The Best Airlines to Fly to Portugal in 2026 (Including the Azores)

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I’ve been flying to Portugal for years and have tested dozens of routes from both sides of the Atlantic. After comparing over 50 airline options across Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Madeira, and the Azores, I’ve put together this list of the 12 best airlines to fly to Portugal in 2026.

Whether you’re chasing pastéis de nata in Lisbon, port wine in the Douro, or beaches in the Algarve, this guide covers everything from TAP’s direct routes to budget carriers like easyJet and Ryanair. I’ve ranked them based on routes, value, comfort, and how easy they make it to explore this incredible country. Let’s find your perfect flight!

Quick tip on how to find cheap flights to Portugal

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1. 🇵🇹 TAP Air Portugal

• 🏠 Hub: Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), Porto Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO)
• ✈️ Best For: Direct flights from North America, exploring multiple Portuguese destinations
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy (launching summer 2026), Business
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: 1 checked bag (23kg) included on most fares except tap|discount
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: TAP Miles&Go (Star Alliance)
• 💡 Pro Tip: Use the Portugal Stopover program to add up to 10 free days in Lisbon or Porto on your way to another destination. You also get 25% off domestic flights to explore the Azores or Madeira.

TAP Air Portugal is Portugal’s flag carrier and the airline I recommend first to anyone flying from North America. Nobody else comes close in terms of direct routes, with TAP now flying from 11 US and Canadian gateways including Newark, Boston, Miami, Chicago, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. That LA route launched in May 2025 and changed the game for West Coast travelers.

As a Boston local, I’m excited that Porto to Boston is going year round starting winter 2026. Previously this was seasonal, which meant winter trips required connecting through Lisbon or flying into a different city entirely. Now you can land directly in Porto and be sipping wine in the Douro Valley within a couple of hours of touchdown.

If you’re flying business class on the A321LR, I’d recommend a “throne” seat in rows 2 or 4. These solo seats offer privacy and lie completely flat, which is rare on a single aisle aircraft. The cabin only has 16 seats, so service is attentive and the Portuguese wine list is a nice touch.

The Portugal Stopover program remains TAP’s secret weapon. You can add a free stopover of up to 10 days in Lisbon or Porto when flying onwards to Europe or Africa. I’ve used it twice and can’t recommend it enough for squeezing two trips into one fare.

• Read next: Why Porto Belongs on Your Bucket List (Douro Cruises & Port Wine)

2. 🇺🇸 United Airlines

• 🏠 Hub: Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
• ✈️ Best For: Direct US flights to multiple Portuguese destinations beyond Lisbon
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Economy Plus, Polaris Business Class (on select routes)
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: 1 checked bag included on transatlantic flights (excluding basic economy)
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: MileagePlus (Star Alliance)
• 💡 Pro Tip: Book Madeira or Faro early as these seasonal routes sell out fast. United is the only US carrier flying direct to both destinations.

United Airlines now serves five Portuguese destinations from Newark, more than any other US carrier. You can fly direct to Lisbon and Porto year round, plus seasonal service to Faro, Madeira, and Ponta Delgada in the Azores. If you’re planning a beach trip to the Algarve or an island escape to Madeira, United is your only nonstop option from the States.

The Madeira route launched in June 2025 and returns May 16, 2026. Faro resumes May 15, 2026, giving you direct access to the Algarve’s beaches and golf courses without the three hour drive from Lisbon. Both routes operate three to four times weekly on Boeing 737 MAX 8 and 757 aircraft.

If you’re considering United’s business class, the experience depends on your aircraft. The 767 routes to Lisbon and Porto feature Polaris seats in a 1-1-1 configuration with lie flat beds and Saks Fifth Avenue bedding. The Madeira route on the 737 MAX doesn’t have lie flat seats, so set expectations accordingly if premium cabin comfort matters to you.

One thing I appreciate about United’s Portugal network is the flexibility it gives you. You could fly into Porto, road trip down to Lisbon, then catch a quick flight to Faro and fly home from there. Star Alliance partnership with TAP means you can mix and match carriers on a single itinerary too.

