After 27 Years, TAP Revives This Forgotten Portugal Route
For the first time since 1998, TAP Air Portugal is reuniting two of the country’s most iconic destinations with a direct flight. From June 2 to September 11, 2025, the airline will resume nonstop service between Funchal (Madeira) and Faro (Algarve)—a route many locals and leisure travelers never thought they’d see again.
The revival isn’t just nostalgic—it’s strategic. It signals TAP’s renewed commitment to strengthening domestic tourism and easing access between Portugal’s islands and mainland.
A Long-Awaited Return
TAP last flew between Funchal and Faro in March 1998. Since then, travelers hoping to get from one sun-soaked coast to the other have faced layovers in Lisbon, Porto, or even international connections. But starting this summer, that’s changing.
The new flights will run twice a week using Embraer E190 regional jets, which seat around 106 passengers. Flights operate on Mondays and Thursdays, strategically timed for both weekend escapes and flexible holiday plans.
Here’s the full schedule, as filed in recent timetables:
Thursdays
- TP1716: Funchal departs 06:05, arrives Faro 07:45
- TP1717: Faro departs 08:35, arrives Funchal 10:30
Mondays
- TP1716: Funchal departs 20:50, arrives Faro 22:30
- TP1717: Faro departs 23:15, arrives Funchal 01:05 (next day)
Photo by sauro, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Connecting Two Tourism Giants
While Madeira and the Algarve are wildly different in terrain and character, they’re united by one thing: they are tourism powerhouses.
Funchal, the capital of Madeira, offers dramatic cliffs, lush hiking trails, and a distinct island culture shaped by volcanic landscapes. Faro, on the other hand, is the gateway to Portugal’s southern coast—famed for golden beaches, golf resorts, and warm, dry summers.
By flying directly between them, TAP isn’t just saving passengers time—it’s enabling new kinds of trips altogether. Multi-region holidays, twin-destination getaways, and domestic tour packages suddenly become much easier to book.
“This is a smart, seasonal play,” one aviation analyst told FlightDrama. “Madeira’s always popular with tourists, and Faro is practically at capacity in summer. Connecting the two is a win for everyone.”
Not Just for Tourists
While the route clearly targets leisure travelers, it also brings relief to Madeirans and Algarve residents with ties across the country. With Portugal’s rail network unable to serve the island, and driving requiring a stopover on the mainland, this air bridge is long overdue.
Business travelers and visiting family members now have the option to skip Lisbon entirely. The Monday evening flight and Thursday morning departure cater to flexible working patterns, offering a rare direct domestic option outside Lisbon-Porto’s corridor.
Why Now?
TAP’s decision likely comes down to three key factors:
- Aircraft availability – The Embraer E190, operated by TAP subsidiary Portugália, is the ideal aircraft for short, lower-demand domestic hops. Its size and economics allow the airline to explore seasonal demand without overcommitting widebody or narrowbody aircraft.
- Summer surge – Portuguese domestic tourism peaks in July and August. By running from June 2 to September 11, TAP captures the heart of summer without locking into a year-round schedule.
- Competitive landscape – With Ryanair and easyJet dominating some mainland routes, TAP is carving out niche domestic pairings where it still holds brand loyalty.
The route also adds value for Star Alliance frequent flyers, offering a more premium product and lounge access compared to low-cost alternatives that require connections.
Will It Last Beyond 2025?
For now, the route is strictly seasonal, but performance this summer may decide its future.
TAP has been under scrutiny in recent years for cutting unprofitable routes and prioritizing international connections from Lisbon. But the Funchal–Faro service feels like a return to something more community-focused—a nod to domestic needs as much as network strategy.
If the route sells well, and especially if it supports onward tourism spending in both Madeira and the Algarve, there’s a strong chance it could become an annual summer staple.
How to Book
Tickets are already available on flytap.com. With just two round-trips per week, availability is expected to be limited—especially in July and August. Round-trip fares currently start at approximately €145, but pricing will vary depending on date and demand.
Final Thoughts
It’s rare to see an airline revive a route after nearly three decades. But TAP Air Portugal’s decision to bring back Funchal–Faro speaks to a deeper shift: Portugal’s aviation map is evolving, and domestic travel is being taken seriously again.
Whether you’re a Madeiran seeking an Algarve beach weekend or a tourist trying to explore both of Portugal’s coastal gems, this new flight is more than convenient—it’s symbolic of a country reconnecting its regions.