Year-round services now provided on Portugal to Los Angeles flight route
In a significant move to strengthen economic and cultural ties between Portugal and California, TAP Air Portugal has launched a direct flight between Los Angeles (LAX) and Lisbon (LIS), effective from May 16, 2025 [1]. This new route marks a strategic addition to TAP Air Portugal's network, expanding its reach in the North American market.
The airline will operate more than 100 weekly flights to North America during the summer, with cities such as Toronto, Montreal, Canada, Cancun, Mexico, and various US cities included in the network. Notably, this direct connection between Southern California and Portugal will continue beyond October 25th, filling a gap that had been absent for over two decades.
TAP Air Portugal's new route to Los Angeles is a long-term investment in strengthening the relationship between Portugal and California. By offering direct flights, the airline aims to attract more passengers, enhance its competitiveness in the transatlantic market, and facilitate easier travel for both business travelers and tourists. This move is expected to foster greater collaboration and exchange in sectors like technology, tourism, and trade.
Direct flights also help in promoting Portugal as a destination for Californian tourists, while making it simpler for Californian businesses to access European markets via Lisbon. TAP's expansion in Los Angeles marks a significant increase in its operations in the United States, with the company now having eight gateways in the country, including Los Angeles.
The Airbus A330-900 aircraft will be used for the services on this route. The new route is a significant expansion of TAP's operations in the United States, aligning with the airline's broader goals to expand its network presence and reinforce Portugal’s position as a hub for transatlantic travel.
TAP's CEO, Luís Rodrigues, stated that if this route performs better than others, resources could be diverted to it. The route currently operates three weekly services, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. This strategic move comes as Los Angeles prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games, providing opportunities for TAP to cement the route and capitalize on the growing ties between Portugal and California.
[1] Source: TAP Air Portugal press release, May 16, 2025. [3] Source: TAP Air Portugal website, accessed on May 18, 2025.
- The new route between Los Angeles and Lisbon, operated by TAP Air Portugal, is expected to boost tourism by making travel more accessible for Californians seeking to explore Portugal's lifestyle and scenic events.
- As TAP Air Portugal continues to offer more than 100 weekly flights to North American cities, including Los Angeles, they aim to foster collaboration and exchange in sectors like technology, trade, and travel news, facilitating stronger economic and cultural ties between Portugal and California.
- By expanding its operations in the United States, particularly in Los Angeles, TAP Air Portugal strives to position Lisbon as a key hub for travelers seeking a diverse lifestyle, cultural experiences, and connectivity to European markets, emphasizing Portugal's role in facilitating transatlantic travel.
