The CDS-PP Açores (political party that is part of the ruling coalition in the Azores) has formally pressed the Regional Government for answers regarding ongoing disruptions in air connectivity to São Jorge, warning that the situation continues to undermine both daily life and economic activity on the island.

In a parliamentary inquiry submitted to the Regional Legislative Assembly, deputy Luís Silveira pointed to what he described as “serious and persistent failures” in the current air service model. According to the lawmaker, available flights remain misaligned with actual demand, resulting in insufficient seating capacity, limited frequency, and weak connections to mainland Portugal.

The consequences, he argued, are not merely logistical but structural. Residents face mounting difficulties in accessing essential services—healthcare, education, and employment—while visitors encounter barriers that complicate travel planning and reduce the island’s appeal as a destination. In some cases, Silveira noted, passengers are unable to leave São Jorge and reach destinations outside the archipelago on the same day, forcing overnight stays on other islands.

“This is not acceptable,” he stated, framing the issue as one of territorial cohesion and equal treatment for Azorean citizens, particularly those living on smaller islands.

The CDS-PP also underscored the impact on tourism, warning that unpredictability in flight schedules weakens the competitiveness of the destination. As negotiations continue over Public Service Obligations governing regional air routes, the party is calling for a recalibration of capacity based on real demand—specifically, occupancy rates recorded in 2025, including supplemental flights.

Beyond connectivity, the inquiry highlights concerns about the condition of the island’s airport infrastructure. Reports of water infiltration in the passenger terminal, deteriorating sanitary facilities, and limited parking capacity, Silveira argued, reflect a broader pattern of neglect that affects both service quality and the island’s image.

The party is now demanding concrete measures from the Regional Government to improve both air links and infrastructure, insisting on the need for greater predictability, regularity, and dignified conditions in what it describes as a vital gateway for São Jorge.

At stake, the CDS-PP contends, is not only mobility—but the broader question of how an island community remains connected, viable, and visible within the wider Azorean and national landscape.

Adapted from a Press Release.

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.