For an archipelago scattered across the vast North Atlantic, mobility is more than transportation—it is the foundation upon which opportunity, equality, and regional cohesion are built. Every flight, every ferry crossing, every reliable connection represents far more than a means of travel. It is a bridge to education, healthcare, commerce, tourism, family, and economic development. In the Azores, accessibility has always been one of autonomy’s greatest promises and most enduring challenges.
That reality was at the center of the parliamentary sessions held by CDS/Açores on the island of São Jorge, where regional deputy Luís Silveira argued that the archipelago continues to operate at “three different speeds,” leaving several islands at a significant disadvantage when compared to those with direct international or mainland connections.
Opening the party’s Parliamentary Days under the theme “Reflecting on Autonomy, Accessibility, and Mobility,” Silveira described transportation as the greatest obstacle facing the smaller islands, maintaining that unequal access continues to limit their economic and social development.
According to the CDS parliamentarian, the islands of São Miguel, Terceira, Pico, Faial, and Santa Maria enjoy significantly different transportation conditions from those experienced by São Jorge and Graciosa, while Flores and Corvo continue to face the greatest mobility challenges. He argued that the current transportation system has created an internal imbalance within the Autonomous Region, where opportunities vary considerably depending on an island’s transportation infrastructure and direct connections.
Silveira emphasized that improving accessibility must become one of the Region’s highest priorities, arguing that only a strong and reliable transportation network can stimulate economic growth, attract private investment, strengthen tourism, and encourage people to remain on the smaller islands.
While acknowledging recent improvements—including expanded maritime services and increased air capacity to São Jorge—he maintained that current transportation options remain insufficient to meet existing demand. He also criticized SATA’s operational capacity, arguing that the airline lacks sufficient redundancy to respond effectively when aircraft become unavailable, a situation that disproportionately affects islands without gateway airports.
Ironically, the transportation challenges being discussed during the parliamentary sessions were reflected in the event itself. Flight cancellations prevented CDS/Açores President Artur Lima, along with two invited speakers, from traveling to São Jorge to participate in the discussions. Silveira described the incident as a clear illustration of the ongoing mobility constraints affecting inter-island travel.
Among those unable to attend were transportation consultant Carlos Raulino, who was scheduled to address maritime mobility, and retired commercial airline captain Victor Fernandes, whose presentation focused on preserving the functional unity of the Azorean archipelago through improved transportation networks.
The deputy also addressed recent remarks by Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructure Berta Cabral regarding the growing number of airlines serving the Azores. Silveira argued that citing the number of carriers flying into São Miguel should not be interpreted as evidence that the entire archipelago enjoys equal accessibility.
“One thing is having seventeen or eighteen airlines flying to São Miguel,” he argued. “It is something entirely different to say they are flying to the Azores.”
His comments reflect a broader concern that the benefits of airline liberalization have been concentrated primarily on the Region’s largest islands, while smaller communities continue to rely on limited transportation options.
Silveira also renewed the party’s call for a revision of Portugal’s Public Service Obligations (PSO) governing regional air service, arguing that seat capacity should be based on demonstrated passenger demand rather than minimum contractual requirements. Such changes, he contended, would better serve residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
Beyond transportation policy, the deputy used the occasion to raise a broader issue concerning regional development. He warned against what he described as internal centralization within the Azores, arguing that the Region cannot legitimately criticize political centralization in Lisbon while ignoring inequalities among its own islands.
“The smaller islands are not asking for privileges,” Silveira said. “They are simply asking for what is fair—equal opportunities to live, invest, work, and develop.”
He concluded by warning that persistent transportation limitations continue to affect tourism, commerce, entrepreneurship, and private investment throughout the smaller islands, arguing that accessibility remains one of the decisive factors shaping the future sustainability of many Azorean communities.
As the Azores continue marking fifty years of political autonomy, debates over mobility remain central to the Region’s future. The challenge extends beyond increasing flights or ferry schedules; it touches the very meaning of territorial cohesion in an island region where geography continues to influence opportunity. Ensuring that every island enjoys meaningful connectivity remains one of the most important tests of an autonomy built upon the principle that no community should be left behind.
Based on a story in Diário dos Açores-Paulo Viveiros, director. Photo from RTP-A.
