United Airlines Launches New Direct Flights to Portugal

Image: Camara de Lobos, Madeira island, Portugal. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/Balate Dorin)
Image: Camara de Lobos, Madeira island, Portugal. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/Balate Dorin)
Laurie Baratti
by Laurie Baratti
Last updated: 6:45 PM ET, Fri March 28, 2025

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.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Laurie Baratti

Laurie Baratti

Assistant Editor

Laurie Baratti is an Assistant Editor for TravelPulse. She is a San Diego-based journalist whose work has previously appeared in publications like TravelAge West, SPACE, Modern Home + Living, Montage, and Sandals Life magazines. Travel writing has long been her passion, and she is always looking for excuses to explore the world outside of her native California. Laurie is also a lifelong equestrian, a proud pet-parent, and an underground advocate of the Oxford comma.

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Watch Now!
Discover Houston, A World in a CityMonday, June 22, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Visit Houston for an inside look at one of the country’s most dynamic and diverse destinations....
Upcoming Webinar
Why Cruise, When You Can CunardWednesday, June 24 2026
2:00pm Eastern
When cruise is the option, Cunard is the difference. This session explores what sets the Cunard...
Upcoming Webinar
July AAT Kings WebinarTuesday, July 7, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Save your spot for this upcoming webinar! Details coming soon!
Watch Now!
Discover Houston, A World in a CityMonday, June 22, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Visit Houston for an inside look at one of the country’s most dynamic and diverse destinations....
Upcoming Webinar
Why Cruise, When You Can CunardWednesday, June 24 2026
2:00pm Eastern
When cruise is the option, Cunard is the difference. This session explores what sets the Cunard...
Upcoming Webinar
July AAT Kings WebinarTuesday, July 7, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Save your spot for this upcoming webinar! Details coming soon!