Athens, May 29, 2026 – TAP Air Portugal will return to Athens on July 1, marking the re-establishment of direct, year-round flights between the Greek and Portuguese capitals after a 14-year hiatus. This strategic move aims to meet the growing demand for travel between the two countries, which has seen passenger traffic reach record levels in 2025 and continue its upward trend in early 2026, according to Athens International Airport (AIA).
Resuming a Vital Air Link
The new service restores a direct air connection between Athens and Lisbon that has been absent since 2012. TAP Air Portugal previously operated this route between 2011 and 2012, providing the first-ever direct link between Greece and Portugal. Its return signifies a significant boost for both countries’ tourism and business sectors.
The airline will operate five weekly flights, ensuring year-round connectivity. During the summer season, TAP Air Portugal will deploy Airbus A320neo aircraft, transitioning to Embraer E190 aircraft for the winter season to adapt capacity to demand.
Flight Schedule and Connectivity
Flights from Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) will depart every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 21:30, arriving at Athens International Airport (ATH) at 03:40 the following day. In the opposite direction, flights from Athens will operate every Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, departing at 04:40 and arriving in Lisbon at 07:15 local time.
This new route is expected to significantly enhance travel options for passengers, not only between Greece and Portugal but also for onward connections. Lisbon serves as a crucial hub for TAP Air Portugal, connecting Europe with North and South America.
Strategic Importance and Market Growth
To commemorate the launch of the new service, AIA recently hosted a special event in Athens. The event was attended by Greek media, airport officials, and representatives from Portugal and TAP Air Portugal, highlighting the importance of this renewed partnership.
Paolo Zocconali, TAP Air Portugal’s Marketing Manager for Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Greece, Israel, and Eastern Europe, underscored Lisbon’s strategic position within the airline’s extensive network. “Portugal is the gateway to the Americas, and Lisbon serves as a strategic hub connecting Europe with North and South America,” he stated.
Zocconali also emphasized TAP Air Portugal’s commitment to maintaining flights during the winter season, adapting capacity with smaller aircraft when necessary, rather than suspending the route. This approach ensures consistent connectivity throughout the year.
Enhanced Connectivity Beyond Europe
Ioanna Papadopoulou, Director of Communications & Marketing at Athens International Airport, highlighted the broader connectivity benefits of the new Lisbon-Athens route. She described Portugal as an important market for Greece and noted that the new service would provide travelers with greater access to Lisbon, as well as seamless onward connections to North and South America.
“The connection to the Athens market enables the airline to leverage Athens’ connectivity to destinations across the wider Mediterranean region and beyond,” Papadopoulou added. The route is also anticipated to strengthen onward connections through Lisbon to various destinations in Africa and across the Iberian Peninsula.
Modern Fleet and Airline Profile
TAP Air Portugal has made substantial investments in modernizing its fleet, now operating one of the industry’s youngest. The fleet primarily consists of Airbus NEO-family aircraft, including the A320neo, A321neo, A321LR, and A330neo. The airline also operates a regional fleet through TAP Express.
Founded in 1945, TAP Air Portugal is Portugal’s flag carrier and a proud member of Star Alliance. The airline operates over 1,000 weekly flights to 75 destinations across Europe, Africa, North America, and Latin America. Its commitment to fleet modernization has positioned it as a leader in the aviation industry.
TAP Air Portugal was recently recognized by AirlineRatings.com as one of the world’s 20 safest airlines for 2026. The carrier has also received multiple World Travel Awards distinctions for its exceptional services connecting Europe with Africa and South America, further solidifying its reputation for quality and reliability.
Gold Star Aviation serves as the General Sales Agent (GSA) for TAP Air Portugal in Greece, facilitating the airline’s operations and presence in the Greek market.
Source: https://news.gtp.gr/2026/05/29/tap-air-portugal-returns-to-athens-after-14-years-with-new-lisbon-route/