• Read next: 12 Most Beautiful Places in Portugal to Explore in 2026

3. 🇺🇸 Delta Air Lines

• 🏠 Hub: New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
• ✈️ Best For: Premium experience from the East Coast, new Porto route in 2026
• 💺 Cabin Options: Main Cabin, Comfort+, Premium Select, Delta One
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: 1 checked bag included on transatlantic flights (excluding basic economy)
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: SkyMiles (SkyTeam)
• 💡 Pro Tip: If flying Delta One, pick an odd numbered window seat (1A, 3A, 5A) for more privacy as these sit closer to the window rather than the aisle.

Delta Air Lines is launching its first ever nonstop service to Porto on May 21, 2026, and I’m genuinely excited about this one. The daily seasonal route from JFK runs through late October and fills a gap New York travelers have been waiting for. Combined with year round JFK to Lisbon and seasonal Boston to Lisbon flights, Delta now offers great Portugal coverage.

The Porto flight operates on Boeing 767-300ER aircraft with four cabin classes including Delta One lie flat seats. Delta One passengers departing JFK can start at the Delta One Lounge, which sets a high bar with restaurant style dining and cocktail service. Onboard you’ll get chef curated meals and Missoni amenity kits.

One thing worth noting is that Delta’s 767 business class seats are showing their age compared to newer products. They’re narrower and lack privacy doors, so temper expectations if you’re used to suite style seats. That said, for a seven hour overnight flight to Porto, a lie flat bed with decent bedding still beats economy by a mile.

Delta is part of the SkyTeam alliance. This doesn’t include TAP (Star Alliance), so mixing carriers on a single ticket isn’t as seamless as United’s partnership. But if you’re loyal to Delta or have SkyMiles to burn, this new Porto route is a fantastic addition.

• Plan your trip: TOP 17 Airbnbs in Portugal (Porto, Lisbon + the Algarve)

4. 🇫🇷 Air France

• 🏠 Hub: Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
• ✈️ Best For: Connecting from smaller US cities, premium cabin experience
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, La Première (First)
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: 1 checked bag included on transatlantic flights (excluding Light fares)
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Flying Blue (SkyTeam)
• 💡 Pro Tip: Flying Blue runs monthly Promo Rewards with 25% off award flights. Check for Portugal routes and book using Chase, Amex, or Capital One transfer partners.

Air France doesn’t fly directly to Portugal from the US, but its Paris hub makes connections seamless for travelers outside the major gateway cities. If you’re flying from somewhere like Denver, Phoenix, or Raleigh, Air France often offers competitive fares and better routing than piecing together separate tickets. The airline operates multiple daily flights to both Lisbon and Porto from CDG, so you’ll have flexibility on your onward connection.

The real story for 2026 is Air France’s cabin upgrades. The airline is rolling out its redesigned La Première first class suites on Boeing 777s, with Boston joining the network in July 2026. Business class is also getting refreshed with enclosed suites featuring privacy doors. By year’s end, all La Première routes will have the new cabins. Even economy passengers benefit from the fleet refresh with new high speed wifi rolling out across all aircraft.

Connecting through Paris means earning Flying Blue miles through the SkyTeam alliance, redeemable on Delta and other partners. CDG is admittedly enormous and can feel overwhelming for first timers, but Air France’s Short Connection Pass automatically activates for tight layovers under 45 minutes. It guides you through priority lanes with real time directions sent straight to your phone.

• You may also like: The 10 Best Airlines to Fly to Lisbon This Year

5. 🇪🇸 Iberia

• 🏠 Hub: Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD)
• ✈️ Best For: Oneworld flyers, Americans without direct Portugal options
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Business
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: 1 checked bag included on transatlantic flights (excluding Basic fares)
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Iberia Plus / Avios (Oneworld)
• 💡 Pro Tip: Transfer Chase or Amex points to Iberia Plus at 1:1. Off peak business class from the East Coast to Madrid runs just 34,000 Avios each way, which is a steal.

Iberia might not be the obvious choice for Portugal, but hear me out. If you’re flying from somewhere like Dallas, Chicago, or San Francisco without nonstop options, connecting through Madrid often beats backtracking through Lisbon. Iberia runs up to 36 weekly flights to Lisbon and 28 to Porto, and the short hop takes barely an hour. I’ve found Madrid connections smooth compared to the chaos at some other European hubs.

Iberia is also expanding aggressively in 2026 thanks to their new A321XLR aircraft. Newark gets daily service starting March 29, and Toronto launches in June. The plane has just 14 business class seats with fully flat beds, so award availability tends to be tight. Book early if you’re using points. Economy is packed at 168 seats with no premium economy, so manage expectations on the transatlantic leg.

