TAP privatization sparks demands for island connectivity guarantees

Following the selection of Lufthansa for the partial privatization of TAP, Juntos Pelo Povo (JPP) deputy Filipe Sousa has demanded concrete guarantees from the Portuguese government regarding air connectivity for the autonomous regions of Madeira and the Azores.

Sousa criticized Prime Minister Luís Montenegro for failing to clarify the contractual conditions intended to protect island connections. He argued that while TAP may be sold, the rights of the Madeiran and Azorean populations to essential air transport must not be compromised. The deputy is seeking specific details on routes, frequencies, minimum capacity, oversight, and penalties for non-compliance to ensure that commercial interests do not lead to a reduction in service to the islands.