TAP expands operations and Floripa Airport will now have four weekly flights to Lisbon.

The new operation begins on  July 5th  and will take place on  Sundays , coinciding with the peak of the  European summer  . Governor Jorginho Mello highlighted the importance of air connectivity for the development of the state. “Strengthening this international route is strategic for Santa Catarina. We are talking about more tourism, more business, more opportunities, and a state increasingly connected to the world. The Government of Santa Catarina is working continuously to expand the air network and boost our economy,” the governor emphasized.

 The expansion of the operation is the result of an agreement between the State Government, TAP, and Zurich Airport Brasil, the airport's concessionaire, initiated during the official mission to Portugal. The negotiation focused on ensuring the viability of the flight and expanding Santa Catarina's international connectivity. “I have no doubt about the right decision we made when we met with TAP in Portugal and secured the viability of the flight. Now, this is confirmed with the fourth weekly frequency, which is extraordinary. Santa Catarina is now occupying a space that has been desired for many years. TAP believed in the project and, given the success of the operation, further increased the frequencies. It is a major achievement for our state,” added Jorginho Mello.

The Florianópolis–Lisbon route began on September 3, 2024, when the first TAP Air Portugal flight from the Portuguese capital landed at Hercílio Luz International Airport at 5:16 pm, marking the start of the Portuguese airline's operations in Santa Catarina.

According to TAP Air Portugal's Director of Operations, Mário Chaves, the expansion of the offer is a result of the route's positive performance and reinforced the partnership with the State Government. “We always believed this connection would be a success, and so it was. Today, we are pleased to announce the strengthening of operations with the launch of a new frequency. We appreciate the Government's support in promoting the destination and reaffirm, once again, our investment in Southern Brazil,” highlighted the operations director.

The expansion of frequencies represents an important boost for tourism and the economy of Santa Catarina, contributing to the attraction of international visitors, the strengthening of tourist flow, and the generation of new business in the state. “The expansion of TAP's operation in Florianópolis reinforces the international consolidation of Floripa Airport. More flights mean more opportunities for tourism, for business, and for the development of the State,” emphasizes Ricardo Gesse, CEO of Zurich Airport Brazil.

“Following Governor Jorginho Mello's guidelines, the State Secretariat of Tourism has been working tirelessly to promote a sector that is fundamental to Santa Catarina. The actions taken have generated concrete results, and Santa Catarina is consolidating itself as a destination of excellence not only in Brazil, but also in Europe. It is a market in which we are strongly investing,” highlighted the State Secretary of Tourism, Catiane Seif.

The Secretary of Ports, Airports and Railways, Beto Martins, emphasized that Santa Catarina is currently experiencing a moment of consolidation. “Governor Jorginho first gave prominence to the sector. Santa Catarina did not have a secretariat to take care of this issue. And he made the decision to go to Portugal, personally, to speak with the president of TAP. He created a condition where what started with three weekly flights has now become four. The State Government has made a commitment to strongly promote tourism in Santa Catarina in Europe. This is prominence, this is priority, and this is the entrepreneurial vision of a governor,” said Beto Martins. With the reinforcement of operations in Florianópolis, TAP Air Portugal reaffirms its commitment to the Brazilian market and to strengthening air connectivity between Brazil and Europe, especially during the peak European summer season. “This is the result of a successful project. In one
year and five months of operation, we have transported approximately 100,000 passengers. This consolidates what was a promise made at the beginning of operations: to add another frequency. This means adding 2,300 seats per month with this additional operation. So, we are happy to see the solidification of this initial investment that has resulted in success,” highlighted Carlos Antunes, TAP's director for the Americas. 

About TAP Air Portugal: TAP Air Portugal is a leader in air connections between Brazil and Europe and has been a member of Star Alliance since 2005. Founded in 1945, the company has its hub in Lisbon, one of the main connection points between Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Currently, TAP connects Portugal to 13 Brazilian cities, including Florianópolis, with flights departing from Lisbon and Porto. In total, there are 15 routes between the two countries. The company operates more than 1,250 weekly flights to 85 cities worldwide. TAP has one of the youngest fleets in the world, composed of new-generation Airbus aircraft (A320neo, A321neo, A321LR and A330neo), in addition to Embraer aircraft used by TAP Express. In 2025, the company was ranked by Airlines Ratings as the safest airline in Europe and the 11th safest in the world.