On May 8, 2026, the Regional Secretary for Tourism and Culture, Eduardo Jesus, said in Funchal that the government is monitoring the possibility of fewer flights to Madeira. He stressed that authorities are concerned because any change in air links would affect travel to and from the island. At the same time, he said there is still no concrete evidence that reductions are about to happen. Eduardo Jesus also stated that no airline operating routes to Madeira has announced any 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 is tied to wider pressure in 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 could change and flight availability may be affected.
