New Route of the Day – Americas (7 June 2025): United between New York EWR and Funchal
United inaugurated a new seasonal transatlantic service on Saturday 7 June by launching flights between New York EWR and Funchal. The 5,115-kilometre route will be maintained 3-weekly, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, with the 737 MAX 8 aircraft. The Star Alliance member faces no competition between the two cities. The route will conclude on 24 September.
What they said
Karen Strougo, Commercial Director at operator ANA/VINCI Airports, said: “This is a significant milestone in strengthening air links between Portugal and the United States. The opening of this route is the result of joint work between ANA, Turismo de Portugal and the Regional Government of Madeira, demonstrating a shared commitment to the region’s growth.”
Carlos Abade, President of Turismo Portugal, added: “This operation is part of a strategy that aims to take advantage of opportunities in strategic markets such as the United States to promote responsible growth in tourism. It represents a milestone for Madeira and reinforces the region’s positioning in the competitive North American tourism market. This new direct route presents itself as a bridge of opportunities, growth and international affirmation for Madeira.”
United becomes largest US carrier in Portugal
The service is the latest in a series of new routes launched by United in Portugal. This summer, the carrier maintains 43-weekly flights between the two countries. These include 2-daily flights from New York EWR to Porto, as well as a daily service to both Lisbon and Ponta Delgada. Furthermore, the carrier operates from its main New York hub to Faro 4-weekly, following the service launch in May. United is also present on the Portuguese market with flights between Washington IAD and Lisbon, which operate daily.
During the ongoing summer season, United is the largest US carrier operating between the two country markets and the second largest overall. It boasts over 427,400 seats between the US and Portugal this summer, up 15.5% on the same period last year.
TAP Air Portugal remains the largest carrier between the two countries with over one million seats this summer. United is proceeded by Delta, Azores Airlines and American.
