New flight links Porto and Sal

TAP Air Portugal has introduced a direct flight between Porto, Portugal, and Sal, Cape Verde, starting on October 25, 2026. The service runs twice weekly, using Airbus A320neo aircraft, and is aimed at connecting travelers from Paris via Porto.

Promotional fares for French travelers

The new route offers a promotional round-trip fare starting at 235 euros, including taxes, according to a press release targeting the French market. This fare is intended to attract visitors looking to travel between Porto and Sal.

Route competes with easyJet

The new route directly competes with easyJet, which has been operating flights between Porto and Sal since October 2024. TAP's addition of this route increases competition in the intercontinental travel market from Porto.

Focus on Cape Verdean connections

TAP aims to serve travel needs between Portuguese and Cape Verdean communities, as well as boost tourism and economic exchanges. Maria João Cardoso, TAP's maintenance director, emphasized the "historical, social, and economic" importance of the Cape Verdean market.

Sal's tourism significance

Sal was selected as the destination due to its importance in Cape Verde's tourism sector. In 2025, Sal accounted for 57.7% of hotel entries in the country, significantly more than Boa Vista, which had 24.4%.

TAP's expanding global reach

Sal is now the seventh intercontinental destination served directly from Porto, joining Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, New York, Boston, Luanda, and Praia. TAP also launched flights to Praia and Terceira in 2026, increasing its network from Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport.

New maintenance facility planned

TAP is also expanding its industrial operations with a new maintenance and engineering center at Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport. The facility, expected to be completed in 2028, will support two Airbus A321 aircraft and create around 200 specialized jobs.