrupted inter-island flights.
A warning of possible overheating led the captain of a TAP aircraft to divert to Lajes. José Correia Guedes explains why, when there are doubts about safety, the priority is to land and inspect the aircraft. The commentator also addresses concerns regarding the recent incidents involving TAP aircraft.
The landing occurred due to a technical fault, according to the airline. On Saturday, another TAP flight that took off bound for Curitiba returned to Lisbon due to a technical issue.
The unplanned landing in the Azores archipelago resulted from the need to “assess a technical issue” as a “precautionary measure”. TAP states that the flight should head to its original destination “as soon as possible”.
Home News Azores to update airport fees Azores to update airport fees The adjustment of airport fees at aerodromes and airports under the jurisdiction of the Autonomous Region of the Azores will have no impact on passengers or tourism, as SATA Air Açores will absorb the increases associated with
Tourism in the Azores has now declined for nine consecutive months, with regional businesses warning that the loss of flights and airline competition — including Ryanair’s complete withdrawal from the The post Azores tourism falls for 9th month amid fallout from Ryanair withdrawal appeared first on Portugal Resident.
The PS Azores wants to promote the creation of the Azores Air Route Development Fund to support new direct air routes to the region and mitigate the effects of the decline in tourism.
A flight carrying 140 passengers was forced to perform an emergency landing at Lajes Airport due to the presence of fumes on board.
Flight SA323 departed from João Paulo II International Airport at 18:23 and was bound for Toronto.
New flight “opens for the first time a direct door to the Austrian market, which has high potential and a great affinity with the region's value proposition as a destination for nature, authenticity, and sustainability”
The airline reports that it will integrate a leased aircraft into its fleet to 'ensure the fulfillment of the flight schedule planned for the period of highest demand'.
SATA is adjusting its operations to 'strengthen response capacity' by using ACMI (aircraft lease with crew), after having approximately 175 flights affected by fog.
Restrictions on refueling civil aircraft on Terceira Island, in effect since Saturday, have been lifted. The Azores government has requested explanations from Galp.
Azores Airlines will introduce 16 more weekly flights between the mainland and the Azores, which corresponds to an increase of eight round-trip frequencies per week compared to 2025.
Galp estimates that the supply of aviation fuel at the Lajes Civil Air Terminal on Terceira Island, in the Azores, will be progressively normalised by 23 May, an official company source reported this Tuesday. In response to Lusa, Galp confirmed that a batch of fuel destined for Terceira Island did not fully meet the criteria.
Aircraft refuelling was at risk due to fuel contamination.
A failure in fuel quality tests will not impact operations for airlines SATA and TAP at the Lages terminal in the Azores.
Civil aviation fuel that arrived at Terceira failed Galp's quality and safety tests. Airlines have activated contingency plans and ensure that operations are guaranteed.
Official entities downplay the situation, but airlines received a warning for aircraft to carry enough jet fuel for the return trip.
Lajes guarantees it has reserves, but has taken measures for civil aircraft. It will receive a reinforcement of fuel stock with the arrival of a ship at Terceira Island coming from Ponta Delgada.
