According to the national flag carrier, the increase in flights from 18 December to 5 January is the result the usual growth in demand to fly to islands over Christmas and the New Year.


TAP told the Lusa News Agency that the reinforcement in flights will see an additional 72 fights over this period, with 20,000 extra seats now available as a result.


The Azores will be welcoming an additional five flights between the mainland and Ponta Delgada, and additional six flights to and from Terceira.


Madeira, a highly popular destination due to its world-renowned New Year’s fireworks display, will see an additional 16 flights between Oporto and Funchal, and 45 more between the Portuguese capital and the main Madeira airport.


TAP have since stated that additional flights could still be scheduled, but this would depend on demand and the availability of planes.