United Airlines Launches New Direct Flights to Portugal’s Madeira and Faro

2 weeks ago 4

On Thursday, United Airlines, in partnership with the Madeira Promotion Bureau and VisitAlgarve, hosted an exclusive event at NeueHouse Madison Square in New York City to mark the launch of new direct flight routes from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Madeira and Faro, in Portugal’s Algarve region. The event attracted travel industry professionals, including tour operators, journalists, and potential business partners, offering a glimpse into the exciting new travel opportunities to two of Portugal’s most scenic regions.

The new routes, set to begin in the summer of 2025, provide travelers with expanded access to the stunning landscapes and rich cultural offerings of Madeira Island and the Algarve. United’s flight to Madeira will commence on June 7 and run through the summer season until September 23. The service will operate three times a week—on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays—with flights departing at 9:50 p.m. from EWR. This route is expected to bolster connectivity between the U.S. and Madeira, allowing for seamless connections from major U.S. metropolises.

The Faro service, which will launch on May 16, will also run through September 23. This flight, operated on a Boeing 757-200, will depart EWR four times a week—on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Travelers will have convenient access to this new destination, with flight options designed to fit into United Airlines’ expansive network of major U.S. hubs. This means passengers will enjoy ready access from key cities, like Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Denver, Houston and Washington, D.C. with optimal layover periods to provide for a comfortable journey.

To commemorate the launch of the new routes, United Airlines, the Madeira Promotion Bureau and VisitAlgarve hosted an exclusive evening at NeueHouse, where attendees—including tour operators, journalists and potential destination sellers—had the opportunity to discover the beauty of Madeira’s verdant landscapes and the Algarve’s stunning coastline. The event featured a raffle offering exclusive prizes, including luxury hotel stays and extraordinary experiences in both of these destinations.

Guests also enjoyed a lively dinatoire cocktail hour, which showcased Portugal's renowned culinary heritage with a selection of regional delicacies. The event provided a platform for attendees to network and learn more about these exciting new travel opportunities to Portugal, further cementing the bond between the U.S. and these picturesque Portuguese regions.

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