
Starting June 7, 2025, United Airlines will launch nonstop flights between Funchal (Madeira) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).
The new route will operate three times per week—on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays—through September 24, 2025.
This new nonstop connection, offering a convenient option for travelers seeking direct access between Madeira and the New York metropolitan area, will serve as a hub for other destinations across the United States.
Previously, Azores Airlines (SATA) had offered direct flights between New York’s JFK Airport and Funchal, beginning in November 2021. However, that direct service was discontinued in November 2024. Passengers traveling with Azores Airlines must now connect through Ponta Delgada in the Azores when flying between New York and Madeira.
Additionally, United Airlines introduced its new service from May 16th to September 22nd. Seasonal scheduled flights between Newark and Faro in Portugal’s Algarve region will operate four weekly flights between Faro and New York
Also, starting June 5 to September 23, United Airlines operates flights from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Ponta Delgada. The service offers five flights per week during the early and late parts of the season, and daily flights during the peak summer period from June 30 to September 2
TAP Air Portugal also serves the US market from Madeira, offering flights to cities such as Miami (MIA), Orlando (MCO), and San Francisco (SFO), typically with a layover in Lisbon (LIS).
For travelers preferring Azores Airlines, connecting flights via Ponta Delgada remain available. Azores Airlines also offers direct flights from Funchal to both Boston (BOS) and Toronto (YYZ), providing further options for North American-bound passengers.
Founded in 1926, United Airlines is one of the world’s largest airlines, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. It flies to over 300 destinations across six continents, with major hubs in cities such as Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., and Guam. United is a founding member of the Star Alliance and offers a MileagePlus frequent flyer program. Check United Airlines’ website for the most up-to-date schedule.
PAJ/Staff
The Madeira archipelago (polupation 250,0000) consists of four main island groups, the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo, and the uninhabited Desertas and Selvagens islands.
Discovered by Portuguese navigators in 1419 and officially settled in 1420, Madeira is renowned for its lush Laurisilva forest (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), its distinctive Madeira wine, and a long tradition of hospitality.
Since the adoption of Portugal’s democratic constitution in 1976, Madeira has held the status of an Autonomous Region. This designation grants it a significant degree of self-governance, including its own Regional Government and Legislative Assembly, both headquartered in Funchal. While national sovereignty remains with the Portuguese Republic, Madeira has autonomy in key areas such as tourism, infrastructure, education, and cultural affairs.
The Azores (population 250,000) is a region of Portugal composed of nine islands. The archipelago, discovered by Portuguese explorers in the 15th century, became an Autonomous Region of Portugal in 1976. The government of the Autonomous Region of the Azores includes the Legislative Assembly, composed of 57 elected deputies, elected by universal suffrage for a four-year term; the Regional Government and Presidency, with parliamentary legitimacy, composed of a President, a Vice-President and seven Regional Secretaries responsible for the Regional Government’s executive operations. The Autonomous Region of the Azores is represented in the Council of Ministers of the Central Government by a representative appointed by the President of Portugal. According to the latest US census, over 1.3 million individuals of Portuguese descent live in the United States, the majority with roots in the Azores. It is estimated that over 20,000 US citizens live in Portugal.