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While generations of Britons and Europeans headed towards the Portuguese island of Madeira Quick trip To the tropics, the area off the coast of North Africa has also recently become I started to attract attention From travelers residing in the United States.
Because the geography and migration history of the two islands are similar, so is Madeira Often called R“Hawaii of Europe” – Both locations attract tourists looking for beaches, surfing, and stunning hikes through green hills and waterfalls.
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But given its small size and location west of North Africa in the North Atlantic Ocean, Madeira can be a bit of a trip for inexperienced travelers outside of Europe – and while it’s only a 90-minute flight from Lisbon, getting to the island from the US typically requires travel. To the mainland capital then catch a flight with a regional airline.
These new flights will take you directly to Madeira
But with North American travelers interested in all of Portugal Continue in On the rise, the regional airline Azores Airlines is stepping in to facilitate access to the area. The carrier this week began operating direct flights to Madeira’s capital city of Funchal from Boston and Toronto – the former will operate weekly on Fridays while the latter departs on Tuesdays. At various times of the year, the Azores also offered direct and connecting flights between Funchal and New York’s JFK Airport.
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“In 2023, Air Azores’ operation between Madeira and the Azores is very positive,” Teresa Gonçalves, CEO of Air Azores, said in a statement. “The bet on direct flights between Madeira and North America is a result of the success of the operation between New York and Funchal.”
The airline followed up the inaugural flights by also announcing new routes to the northern Portuguese city of Porto from Boston, New York and Toronto. The Boston route will operate weekly on Tuesdays, while the New York and Toronto flights will depart on Thursdays and Saturdays, respectively. Return flights will be late in the morning on Wednesdays, Sundays and Fridays.
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The airline wants to be a way to bring Americans to the Azores
Home to port wine and coastal buildings decorated with painted tiles known as azulejo, Porto is also having a moment among American tourists. At the beginning of March, United Airlines (first) Doubled The trips you offer to the city from Newark Liberty as well as adding a new route to the southern Algarve city of Faro which was eventually canceled as the airline focuses on Boeing (Bachelor’s) The investigation affects its supply of aircraft.
But even with increasing competition from major airlines, Azores Airlines is better positioned to grow its customer base and become the destination of choice for travelers from North America to and within Portugal.
“This direct flight operation strengthens the offer of flights departing from Porto and North America, destinations to which Azores Airlines has been flying for more than two decades and where it has continuously grown,” Graça Silva, Azores Airlines Director of Sales and Marketing, said in a statement. statement. “We believe that the city of Porto and the entire northern region have uniquely attractive arguments for the tourism sector, but equally important for business, friends and relatives.”
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