Azores Airlines will increase air service between mainland Portugal and the Azorean islands of Terceira, Pico, and Faial beginning June 1, adding new weekly frequencies on each route in anticipation of the higher demand expected during the summer tourism season.

According to a statement released by the SATA Group carrier, the additional flights will be introduced gradually throughout June. Service between Lisbon and Terceira will gain an extra Monday flight starting June 1, while the Lisbon–Pico route will receive a new Friday frequency beginning June 19. The Lisbon–Faial connection will also be strengthened with an additional Sunday flight starting June 21.

The airline is also planning to introduce another frequency on the Lisbon–Terceira route, though its implementation remains dependent on the availability of airport time slots.

With these changes, Azores Airlines’ summer schedule—corresponding to the IATA 2026 season—aims to align capacity with the growing demand for travel and the mobility needs between mainland Portugal and the archipelago. The airline estimates that, from Lisbon, Porto, and Faro, there will be roughly 200 weekly flights connecting mainland Portugal and the Azores.

Across the broader operations of the SATA Group—which also includes SATA Air Açores, responsible for inter-island flights—more than 800 weekly flights are expected during the peak travel period. The number of flights will increase gradually throughout the early summer, reaching its highest levels in July and August.

According to the company, the expansion of domestic routes is part of a broader strategy to strengthen air connectivity to the Autonomous Region of the Azores, ensuring both the mobility of residents and the continuity of links between the archipelago and mainland Portugal.

In Diário dos Açores-Paulo Viveiros, director.

Translated into English as a community outreach program by the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Department (MCLL), in collaboration with Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Media Alliance) at California State University, Fresno. PBBI thanks Luso Financial for sponsoring NOVIDADES.