Latest news and stories about regional connectivity in Portugal for expats and residents.
Carmen Garcia critiques the inadequate rail connectivity between Beja and Lisbon, urging CP executives to experience the daily struggles of Alentejo commuters.
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.
ACI Europe explains that airlines tend to reduce capacity by cutting routes that include regional airports.
Infraestruturas de Portugal (IP) has launched tenders for preliminary studies for the IC9 between Abrantes and Ponte de Sor, and the IC3 between Vila Nova da Barquinha and Almeirim. These studies aim to define preferred corridors for future roads, including new crossings over the Tagus river. The projects, which have been long-awaited to improve regional connectivity, will subsequently undergo Environmental Impact Assessments.
The Azores government argued this Monday that SATA and TAP have the conditions to fill the gap left by Ryanair's exit from the region and insisted that there can be no setbacks regarding the Social Mobility Subsidy (SSM). We have the IATA summer season at our doorstep and I believe that SATA and TAP, the flag carriers, ...
João Oliveira, a PCP Member of the European Parliament, has questioned Brussels regarding the European Commission's pressure to privatise Azores Airlines. The MEP highlights the critical need for regular air links between the Azores and mainland Portugal, noting that Ryanair recently ceased operations there after being denied increased public subsidies. Oliveira expresses concern that TAP might stop flying to the Azores following the privatisation, despite government assurances that routes would be maintained. He criticises the potential impact of the sale, questions the European Commission's aggressive stance, and demands to know how social and territorial cohesion will be safeguarded.
Home News SATA plans to begin privatisation SATA plans to begin privatisation SATA plans to formalise the separation of its ground handling service in March, with the creation of a new company, and to begin the privatisation process for that service, the Azorean aviation group announced.
The privatisation panel for Azores Airlines will propose rejecting the consortium Atlantic Connect Group's bid, the only one admitted to the tender, saying it does not 'safeguard the interests' of SATA and of the region, it was revealed today.
The panel overseeing the privatisation of Azores Airlines will propose rejecting the Atlantic Connect Group consortium's bid, the only one admitted to the tender, on the grounds that it does not “safeguard the interests” of SATA and the region. “The panel considers that the proposal does not meet the requirements defined in the procedure, does not respect conditions and obligations previously established ...”
The airline reiterated plans to withdraw from operations in the Azores, citing 'high airport charges' and the Government's 'inaction'.
The Irish carrier is cancelling six routes in the archipelago, criticising ANA's charges, a 120% increase in air navigation fees post-Covid, and a €2 travel tax introduced by the Government.
Ryanair had already announced the cancellation of all flights to the Azores in November 2025, a stance that led Azorean authorities to warn that negotiations with the airline were not yet closed.
The low-cost airline Ryanair today reaffirmed that it will withdraw operations in the Azores from 29 March, citing “high airport charges” and the Portuguese Government's “inaction”.
Azores-based airline SATA has launched 'Missão Açores' (Mission Azores) to reinforce connections between the Azores and mainland Portugal.
Infraestruturas de Portugal (IP) completed this Thursday the cross-border link between Vinhais and Bragança, a target of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) that had to be secured by 31 December this year, the president of IP told ECO. The project involves an investment of €36.65 million, provided by the component ...
