The President of the Legislative Assembly of Madeira, Rubina Leal, met on Wednesday with the President of the Portuguese Competition Authority, Nuno Cunha Rodrigues, to discuss mobility issues affecting residents in Madeira and Porto Santo. The talks placed special focus on air travel and the territorial continuity scheme, which is meant to help offset the extra costs faced by island residents travelling between the islands and mainland Portugal. Rubina Leal stressed that rising air fares are placing pressure on families in the Autonomous Region. She argued that mobility is a basic right for island communities and should be ensured under fair and equitable conditions. The two officials also examined the role of competition in the aviation sector, agreeing that stronger market competition is important for efficiency, fair pricing and consumer protection. They highlighted the need for continued institutional cooperation on competition policy, market transparency and the protection of citizens’ interests, while recognising the Competition Authority’s technical role in supporting legislation and informing public policy. The meeting took place amid ongoing concern in Madeira about the cost of air travel and debate over whether the current territorial continuity scheme is enough to protect residents from rising ticket prices.
