The Ponta Delgada Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIPD) reiterated the need to maintain Ryanair’s routes with the Azores, with capacity levels “adequate to demand.”

“Following the recent news about a possible substantial reduction in air capacity on Ryanair’s domestic routes in the winter season (IATA 2023/24)to the Azores, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Ponta Delgada reinforces its position on the need to maintain these routes, with levels of capacity appropriate to demand”, articulates the organization, in a press release.

For the CCIPD, “only in this way is it possible not to jeopardize all the work that has been done to combat seasonality, enhancing the sustainable tourism development, which is, in fact, one of the pillars on which the PEMTA – Strategic and Marketing Plan for Tourism in the Azores is based.”

Also, according to the CCIPD, losing the installed air capacity for the Azores in winter could contribute to “an unequivocal destruction of value in the development of the tourism sector” in the region. It will translate, already in the short term, a setback with a direct impact on all stakeholders who, after an “unexpected and profound” crisis, need to grow and consolidate business.

CCIP also stated that economic operators in tourism in the Azores have already signaled “a sharp drop in reservations” for November, “which is largely due to the non-existence of Ryanair flights for sale ‘online’.”

“Air accessibility, along with tourism supply/product and tourism promotion, is an essential pillar for the development of tourism, and in the case of Ryanair, it not only offers flight availability but also plays a very effective role in promoting the Azores destination throughout its route network in Europe. Domestic flights from Porto and Lisbon to the Azores are critical in winter to bring tourists from Europe to the Azores,” states the press release.

The CCIPD also argues that it is necessary to resume investment in promoting the Azores’ destination so that, in addition to maintaining the air accessibility network, the sustainability of the tourism sector can be guaranteed, especially in the low season.

The organization estimates that the possible reduction of Ryanair’s operation could cause the loss of 50 to 70 jobs at the Ponta Delgada hub, considering that this will represent “clear evidence of the loss of competitiveness of the Azores destination and clear of the insufficiency of tourism promotion” in the region.

Beautiful view of Santiago Lake “Lagoa de Santiago ” from Hell Mouth viewpoint “Miradouro Boca do Inferno” in São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal. Lakes of Santiago and Sete Cidades, Azores, Portugal

In addition, CCIPD believes that reducing Ryanair flights will represent “an increased risk for investments in accommodation, particularly for families who have invested in alojamento local.” Local Airbnb plays a vital role in the Azorean economy. 

This news story is from Lusa News Agency and was published in the newspaper Açoriano Oriental, Paulo Simões, director.

Translated to English as a community outreach program from the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Cultures Department (MCLL) as part of Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Medial Alliance)  at California State University, Fresno.