TAP Air Portugal launches new route to São Luís

TAP Air Portugal began its new flight service between Lisbon and São Luís, the capital of Brazil’s Maranhão state, on October 26, 2026. The route marks the first direct connection between Maranhão and Europe, according to Turismo de Portugal.

Flight details and schedule

The service operates twice a week using an Airbus A321LR, which has 171 seats. The flight from Lisbon to São Luís is non-stop, while the return journey includes a stop in Fortaleza. The first flight carried 159 passengers and arrived in São Luís at 00:10 on October 27.

Strategic location and connectivity

São Luís becomes the 15th Brazilian city in TAP’s network, adding to destinations like Fortaleza, Natal, Recife, and Salvador. The new route serves both tourist and business travelers, offering connections to over 50 European destinations through TAP’s network.

Triangular flight route

The service follows a triangular rotation: Lisbon–São Luís–Fortaleza–Lisbon. Flights depart Lisbon on Mondays and Thursdays at 19:05, arriving in São Luís at 00:10 the next day. The return leg includes a stop in Fortaleza, with flights departing at 01:40 and arriving at 03:00, followed by a flight from Fortaleza to Lisbon at 04:30, arriving at 14:50.

Aircraft and capacity

TAP is using an Airbus A321LR configured with 16 business class seats and 155 economy seats. This allows the airline to offer 342 seats per week from Lisbon, spread across two weekly flights. The aircraft handles the entire route between Portugal and the two Brazilian cities.

Tourism and regional significance

São Luís is positioned as a gateway to Maranhão and the Lençóis Maranhenses, known for its dune landscapes and freshwater lagoons. The city itself is a tourist destination, with a historic center featuring Portuguese colonial architecture. Officials from Maranhão and Brazil’s tourism agency, Embratur, see the new connection as a way to increase the region’s visibility in Europe and attract visitors and investment.

Future plans and pricing

TAP plans to serve 15 cities in Brazil through 17 routes from Lisbon and Porto. The airline also announced round-trip flights from Paris to São Luís starting at 901.69 euros, including tax. This is a promotional fare and not a guaranteed price for all dates, with actual prices to be confirmed at the time of booking.