The Ponta Delgada Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIPD) sent a letter to the Competition Authority (AdC) requesting a thorough analysis of the competitive conditions on air routes between the mainland and the Azores, which during certain periods exceed 500 euros per round trip. The business association for the islands of São Miguel and Santa Maria conducted an analysis of air fare trends that revealed that the lowest fare classes are not regularly available, even when searches are performed well in advance.
CCIPD does not assert the existence of collusion between the two airlines, TAP and Azores Airlines, but considers that the current market structure, following Ryanair's exit from the Azores, combined with the existence of commercial cooperation between the two carriers (code-share agreement), justifies an analysis by the AdC. The Competition Authority itself, in an opinion issued in May 2026, had already identified risks that greater rapprochement between operators could reduce competitive pressure and lead to higher prices.
The association points to concrete examples of price disparity, such as trips between Praia, in Cabo Verde, and Ponta Delgada, with about four hours of flight, for approximately 218 euros, while connections between Lisbon and Ponta Delgada, lasting only two hours, show round-trip values exceeding 500 euros. CCIPD also warns that prices on Lisbon-Ponta Delgada routes are, during various periods, close to double the average values found for Lisbon-Funchal, a route with greater competition among operators.
The association argues that it is essential to restore effective competitive conditions on air routes to the mainland, ensure capacity management compatible with the destination's needs, and guarantee that consumers have regular access to the various fare classes. CCIPD warns that the effects of high fares do not fall only on those who need to travel, but also affect the archipelago's tourism competitiveness.
