TAP Air Portugal takes another step in its expansion strategy in Brazil with the launch of a Lisbon – São Luís route, starting on October 26, 2026. Two weekly flights will connect Europe directly to Maranhão, through the airline’s hub in Lisbon.
São Luís, the capital city of the State of Maranhão, has a population of over one million inhabitants. Located Northeast of Brazil on the Atlantic Coast, the city is considered one of the most beautiful in the country. Its historical center is on the UNESCO World Heritage list with its numerous churches, houses and palaces dating back to the 17th and 18th century.
The flights will be operated with Airbus A321LR aircraft, renowned for their comfort and efficiency on long-haul flights, with a capacity of 16 passengers in business class and 155 in economy class, on the Lisbon (LIS) – São Luís (SLZ) – Fortaleza (FOR) – Lisbon (LIS) route twice a week.
Lisbon – São Luís: Mondays and Thursdays, departure at 7:05 p.m. and arrival at 12:10 a.m. the following day.
São Luís – Lisbon (via Fortaleza): Tuesdays and Fridays, departing at 1:40 a.m., stopping in Fortaleza at 3:00 a.m., departing at 4:30 a.m. and arriving in Lisbon at 2:50 p.m.
More holiday possibilities for Europeans and Brazilians
With this new connection, TAP expands its destination options in Brazil, facilitating access for Europeans to yet another destination in northeastern Brazil.
According to Mário Chaves, COO of TAP Air Portugal: “The launch of the Lisbon–São Luís route represents another strategic step in strengthening our network of destinations between Europe and Brazil. We are expanding the connectivity of our hub in Lisbon with northeastern Brazil, creating new opportunities for tourism, business, and cultural exchange between Brazil and Portugal.”
“This is another important achievement for our tourism industry, which is growing stronger every day. With this new TAP route, we are shortening the distance between Europe and Maranhão. With this flight, Maranhão is expanding its international presence and sparking interest in our culture, cuisine, history, and natural beauty. Without a doubt, this will bring more positive impacts for tourism and the state’s economy,” said Governor Carlos Brandão.
São Luís becomes the 15 Brazilian city served by direct TAP flights, consolidating its position as the European airline with the largest presence in Brazil, strengthening the historical and cultural ties between Portugal and Brazil, and reaffirming TAP’s role as an air bridge between South America and Europe.
More frequencies to Southern Brazil
TAP Air Portugal will also increase its operations in southern Brazil starting from the next European summer season, with the introduction of a fourth weekly frequency on the routes between Lisbon and Porto Alegre and between Lisbon and Florianópolis.
For Porto Alegre, the new frequency will operate on Mondays, starting July 6. In Florianópolis, the additional frequency will operate on Sundays, starting July 5.
