IRELAND- The Regional Government (PSD/CDS-PP/PPM) and Visit Azores (the organization responsible for promoting the archipelago) have announced that Ryanair’s (FR) operations in the region will involve a minimum of approximately 2,032 flights each year.
During the winter season, there are plans for two weekly flights between Ponta Delgada and Lisbon and two weekly flights from Ponta Delgada to Porto. Additionally, Terceira Island will have two weekly flights to both Lisbon and Porto operated by the low-cost airline.
Ryanair Azores Flights
Furthermore, in addition to the connections between Lisbon/Ponta Delgada and Porto/Ponta Delgada, as well as Lisbon/Terceira and Porto/Terceira, there will be seasonal connections during the summer to Stansted (London, United Kingdom) and Nuremberg (Germany), as stated by the regional government.
For the summer season, there are plans for a total of 13 weekly connections between Ponta Delgada and Terceira, including seven with Lisbon, one with Porto, one with Stansted, and one with Nuremberg.
“During the IATA winter season, Ryanair’s operations will be adjusted according to the expected demand, and they will adapt in response to the growth in demand and anticipated tourism expansion in the region. This will result in the introduction of new flights in line with market dynamics,” assures the government.
Multiple Hurdles
The Azorean government, led by José Manuel Bolieiro of the social democratic party, expresses its contentment with Ryanair’s continued presence in the Azores. They acknowledge that negotiations with the airline were protracted and challenging.
“These demanding negotiations with Ryanair faced various structural hurdles that were unrelated to the region but had an impact on the entire process and will continue to affect the newly announced operations,” states the press release.
According to the Azores government, some of these “obstacles” include the “lack of available slots at Lisbon airport, leading to slot limitations.” They highlight the “stalemate in deciding the location and construction of the new airport,” which has significantly impacted the archipelago.
Additionally, the regional government points out that Ryanair cited the increase in airport taxes at Ponta Delgada by ANA Aeroportos as a factor, although this situation has been partially mitigated. Environmental taxes (ETS fees) in the European Union are also cited as reasons for Ryanair’s previous reduction of operations in the Azores.”
Political Challenges
The Azorean Government had previously acknowledged the existence of an agreement with the Irish company, which entailed a reduction in flights.
However, they refrained from providing specific details until the flight links were officially published on the carrier’s website, prompting demands for clarification from the PS (Socialist Party).
José Manuel Bolieiro, the President of the Azores Government, has already affirmed that the executive took necessary steps to ensure the continuation of Ryanair’s operations in the archipelago.
He emphasized the need for Azoreans to acclimate to a “non-government-controlled economy.”
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