TAP to launch Lisbon–Orlando route as part of 2026 expansion plan

TAP Air Portugal has announced a new direct route between Lisbon and Orlando, set to begin on October 29, as part of a network expansion unveiled at the BTL tourism fair in Lisbon.

The Orlando service will operate three times weekly — on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays — strengthening TAP’s presence in the U.S. leisure market. The airline already serves multiple North American destinations, including Boston, Newark, Miami and Washington.

The announcement forms part of a wider 2026 strategic plan that includes additional long-haul and European routes, as well as infrastructure investment in Portugal. The initiatives come as the Portuguese government continues preparations for TAP’s long-discussed privatization, a process expected to attract interest from major European airline groups.

Brazil remains central to TAP’s network. In 2026, the carrier will mark 60 years of scheduled service to the country and will add two new Brazilian destinations. Flights between Lisbon and Curitiba are scheduled to begin on July 2, 2026, with three weekly frequencies operated by Airbus A330-200 aircraft. A second route linking Lisbon and São Luís do Maranhão will start on October 26, 2026, with two weekly flights using Airbus A321LR aircraft.

The airline also plans to increase frequencies to Porto Alegre and Florianópolis and to resume service to Caracas. From Porto, the Boston route will become year-round rather than seasonal.

Within Portugal and Europe, TAP will introduce new Lisbon–Athens flights from July 1, initially five times per week, and resume Lisbon–Tel Aviv services from March 29. From Porto, the airline will open routes to Terceira in the Azores, Praia in Cape Verde and Tel Aviv later in the year. A new €20 million maintenance facility in Porto is planned, with the company stating it will create around 200 jobs.

In addition to network growth, TAP said it will introduce a new intermediate cabin product on Airbus A330 and A321LR aircraft in summer 2026, positioned between business and economy class. The new section will feature 12 seats and additional service elements compared with standard economy.

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