- Starting in October 2026, there will be two weekly flights between Lisbon and the capital of Maranhão.
- The airline is also increasing its connectivity in southern Brazil, with a fourth weekly flight to Porto Alegre and Florianópolis during the upcoming summer season.
TAP Air Portugal is taking a new step in its expansion strategy in Brazil and announcing the launch of the Lisbon–São Luís route, which will begin operating on 26 October 2026. Two weekly flights will connect Europe directly with the state of Maranhão, in north-eastern Brazil, via the airline’s hub in Lisbon.
The flights will be operated with Airbus A321LR aircraft, renowned for their comfort and efficiency on long-haul flights, with capacity for 16 passengers in business class and 155 in economy class.
Direct flights between Lisbon and São Luís will operate on Mondays and Thursdays, departing from the Portuguese capital at 7:05 p.m. and arriving at 12:10 a.m. the following day. On Tuesdays and Fridays, the São Luís – Lisbon route (via Fortaleza) will operate, departing at 1:40 a.m., stopping in Fortaleza at 3:00 a.m. with departure at 4:30 a.m., and arriving in Lisbon at 2:50 p.m.
With this new connection, TAP is expanding its range of destinations in Brazil, making it easier for European travellers to access a new enclave in north-eastern Brazil. In fact, with this addition, São Luís becomes the fifteenth Brazilian city served by direct TAP flights, consolidating its position as the European airline with the largest presence in Brazil, thus strengthening the historical and cultural ties between Portugal and Brazil and reaffirming TAP’s role as an air bridge between South America and Europe.
According to Mário Chaves, COO of TAP Air Portugal: ‘The launch of the Lisbon-São Luís route represents a new strategic step in strengthening our network of destinations between Europe and Brazil. We are expanding the connectivity of our hub in Lisbon with the northeast of the country, creating new opportunities for tourism, business and cultural exchange between Brazil and Portugal.’
For his part, Governor Carlos Brandão said: ‘This is another important achievement for our tourism sector, which is growing stronger every day. With this new TAP route, we are shortening the distance between Europe and Maranhão. This flight expands Maranhão’s international presence and awakens interest in our culture, cuisine, history and natural beauty. It will undoubtedly have a positive impact on tourism and the state’s economy.’
Tickets for flights between Lisbon and São Luís do Maranhão are now available at www.flytap.com and through travel agencies.
Growth also in southern Brazil
Meanwhile, TAP Air Portugal has announced an increase in its operations in southern Brazil starting next summer season, with the introduction of a fourth weekly frequency on the routes between Lisbon and Porto Alegre and between Lisbon and Florianópolis, thus strengthening connectivity between Portugal, Europe and these two Brazilian markets.
In the case of Porto Alegre, the new frequency will operate on Mondays from 6 July. In Florianópolis, the additional frequency will operate on Sundays from 5 July.
The increase in frequencies in Porto Alegre and Florianópolis is a valuable contribution to the economic and tourist development of these two Brazilian states, boosting the attraction of international visitors and strengthening tourism.
With this growth in the south and the opening of this new route, TAP reaffirms its commitment to the Brazilian market and to improving air connectivity between Brazil and Europe.
About TAP Air Portugal
TAP is Portugal’s leading airline and a member of Star Alliance since 2005. Founded in 1945, TAP Air Portugal has its hub in Lisbon, a privileged location in Europe, situated at the crossroads between Africa and North, Central and South America. TAP Air Portugal is the world’s leading airline in connections between Europe and Brazil. The company operates more than 1,000 weekly flights to 75 cities, including six airports in Portugal, ten in North America, fourteen in Central and South America, thirteen in Africa and thirty-eight in Europe (in addition to Portugal).
TAP is firmly committed to modernising its fleet and offering its customers the best product in the industry. The Portuguese airline operates one of the most modern fleets in the world, consisting entirely of new-generation Airbus NEO aircraft: A320neo, A321neo, A321LR and A330neo, which offer greater efficiency and lower emission levels. TAP also operates 19 Embraer aircraft in its regional fleet (TAP Express). In 2025, TAP was ranked by AirlineRatings as the safest airline in Europe and the eleventh safest in the world. TAP Air Portugal has been recognised and awarded as the Leading Airline in Europe to Africa and the Leading Airline in Europe to South America by the World Travel Awards in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025.