The real value play is Avios. If you already collect British Airways points, they work interchangeably with Iberia Plus, and award pricing to Madrid is reasonable. Pair that with a cheap connection to Portugal and you’ve got yourself a solid itinerary without paying premium prices for the direct flights everyone else is fighting over.

• Read next: 12 Underrated Places in Lisbon That Deserve to Be on Your Bucket List
• More Iberia flights: These 13 Cheap Flights from Madrid Will Blow Your Mind

6. 🇬🇧 British Airways

• 🏠 Hub: London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
• ✈️ Best For: UK connections, Avios redemptions, Oneworld loyalty
• 💺 Cabin Options: Euro Traveller (Economy), Club Europe (Business)
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: 1 checked bag (23kg) on standard fares, hand baggage only on basic fares
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: British Airways Executive Club / Avios (Oneworld)
• 💡 Pro Tip: Club Europe is just an economy seat with a blocked middle, lounge access, and free drinks. Worth it on sale fares, but don’t expect a real business class experience.

British Airways flies multiple daily frequencies from London Heathrow to Lisbon, Porto, Faro, and Madeira. It’s a natural choice if you’re connecting through the UK. With around 33 nonstop Lisbon flights weekly and solid schedules to other Portuguese destinations, BA offers flexibility that budget carriers can’t match. The 2.5 hour flight time means you’re in Portugal before your morning coffee wears off.

I’ll be honest about Club Europe though. It’s not really business class in any meaningful sense. You get the same narrow economy seat as everyone else, just with an empty middle seat and a hot meal. Lounge access at Heathrow Terminal 5 is nice, but recent catering cuts have left frequent flyers grumbling. BA eliminated hot breakfasts on several routes in January 2026, replacing them with cold croissants and yogurt. If you’re paying full price, that stings.

Where BA shines is Avios. Since the currency works across Iberia, Aer Lingus, and Qatar, you can pool points and book through whichever program offers the best availability. Economy redemptions to Lisbon start around 13,000 Avios each way off peak, which is great value if you transfer from Chase or Amex. Just don’t expect the onboard experience to feel premium unless you’re comparing it to Ryanair.

• Fly in style: British Airways First Class in 2026 (My Complete Guide)

7. 🇩🇪 Lufthansa

• 🏠 Hub: Frankfurt Airport (FRA), Munich Airport (MUC)
• ✈️ Best For: Efficient connections from North America through Germany’s major hubs
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business (Allegris on select routes), First
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: 1 checked bag (23kg) in Economy; varies by fare type
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Miles & More (Star Alliance)
• 💡 Pro Tip: Book Lufthansa’s Mileage Bargains when they drop each month. These rotating deals can get you business class to Europe for as little as 55,000 miles round trip.

Lufthansa is Europe’s largest airline and one of the most practical ways to reach Portugal if you’re connecting through Germany. Frankfurt offers around 46 weekly flights to Lisbon plus 20 to Porto, and Munich adds even more departures. I’ve found layovers of 60 to 90 minutes work fine at both hubs since the terminals are well signposted and boarding starts promptly.

The big news for 2026 is Allegris, Lufthansa’s completely redesigned cabin. Business class now features five different seat types including a proper suite with a sliding door and throne seats by the window for solo travelers who want privacy. Every seat has direct aisle access in a 1-2-1 layout, which is a massive upgrade from their old 2-2-2 configuration. The new 787 Dreamliners and A350s are getting these cabins first, with more aircraft being retrofitted throughout the year.

Since TAP Portugal is also Star Alliance, you can earn and redeem Miles & More across both airlines seamlessly. This is handy if you’re building status or want to use miles for the transatlantic leg and then connect to Porto or Faro on TAP. Senator status gets you lounge access across the entire alliance network.

