TAP bidders must expand routes to all Portuguese airports
Prime Minister Luis Montenegro says TAP bidders must guarantee growth at all national airports. Non-binding offers for the stake are due by April 2, 2026.
The government of Portugal has established rigorous requirements for the privatization of its national carrier, TAP Air Portugal. Prime Minister Luis Montenegro announced on Monday that all potential buyers must submit strategies to expand the airline's operations and route networks across all Portuguese airports, rather than concentrating solely on the Lisbon hub.
Three major aviation groups have formally submitted expressions of interest for a 44.9% stake in the airline. These include the United Kingdom-based International Consolidated Airlines Group S.A., the France-KLM group, and Germany's Deutsche Lufthansa AG. The Portuguese government initially invited these parties to present non-binding offers in early January.
