From a modest regional carrier to a global leader, TAP Air Portugal celebrates 80 years and thriving.
Founded to link Portuguese and Spanish cities in 1945, TAP Air Portugal has grown into an international airline connecting Europe, Africa and the Americas. Today the carrier continues to expand its network across North America, Europe and Africa while highlighting Portuguese hospitality and culture onboard.
© TAP Air Portugal
TAP’s presence in the United States began in 1969 with a small number of routes. Since then the airline has steadily expanded its U.S. footprint and now serves more than 90 airports across the country through codeshares and interline agreements. Direct TAP gateways in the United States include Boston (BOS), Los Angeles (LAX), Chicago (ORD), Miami (MIA), Newark (EWR), San Francisco (SFO), New York (JFK) and Washington, D.C. (IAD). The carrier also offers a unique seasonal link between San Francisco and Terceira (TER) in the Azores.
Across North America TAP serves 11 gateways in total, adding Toronto (YYZ) and Montréal (YUL) in Canada and Cancún (CUN) in Mexico to its network, providing convenient connections between Portugal and the continent.
© TAP Air Portugal
This year TAP celebrates its 80th anniversary. Launched as Transportes Aéreos Portugueses, the airline operated its first flight in 1946 from Lisbon to Madrid on a DC-3 Dakota carrying 11 passengers. Over the decades TAP has grown dramatically: by 2024 it carried more than 16 million passengers, strengthened global partnerships and expanded its fleet and route map.
TAP’s international reach is supported by numerous codeshare agreements with carriers such as United Airlines, JetBlue, Air Canada, Etihad Airways and Singapore Airlines, and by its membership in the Star Alliance. These partnerships enhance route options and simplify travel for passengers connecting across continents.
Modernization of the fleet has been a priority. As of 2019 TAP operates around 100 Airbus aircraft, including fuel-efficient A320neo and A321neo models. These neo-family aircraft reduce fuel burn per seat by up to 20 percent compared with older types, reflecting the airline’s efforts to improve operational efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
Onboard, TAP offers both business and economy cabins. The business class consistently receives recognition for its service, comfort and amenities. Long-haul business seats convert to fully flat beds with adjustable headrests and, on selected routes, include duvets. On medium-haul flights business-class travelers benefit from extra comfort and privacy with a blocked middle seat.
© TAP Air Portugal
Dining in TAP’s business class celebrates Portuguese cuisine and ingredients. Meals are prepared using fresh, sustainably sourced produce and presented on Portuguese porcelain. The onboard beverage selection emphasizes Portuguese wines chosen to complement each menu.
Business-class passengers also receive noise-cancelling headphones, power outlets for laptops and amenity kits produced from ecological rPET material in collaboration with Portuguese cosmetics brand Benamôr. The kits come in several colors and are part of TAP’s ongoing focus on sustainable materials and passenger comfort.
© TAP Air Portugal
TAP’s Portugal Stopover program allows travelers to add a complimentary stopover in Lisbon or Porto for up to 10 days on inbound or outbound itineraries. This option makes it easy to visit two destinations for the price of one and encourages exploration of Portugal’s diverse regions.
Stopover passengers benefit from a 25 percent discount on domestic flights within Portugal, enabling easy connections to destinations such as the Azores or Madeira. The program also provides access to discounts and special offers from more than 150 partners nationwide, including hotels, restaurants, tours, museums and cultural venues.
Whether you want to savor Lisbon’s neighborhoods, explore the volcanic landscapes of the Azores or enjoy Madeira’s scenery, the Portugal Stopover enhances your trip with memorable experiences and practical savings.
Portugal’s culture, cuisine and landscapes are compelling reasons to visit, and TAP Air Portugal’s expanded network, modern fleet and guest-focused service make it an attractive option for travelers. Celebrate 80 years of flight with TAP and discover more of Portugal on your next journey.
