Delta Air Lines begins a direct daily connection between Porto and New York on May 22nd. The North American airline is focusing on strengthening connections between Europe and the USA, despite the climate of high uncertainty caused by the war in the Middle East.
No Port, this new connection represents “confidence, vision and the recognition of Porto and the North as a destination”highlighted yesterday, March 26, Luís Pedro Martins, president of Turismo do Porto and Norte de Portugal, at the route launch event.
In your opinion, the war in the Middle East could create a new movement of tourists to Portugal. As he stated on the sidelines of the ceremony, “It is obvious that we have the opportunity to receive flows that stop going to other parts of the world and look for countries that offer them security. We can, in fact, have access to flows that were previously destined for Asia Pacific or even the Middle East.”
At this time, possible fears caused by war are not affecting tourism in the region. According to Luís Pedro Martins, “we have not yet had any impact from this conflict. Porto and North are growing above the national average, along with 2025 numbers.”
For this Easter season, “we have an 80% occupancy rate. In destinations like Porto and Braga it reaches 85%”. The person in charge is also counting on “last minute reservations”, which, he believes, “will happen more than ever”. Luís Pedro Martins emphasizes that the destination is sought after by many nationalities. “Our markets, fortunately, are vast today,” he says.
The new connection between Porto and New York is also seen as a boost to tourism and the region’s economy. “This connection is probably the most desired of all”, highlights Luís Pedro Martins. The route appears in a context of strong growth ino North American market in the region. As he points out, in 2019, it was at the tail of the top 10 and now occupies second place.
For Miguel Mota, responsible for Air France/KLM and Delta Airlines in Portugal, the connection will allow “to enhance connectivity” between the two countries and develop the business fabric. In your opinion, companies will be able to “increase efficiency and productivity” with a direct route to New York.
Tourists and businesspeople can, from May 22, travel between Porto and Delta’s hub at JFK airport in New York, where the airline operates more than 200 departures to more than 100 destinations.
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