Portugal’s government is gearing up for the sale of its flag carrier, TAP Air Portugal, most likely in 2025. With over a dozen potential buyers expressing interest, the privatization process is set to resume following a previous halt due to political changes.
The privatization of TAP has been a topic of discussion for several years. In September 2023, a previous Socialist administration approved the sale of at least 51% of the airline. However, the process was interrupted by a snap election in March 2024, which resulted in a victory for a center-right alliance.
Infrastructure Minister Miguel Pinto Luz announced that the government is ready to resume the privatization process, emphasizing that TAP has improved its financial standing and is performing well compared to its European counterparts.
Minister Luz stated that the government has been in discussions with various interested parties, both national and international. He assured that regardless of the final privatization model, TAP’s brand identity and its Lisbon hub will remain intact. The government is committed to preserving strategic routes that connect Portugal with its diaspora, particularly in Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, and the United States.