The CDS-PP Algarve has urged the Government to work with Lufthansa and regional stakeholders to secure new international routes and reduce tourism seasonality.
According to the party, the Algarve should benefit directly from Lufthansa’s planned entry into TAP, pushing for more international connections through Faro Airport.
This call comes from the CDS-PP’s Faro District Political Commission, which believes the airline deal could create opportunities for the region but warns that additional routes and flight frequencies will not happen automatically.
As reported by the CDS-PP Algarve, the party wants the Government to hold structured talks with Lufthansa, ANA Aeroportos, Turismo do Algarve, local councils and regional businesses to identify opportunities to expand air connectivity.
German market
The CDS-PP has highlighted Lufthansa Group’s major hubs in Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich and Vienna, arguing that closer cooperation between TAP and the group’s airlines could improve connections between Faro and international destinations.
Germany is considered a particularly important market for the Algarve, given demand for nature tourism, golf, culture, gastronomy, health and wellness.
These reinforced air links could also encourage longer stays outside the peak summer season, helping businesses attract visitors throughout the year.
Selected partner
The CDS-PP Algarve has welcomed the Government’s decision to select Lufthansa as TAP’s strategic partner under the privatisation process.
This proposal provides for the sale of 44.9 percent of TAP’s capital to Lufthansa, with up to 5 percent reserved for employees, and the State would retain a 50.1 percent stake in this initial phase.
As reported by the party, the selected proposal could generate total proceeds of up to €1.201 billion and was considered 16 percent more financially attractive than the offer from Air France-KLM.
The party believes the transaction could help recover some of the public money invested in the airline while strengthening its international connections.
However, it acknowledges that the financial outcome will depend on TAP’s future performance and the terms of the deal.
Public investment
The district commission argues that taxpayers should recover as much of their money as possible through the sale of shares, an increase in the value of the State’s remaining stake, and the airline’s future financial results.
It points to TAP’s reported net loss of €99.2 million in the first half of 2026, despite growth in revenue and passenger numbers, as evidence of the need for tighter cost control, a consistent commercial strategy and a sustainable financial structure.
The CDS-PP also cites Lufthansa and KLM as examples of airlines that have regained financial independence following periods of public support, while acknowledging that their circumstances are not directly comparable with TAP’s.
Regional benefits
In addition to its demands for improved connectivity, the CDS-PP Algarve says the Government must monitor commitments made during the privatisation process, protect employees, and preserve TAP’s Portuguese identity and strategic role.
Miguel Pinto Luz, Minister for Infrastructure and Housing, was praised for how he handled the process, with the party arguing that the national decision must now deliver tangible benefits for the Algarve.
For the district commission, the next step is to turn the Lufthansa partnership into concrete opportunities for Faro through investment, additional international services and a stronger position within the airline group’s network.
It maintains that better connectivity would support the regional economy while helping reduce the Algarve’s reliance on the peak tourist period.