TAP Air Portugal has announced the resumption of direct flights between Athens and Lisbon, marking its return to the Greek market after a fourteen-year absence.

Beginning on July 2, the Portuguese carrier will operate five weekly flights during the summer season. The route will also continue through the winter with a smaller aircraft, underscoring the strategic importance the airline places on Athens as part of its broader network expansion.

The airline’s last flight from Athens took place in October 2012. Its return comes at a time of strong growth in passenger traffic between Greece and Portugal, alongside rising demand for connections between Athens and destinations across North and South America.

Speaking at an event held on Thursday, May 28, Ioanna Papadopoulou, Director of Communications and Marketing at Athens International Airport, highlighted the significance of TAP’s return, noting that the airline opens new access to Latin American markets that currently lack direct air links with Athens. She also pointed to substantial long-term growth prospects for air travel between Greece and Portugal.

Portugal’s ambassador to Greece, Rui Macieira, described the relaunch as “a return to normality for both countries,” reflecting the steady increase in travel demand recorded in recent years.

The new Lisbon–Athens service will operate year-round, according to Davide Calicchia, the airline’s regional head for Greece, Italy, Croatia, Slovenia, Israel and Turkey, who confirmed that winter operations will continue with a smaller aircraft.

Market data further highlights the momentum behind the route. In 2025, direct passenger traffic between Athens and Portugal reached 261,000 travelers, representing an 18% increase compared with 2024.