TAP Air Portugal Launches Nonstop LA Flights
TAP Air Portugal is set to enhance its North American presence next summer by introducing nonstop service to Los Angeles, marking a significant expansion of its transatlantic network. This strategic move includes the launch of two additional Portugal-U.S. routes, further solidifying TAP’s commitment to connecting Portugal with key destinations in the United States.
Starting May 16, 2025, TAP will commence nonstop flights between Lisbon Airport (LIS) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Initially, the airline will operate three return flights per week, increasing to four weekly roundtrips on May 25. These flights will be serviced by the modern Airbus A330-900neo aircraft, renowned for their efficiency and passenger comfort. This new route addresses a significant demand, as Lisbon to Los Angeles was identified by Sabre Market Intelligence as the largest unserved city pair between Portugal and the U.S. in 2023, attracting approximately 71,500 two-way origin and destination (O&D) passengers.
TAP’s expansion to Los Angeles is complemented by the addition of new routes to two existing cities within its network: Boston and San Francisco. Flights from Porto Airport (OPO) to Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) will begin on May 14, 2025, offering four weekly services through October 25. These routes will utilize Airbus A321LR aircraft, providing a balance of range and efficiency ideal for transatlantic flights. Additionally, TAP will launch a new route from Terceira Island in the Azores to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) on June 3, 2025, with weekly flights running until August 26. This route will also be operated using the Airbus A330-900neo, ensuring a high level of comfort and reliability for passengers.
The expansion of TAP’s North American network comes at a time when the airline is celebrating its 80th anniversary of service in 2025. Since initiating flights between Portugal and the U.S. in 1969, TAP has steadily grown its presence, now offering nonstop flights to eight major U.S. destinations. These include Boston, Chicago, Miami, Newark, New York John F. Kennedy (JFK), San Francisco, Washington Dulles, and the newly added Los Angeles. This expansion reflects a 41% increase in two-way weekly seats between Portugal and North America compared to summer 2019 levels, according to OAG Schedules Analyzer data.
TAP Air Portugal’s growth is supported by its robust partnership with United Airlines, a fellow member of the Star Alliance. This codeshare agreement enhances connectivity for passengers traveling between Lisbon and Los Angeles, leveraging United’s extensive hub at LAX to provide seamless travel options and greater flexibility. The addition of Los Angeles not only fills a crucial gap in TAP’s route network but also meets the rising demand for direct flights between Portugal and one of the United States’ most vibrant and economically significant cities.
Henri-Charles Ozarovsky, Head of Strategy at TAP, emphasized the airline’s ongoing commitment to expanding its North American footprint. “We are constantly evaluating destinations to meet the evolving needs of our passengers,” Ozarovsky stated. TAP’s focus on key markets like Los Angeles, Boston, and San Francisco highlights its dedication to providing superior service and expanding its reach to major economic and cultural hubs in the U.S.
Looking ahead, TAP Air Portugal plans to explore additional nonstop routes to other major cities in North America, including Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Vancouver, and Mexico City. These potential expansions aim to further enhance TAP’s connectivity and offer travelers more direct options between Portugal and key destinations across the continent.
As travel continues to rebound post-pandemic, TAP’s strategic route expansions position the airline to capture increasing demand for international travel. By launching nonstop flights to Los Angeles and expanding its service to Boston and San Francisco, TAP Air Portugal is set to provide enhanced connectivity, superior passenger experiences, and robust growth in its North American operations.
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