United to offer first-ever direct flights from the U.S. to Algarve. Here’s all the details

Lurdes C. da Silva, O Jornal
·2 min read

FARO – ​​​​​​​ Beginning May 24, United will be the first and only airline to directly connect the United States and Faro, Portugal, with its new service from New York/Newark, announced the airline on Thursday.

United officials said the new flight will make it easy for U.S. customers to visit Portugal’s Algarve region, home to some of the country's most scenic beaches and striking historic sites.

“United has the most flights to the most destinations across the Atlantic and we’re now giving our customers even more flexibility and choice when planning their trips abroad,” said Patrick Quayle, United's senior vice president of global network planning and alliances, in a prepared statement.

United Airlines will offer non-stop flights to Faro, Portugal, from New York/Newark Airport starting in May.
United Airlines will offer non-stop flights to Faro, Portugal, from New York/Newark Airport starting in May.

How much do tickets cost?

The new route, departing from Newark Liberty International Airport, will operate four times a week on a Boeing 757-200.

Flights will depart New York/Newark to Faro at 9:50 p.m., arriving at 10 a.m. the following day (local time). Thus, the flight will take around 7 hours and 10 minutes.

Tickets are already on sale.

On Oct. 27, for example, the fare to travel from New York/Newark to Faro on June 5, 2024, and return on June 12, 2024, would be as follows: $1,389 (basic), $1,564 (economy) and $5,114 (Business).

For more information and to book tickets, visit https://www.united.com/en/us/book-flight/united-reservations

Algarve Tourism Region president welcomes United’s announcement

The president of the Algarve Tourism Region (RTA) André Gomes welcomed the news about the new route, noting that more and more Americans tourists are visiting the Algarve.

Speaking to Lusa news agency, Gomes said that in overall terms, up until August, the North American tourist market had grown by 29.3% compared to last year and 40% compared to 2019.

“This is extremely positive for the region’s expectations, given the impact that this market has on the Algarve, in terms of tourism and the presence of investments from major funds and brands,” he said.

United bringing back other popular routes to Portugal

The airline will be bringing back other popular routes to Portugal next year.

United currently serves more destinations in Portugal than all U.S. carriers, with its existing year-round service between New York/Newark-Lisbon, as well as seasonal service between Washington/Dulles-Lisbon, New York/Newark-Porto and New York/Newark-Ponta Delgada, Azores.

On Thursday, United also announced that the start date for the Washington Dulles – Lisbon route will be Feb. 15, 2024.

For more information, visit https://www.united.com/en/us

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: United to offer first-ever direct flights from the U.S. to Algarve