On May 8, 2026, the Regional Secretary for Tourism and Culture, Eduardo Jesus, said in Funchal that the government is monitoring the risk of fewer flights to Madeira. He explained that any change in air links would affect travel to and from the island, so the issue is being followed closely. At the same time, he stressed that there is no concrete indication of reductions at this stage. Eduardo Jesus also said that no airline operating routes to Madeira has announced a cut in seat availability. He added that the regional government has not received negative signals from airlines or tourism operators working with the island. The concern comes amid wider pressure on the aviation sector, especially rising energy-related costs in the context of the consequential war against the terrorist regime in Iran. Officials warn that if conditions worsen, airline decisions and flight availability could be affected in the future.