• Read next: Lufthansa Business Class (Ultimate 2026 Guide)

8. 🇬🇧 easyJet

• 🏠 Hub: London Gatwick (LGW), London Luton (LTN), plus bases across Europe
• ✈️ Best For: Budget flights from the UK and Europe to Portugal
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy only (with Extra Legroom and Upfront seat options)
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: 1 small cabin bag (45x36x20cm) included; hold bags & large cabin bags cost extra
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: easyJet Plus (paid membership, not points based)
• 💡 Pro Tip: Book your hold bag when you buy your ticket. Adding it at the airport can cost double, and easyJet staff are known for strictly enforcing bag sizes at the gate.

easyJet operates over 100 routes to and from Portugal, and it;s the budget carrier I reach for most often when flying from the UK. They’re the number one airline at Madeira and hold strong positions at Lisbon, Porto, and Faro. If you’re already in Europe or flying from the UK, this is often the cheapest way to fly to Portugal by a significant margin.

In 2026, easyJet is adding a Glasgow to Lisbon route starting March 29, operating twice weekly. They’ve also expanded their winter schedule with around 11,700 flights to Portugal planned between October 2026 and January 2027. The airline launched its first ever sub Saharan Africa routes in late 2024, flying from Lisbon and Porto to Cape Verde, which continues through 2026.

The catch with easyJet is the baggage policy. You get one small underseat bag for free, but if you want a larger cabin bag or checked luggage, you’ll pay extra. I always book a 23kg hold bag online when I make my reservation because prices jump significantly if you wait until the airport. The seats are standard low cost fare, but if you’re tall or want guaranteed overhead bin space, the Extra Legroom seats are worth the £20 to £45 upgrade on longer flights.

• Read next: 13 Budget-Friendly Destinations to Fly from The UK
• Check out my guide: Explore Madeira’s Wild Trails & Atlantic Lava Pools (2026 Insider)

9. 🇮🇪 Ryanair

• 🏠 Hub: Dublin (DUB), London Stansted (STN), plus 80+ bases across Europe
• ✈️ Best For: Rock bottom fares from the UK and Europe to mainland Portugal
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy only (no seat classes, but Extra Legroom available)
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: 1 small personal bag (40x30x20cm) included; Priority adds a 10kg cabin bag, hold bags cost extra
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: None (though Ryanair Choice members get some perks)
• 💡 Pro Tip: Weigh and measure your bag at home before you leave. Ryanair staff are incentivised to catch oversized bags at the gate, and fees can hit €50 or more on the spot.

Ryanair is Europe’s largest airline and often has the cheapest fares to Portugal if you’re flying from the UK or elsewhere in Europe. For summer 2026, they’re operating 160 routes to Portugal including four new ones to Porto and Faro. They’ve also added an extra aircraft at Faro, which means more options for Algarve beach trips.

The bad news is that Ryanair is pulling out of the Azores entirely from March 2026, cutting all six routes due to a dispute with airport operator ANA over fees. They’re also not growing capacity at Lisbon for the same reason. If you’re heading to mainland Portugal this won’t affect you much, but Azores travelers will need to look elsewhere.

I’ve flown Ryanair dozens of times and my advice is simple. Treat the ticket price as a starting point, not the final cost. The base fare looks incredible until you add bags, seats, and priority boarding. If you can travel with just an underseat bag and don’t mind a random seat assignment, Ryanair delivers genuine value. If you need more than that, do the maths before booking because a legacy carrier might actually work out cheaper once you add the extras.

• Read this next: My Azores Adventure Guide (Volcano Lakes, Hot Springs & Whale Watching)

10. 🇮🇸 Icelandair

• 🏠 Hub: Keflavík International Airport (KEF), Reykjavík
• ✈️ Best For: Combining Portugal with an Iceland stopover on one ticket
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy (Light, Standard, Flex), Saga Premium (business class)
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: Economy Light has no checked bag; Standard includes 1x23kg; Saga Premium includes 2x32kg
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Saga Club
• 💡 Pro Tip: Add a free Iceland stopover of up to 7 nights on most fares. It costs nothing extra in airfare and lets you explore waterfalls, glaciers, and the Blue Lagoon before continuing to Portugal.

Icelandair flies year round from Reykjavík to Lisbon and is adding Faro in March 2026, giving you two Portuguese gateways to choose from. The Lisbon route launched in October 2024 and proved popular enough to go year round almost immediately. With PLAY Airlines now out of business, Icelandair has the Iceland hub to itself, which means more capacity and better availability.

The free stopover is what makes Icelandair different. When you book a transatlantic flight, you can add up to 7 nights in Iceland at no extra airfare cost. I’ve done this twice and it’s one of the best travel hacks out there. You essentially get two trips for the price of one, and Iceland works brilliantly as a midpoint to break up the journey.

