Flight connection between Terceira and Zurich "takes on strategic significance for the Azores," says Artur Lima - Communication

Vice-Presidência do Governo Regional

The Vice-President of the Regional Government, Artur Lima, welcomes the launch of the new air link between Terceira and Zurich, operated by Edelweiss Air.

For the Vice-President of the Government, "this is another international route with a stopover at Lajes Airport that is strategically important for the Azores."

"The Region continues to position itself as an attractive Atlantic destination for highly relevant geographical areas, such as Central Europe," stated Artur Lima.

"Very positive impacts are expected for the local and regional economy, particularly in the tourism sector, from a market with high purchasing power," he pointed out.

"Let us value this market and welcome it so that this project, which is now beginning, can continue. Terceira has everything it needs to do so," he also said.

This new flight connection will operate weekly between June 25 and September 10, 2025. The first flight, which took place today, brought 140 passengers to Terceira Island.

“There is a possibility of further expansion in the future, depending on demand and the commercial performance of the operation. We intend for it to last up to three years and are in negotiations to that end. We are also exploring the possibility of guaranteeing some frequency during the low season,” stated the Vice-President of the Government.

The choice of Terceira as a destination by Edelweiss "highlights the island's prominence in the European and international tourism scene" as well as "the work done to promote it and improve its air links," stressed Artur Lima.

“We are looking for new solutions, we are not standing still. The Vice-Presidency of the Government is always active and vigilant in this matter. We need to explore alternatives, rather than becoming dependent on a single company. We are still working with TAP to concentrate flight connections in Lisbon and coordinate flights to the Azores,” recalled the Vice-President of the Government.

The flight connection between Terceira and Zurich follows a concerted strategy to diversify tourism opportunities among regional and local entities, including the Regional Government, Lajes Civil Airport and Visit Azores.

Following the opening of the Terceira-Zurich route, Lajes Airport now operates five international flights, including destinations such as San Francisco, New York and Boston (United States), and Toronto (Canada).