United Airlines launches direct flights between Newark and Madeira
The U.S. airline maintains its network in Portugal with the Madeira route. Direct flights from Newark make it easier for American tourists to reach the island.
United Airlines has inaugurated direct flights between Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Madeira Airport (FNC), becoming the only U.S. airline to serve Funchal. The new route will operate three times per week, strengthening the airline’s presence in the transatlantic market.
The launch ceremony was attended by Portuguese tourism authorities, United Airlines staff, and representatives from ANA Aeroportos de Portugal SA and VINCI Airports. This new connection supports Madeira’s economic and tourism development, while also improving access for island travelers to U.S. cities such as Miami, Washington, and Boston via United’s Newark hub.
With the addition of Madeira, United now serves five destinations in Portugal, joining existing routes to Lisbon (LIS), Porto (OPO), Ponta Delgada (PDL), and Faro (FAO). This makes United the U.S. airline with the most destinations in Portugal, offering over 16,000 weekly seats between the U.S. and Portugal. For the current summer season, the airline is also launching new routes from Newark to Faro, Palermo, and Bilbao, and plans to begin service to Greenland.
The seasonal service to Funchal will run until September 24, 2025. Flight UA 552 departs Newark on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 8:55 p.m., arriving in Funchal at 8:45 a.m. the next day. The return flight, UA 523, operates on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, departing Madeira at 11:30 a.m. and landing in Newark at 2:00 p.m.
At a Glance
When does United Airlines operate its flight to Madeira? The flight operates three times per week: from Newark (EWR) on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and from Funchal (FNC) on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
Is the route to Madeira permanent? No, it is a seasonal service. According to the airline, the route will run until September 24, 2025.
What aircraft is used for the Newark-Funchal route? United Airlines operates a Boeing 737-8, part of the Boeing 737 MAX family, with capacity for 166 passengers.
Are there other U.S. airlines flying to Madeira? No. Currently, United Airlines is the only U.S. airline offering direct flights to the island.
These transatlantic flights are operated with Boeing 737-8 aircraft, a narrow-body model with a single aisle and seating for 166 passengers—16 in Premium Economy and 150 in Economy. United often uses the Boeing 757 and 737 MAX models for lower-density transatlantic routes. Looking ahead, the airline has also ordered 50 Airbus A321XLR aircraft, designed for “Extra Long Range” missions, which will further enhance its ability to operate long-haul routes efficiently.
AUTOR
Corresponsal en Venezuela de Aviacionline. Editor. Estudiante de Ingeniería.
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