Faro and Funchal airports will once again have direct connections to Newark/New York through United Airlines, reinforcing transatlantic connectivity between Portugal and the United States of America.
The seasonal route between Faro and Newark will begin this summer with four weekly frequencies, while in Funchal flights have already resumed, in an operation that foresees a 19% increase in the supply of seats available for the summer.
According to Karen Strougo, Chief Commercial Officer at ANA|VINCI Airports, “the four weekly connections to the United States of America, from Faro, during the IATA summer season, help to consolidate the role of Gago Coutinho Airport as a key gateway to the region”.
The executive adds that the operation “reflects the growing appeal of the destination and the airport’s ability to attract and develop long-distance connections”.
Faro and Madeira strengthen links to the United States
In the case of Madeira, United Airlines resumed direct service three weeks earlier than in 2025, operating since May 17th.
The airline emphasizes that it is currently “the only airline to provide a direct connection between Madeira and the USA”.
Antonio de Toro, Regional Sales Manager for Portugal and Spain at United Airlines, expressed his enthusiasm “to return to Faro for the 2026 summer season, with a new direct flight and the pleasure to announce the return of our Madeira – Newark/New York service for an extended summer season”.
The official also highlights that passengers will be able to benefit “from a convenient and direct connection to our Newark/New York hub, as well as the possibility of conveniently connecting to more than 80 destinations across the Americas”.
United increases transatlantic operations in Portugal
United Airlines’ operations in Portugal include daily flights between Lisbon and Newark/New York, connections between Lisbon and Washington DC, flights from Porto to Newark and seasonal operations from Faro and Ponta Delgada.
According to the airline, United currently offers more flights between Portugal and the United States “than any other US carrier”.
During the summer, the carrier expects to operate almost 770 weekly transatlantic connections and serve 44 destinations across the Atlantic.
The Madeira-Newark route will be operated with Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, with capacity for Premium Plus, Economy Plus and Economy seats.
Portuguese airports reinforce international positioning
ANA|VINCI Airports considers that the new operations reinforce the international positioning of Portuguese airports in the transatlantic market.
Karen Strougo also states that “the three weekly frequencies at Funchal airport are a clear demonstration of the growing demand for the destination of Madeira and the strength of our international positioning.”
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