TAP Adds São Luis to Brazil Network with New Lisbon Route
TAP Air Portugal will open a new long-haul route linking Lisbon with São Luís, the capital of Brazil’s Maranhão state, starting in October 2026. The service marks another expansion of the airline’s presence in Brazil and makes São Luís the 15th Brazilian city served directly by TAP. Flights will operate twice weekly, connecting northern Brazil with Europe through TAP’s Lisbon hub.
The route will be flown using Airbus A321LR aircraft, configured with 16 seats in business class and 155 in economy. TAP has confirmed that services will follow a triangular pattern, operating Lisbon–São Luís and returning via Fortaleza. This setup allows the airline to maintain regular frequencies while integrating the new destination into its existing Brazilian network.
“This is another important achievement for our tourism industry, which is growing stronger every day. With this new TAP route, we are shortening the distance between Europe and Maranhão. With this flight, Maranhão is expanding its international presence and sparking interest in our culture, cuisine, history, and natural beauty. Without a doubt, this will bring more positive impacts for tourism and the state's economy."
Lisbon–São Luís flight schedule
- Lisbon → São Luís: Mondays and Thursdays, departing 19:05, arriving 00:10 next day
- São Luís → Lisbon (via Fortaleza): Tuesdays and Fridays, departing 01:40
- Stop in Fortaleza before continuing to Lisbon
- Arrival in Lisbon at 14:50
By adding São Luís, TAP opens easier access to one of Brazil’s lesser-served northeastern regions. Travellers gain direct reach to Maranhão’s coastline, historic centre and cultural festivals, as well as onward connections within Brazil. The route also improves access to Fortaleza and nearby beach destinations, while Lisbon continues to act as a key European gateway for journeys into northern and northeastern Brazil.
The new service provides a direct air link to a Brazilian destination that previously involved at least one additional change. São Luís will now have scheduled long-haul flights to Europe, while Lisbon continues to function as a practical transfer point between South America and European cities. Rather than a broad network overhaul, the route adds another destination to TAP’s existing structure, widening travel options beyond Brazil’s main gateways.