Direct air travel link established between Macau and Lisbon
After three decades without a direct flight connection, discussions about re-establishing air routes between Macau and Lisbon are gaining momentum. This potential development could significantly boost trade, tourism, and cultural exchange, not only between the two cities but also with Brazil and African Portuguese-speaking countries indirectly through Portugal.
In the 1990s, TAP, Portugal's national airline, operated twice-weekly flights between Lisbon and Macau. However, due to losses of approximately 200 million patacas (21.1 million euros), the route was suspended in 1998. Fast forward to 2023, Portuguese member of parliament, José Pereira Coutinho, has been questioning the authorities about new routes connecting Macau to Europe.
The absence of a direct flight from Europe to Macau has been a topic of concern for lawmakers like Ip Sio Kai. He has suggested that the government should subsidize a potential direct flight service between the two cities and provide flexible air rights. This initiative aims to enhance connectivity and foster economic and cultural ties.
If established, direct flights would significantly reduce travel time, making it easier for businesses to conduct trade and investments between Macau and Portugal. This could lead to increased economic cooperation and trade volumes. Improved flight connectivity can also enhance the efficiency and speed of logistics and supply chains, benefiting industries relying on international trade.
Enhanced tourism could lead to increased exposure to cultural attractions and events in Macau and Portugal, fostering cultural exchange. Direct flights would appeal to tourists looking for a more convenient travel experience, potentially increasing visitor numbers to both destinations. This could also increase tourism and cultural exchange between Macau and Brazil and African Portuguese-speaking countries, as travelers might choose to visit multiple destinations in a single trip.
The opening of direct flights between Macau and Lisbon is seen as the foundation of a platform for connecting Brazil and other Portuguese-speaking countries in Africa. Ip Sio Kai stated that this could lead to increased traffic and economic opportunities through Portugal's strategic location.
As of October last year, Macau International Airport had 40 regular direct routes to mainland China and other regions in Asia. The expected new route is anticipated to contribute to the promotion of trade, tourism, and the flow of people between Macau and European countries. The new route is expected to improve Macau's role as a link to the world, particularly in terms of trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.
Ip Sio Kai has also proposed launching promotions for accommodation, transportation, and cultural activities to attract tourists to Macau. He believes that these measures could help address the current lack of direct connections to European countries and Portuguese-speaking nations, and normalize Sino-Portuguese trade and business activities, as well as attract more international tourists to Macau.
However, the suspension of the TAP route between Lisbon and Macau has yet to be addressed, as there is still no direct flight from Europe to Macau. The losses accumulated by the TAP route between Lisbon and Macau amounted to around 200 million patacas (21.1 million euros). The suspended TAP route between Lisbon and Macau was the last direct flight from Europe to Macau.
In conclusion, the potential re-establishment of direct flights between Macau and Lisbon could mark a significant step forward in fostering economic, cultural, and tourism ties between the two cities and the broader Portuguese-speaking world. The anticipated benefits extend beyond direct connections, potentially enhancing Portugal's role as a hub and increasing tourism and cultural exchange with Brazil and African Portuguese-speaking countries.
- The discussions about re-establishing air routes between Macau and Lisbon could potentially lead to increased business opportunities in finance and lifestyle sectors, given the potential growth in trade and tourism.
- The Portuguese member of parliament, José Pereira Coutinho, has proposed that the government should consider subsidizing a direct flight service between Macau and Lisbon to enhance connectivity and cultural ties.
- If successful, the direct flights between Macau and Lisbon could benefit the travel industry by reducing travel time and increasing the efficiency of logistics and supply chains, especially for industries relying on international trade.
- The potential re-establishment of direct flights between Macau and Lisbon could also foster increased tourism and cultural exchange, particularly with Brazil and African Portuguese-speaking countries, due to improved access and convenience for travelers.