Saga Premium is marketed as business class but is closer to a good premium economy with extras. You get recliner seats rather than lie flat beds, lounge access in Reykjavík, free wifi, and Icelandic inspired meals. The new A321LRs arriving through 2026 have the best Saga cabins in the fleet. For the fares they charge, often under $1,000 round trip, it’s genuinely good value if you set your expectations correctly.

• Check this out: Exploring the Algarve (Sea Caves, Cliff Walks, and Kayaking)
• Plan your stopover! My 14-Day Iceland Road Trip Itinerary

11. 🇵🇹 Azores Airlines (SATA)

• 🏠 Hub: Ponta Delgada João Paulo II Airport (PDL), São Miguel
• ✈️ Best For: Direct flights from North America to the Azores
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy (Simple, Basic, Flex, Top), Comfort Class (business)
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: Varies by fare; most economy fares include 1x23kg checked bag, Comfort includes 2x32kg
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: SATA Imagine
• 💡 Pro Tip: If you’re visiting the Azores specifically, Azores Airlines often has the best direct routing from Boston or Toronto. Book the Smart fare at minimum to get a checked bag included.

Azores Airlines is the specialist choice if you’re heading to the Azores rather than mainland Portugal. They fly direct from Boston, New York JFK, Toronto, and Montreal to Ponta Delgada, which saves you connecting through Lisbon. For summer 2026, they’re increasing flights on all four North American routes, and adding a seventh Bombardier Q400 in June to boost inter island connections.

The airline operates a modern fleet of A321neo and A321LR aircraft on transatlantic routes. These are comfortable for the roughly five hour crossing from Boston. I’ve flown them twice from Boston and found the experience perfectly solid. Comfort Class is marketed as business but feels more like a good premium economy with 40 inches of legroom in a 2×2 configuration. You get a hot meal, complimentary drinks, and power outlets at your seat.

Once you land in Ponta Delgada, SATA Air Açores handles the inter island flights to the other eight Azores islands. This is useful because hopping between São Miguel, Terceira, Faial, and Pico is the best way to experience the archipelago properly. Connections are generally timed well with the transatlantic arrivals, and you can book the whole itinerary on one ticket through the Azores Airlines website.

• Now, read this: 12 Unmissable Activities in Ponta Delgada, Azores You’ll Love
• For more wanderlust: From Fjords to Forests – Europe’s Most Epic Nature Destinations

12. 🇪🇸 Vueling

• 🏠 Hub: Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN), Paris Orly (ORY), Rome Fiumicino (FCO)
• ✈️ Best For: Budget connections within Europe, combining Spain with Portugal
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy only (Fly Light, Fly, Fly Grande bundles)
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: Underseat bag free (40x30x20cm); overhead bag and checked luggage extra
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Vueling Club (Avios currency, transferable to British Airways and Iberia)
• 💡 Pro Tip: Book through the British Airways website if you want to earn Tier Points. Always compare prices first because the same flight often costs significantly more on BA than booking direct with Vueling.

Vueling is the secret weapon for travelers already in Europe who want cheap flights to Portugal without the Ryanair chaos. As Spain’s largest airline by fleet size and destinations, they fly from over 100 airports to both Lisbon and Porto, with Barcelona being the main hub. Fares can drop as low as €19 one way if you’re flexible on dates, which is hard to beat for a quick Iberian getaway.

What makes Vueling different from other budget carriers is the IAG connection. They’re owned by the same group as British Airways and Iberia, which means you earn Avios on every flight. Those Avios can be pooled with your BA or Iberia accounts and used for future redemptions across all three airlines. Vueling just revamped their loyalty program in early 2026, adding a new four tier structure that makes it easier to unlock perks like priority boarding and extra baggage.

The catch with any low cost carrier is the baggage fees, and Vueling is no exception. Only a small underseat bag is included free, so if you need an overhead roller or checked luggage you’ll pay extra. My advice is to book the Fly Grande bundle if you’re checking a bag, as it usually works out cheaper than adding bags separately.

• Flying to Spain? Read this: I Flew 12 Airlines to Barcelona and Ranked Them for 2026
• You may also like: 3-Day Barcelona Itinerary (How to See It All in One Weekend)