Direct Faro–Madeira Flights Simplify Travel Across Portugal This Summer

TAP Air Portugal is going to start a direct seasonal flight link between southern city of Faro and Madeira island, operating from June 2 through September 11. The airline will offer two weekly flights on Mondays and Thursdays, connecting the Algarve and Funchal without stopovers. This limited-time route will be operated using 106-seat Embraer 190 aircraft, adding significant capacity during the country’s busiest travel months.
In total, TAP plans to run 30 round-trip flights over the summer period, providing more than 3,000 seats each way. Monday flights out of Funchal leave at 8:50 p.m. with return to Faro 11:15 p.m. Flight from Funchal on Thursdays takes off at 6:10 a.m. returning from Faro at 8:35 a.m. This also provides a lot more convenience for the domestic travelers and tourists all over Portugal discovering new places.
The new air link gets rid of the necessity of stopping through Lisbon or Porto when traveling between Algarve to Madeira. Tourists flying into Faro can now directly access the island’s unique volcanic terrain, scenic hiking trails, and year-round mild climate. Going the other way, Madeiran travellers will find it simpler to get to the south coast that boasts golden beaches and towns like Lagos and Tavira.
The connection also opens doors to multi-region itineraries for international visitors. Those arriving in Portugal for extended holidays can now incorporate both regions into their plans—experiencing the Algarve’s relaxed seaside charm and Madeira’s dramatic landscapes without needing to coordinate multiple flights. Time-sensitive travelers will love that the additional efficiency makes short regional hops more attractive.

The move by TAP indicates an increasing call for smarter, more integrated domestic air travel inside of Portugal. For travelers, it means more freedom to explore contrasting parts of the country without compromising time or comfort. As seasonal routes like this become more common, they reshape how people experience Portugal’s diverse destinations.