Porto Gains New Long-Haul Links and TAP Investment

TAP Air Portugal has detailed a major expansion in Porto, presenting both new routes and a long-term infrastructure project at Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport. The airline currently offers 135 direct weekly flights, including 13 intercontinental frequencies to Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, New York and Luanda. The announcement reflects TAP’s intention to boost long-haul operations while consolidating its role in northern Portugal.

From 1 July, the schedule will expand to include island and transatlantic services, plus a new route to Israel. Next winter, the seasonal Boston link will also switch to year-round operation. TAP additionally confirmed plans to launch more intercontinental destinations within three years, with details to come.

New and Updated Routes (Summer / Winter 2026)

• Terceira (Azores) – 3 weekly
• Praia (Cape Verde) – 3 weekly
• Tel Aviv – 4 weekly
• Porto–Boston – year-round from winter 2026

At the same time, TAP will build a Maintenance and Engineering Hub at Porto Airport capable of accommodating two A321-class aircraft. Scheduled for completion in 2028, the hub enables the airline to perform major inspections internally, reduce outsourcing costs and support the region with around 200 highly specialised jobs. TAP positions this as a structural investment tied to fleet efficiency and long-haul growth.

The network shift makes Porto a more practical starting point for long-distance trips. A year-round Boston flight makes trips between Portugal and the US East Coast easier, while services to Brazil and Angola continue to serve people visiting relatives, attending events or working across the Atlantic. Cape Verde and the Azores appeal to summer holidaymakers, and Tel Aviv adds a route with strong cultural, historical and religious tourism demand. Shorter transfer chains simplify peak-season travel and widen choice beyond Lisbon.

TAP’s expansion indicates that northern Portugal is becoming a stronger aviation node. More direct flights mean fewer connections through crowded hubs, and the technical centre adds long-term aviation jobs instead of only seasonal tourism roles. With further intercontinental destinations planned and infrastructure underway, Porto looks set to carry more long-haul weight in the coming years, offering practical benefits to people booking medium and long-distance journeys.