TAP Air Portugal launches direct Lisbon‑Curitiba flight

On July 2, TAP Air Portugal landed the first direct flight from Europe at Curitiba’s Afonso Presidente International Airport, inaugurating a regular Lisbon‑Curitiba service. The inaugural Airbus A330‑200 arrived at 22:00 and was welcomed by Brazilian and Portuguese officials, tourism leaders and local guests. The route operates three times weekly (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays) on a triangular schedule that continues to Rio de Janeiro before returning to Lisbon.

The new connection expands TAP’s Brazilian network to 15 cities and eliminates the need for passengers from Curitiba to connect via São Paulo or Rio. It is seen as a boost for tourism, business and cultural exchange between Brazil’s Paraná state and Europe. The launch occurs as Portugal’s government prepares to privatise TAP, with interest from major airline groups such as Air France‑KLM and Lufthansa.

Key figures highlighted the importance of the link: Curitiba Turismo president Rodrigo Swinka said the city is now on the map of major international connections, while TAP chairman Carlos Oliveira stressed the airline’s long‑term commitment to the region.