The selection of Lufthansa as a partner in TAP's partial privatisation has raised concerns among Madeiran parliamentarians regarding the continuity of essential air links for the island.
Socialist MP Emanuel Câmara has requested clarification from the Minister of Infrastructure and Housing, Miguel Pinto Luz, on how the interests of Madeira and Porto Santo residents will be protected during negotiations. Câmara stressed the importance of air transport for the region's territorial continuity and criticised the national government's lack of response.
Independent parliamentarian Miguel Castro has also called for explicit safeguards, arguing that the sale must protect connections to the autonomous regions and emigrant communities while preventing unjustified fare increases. Castro highlighted the need to maintain routes to countries with significant Portuguese and Madeiran communities, including Venezuela, South Africa, the United States, Canada, and Brazil.
