New International Flights Boost Algarve Holiday Rentals in 2025
Improved air connectivity is making it easier than ever for travellers to reach the Algarve. Faro Airport, the region’s aviation hub, handled 9.8 million passengers in 2024 and is on track to surpass 10 million passengers in 2025 (airserviceone.com). With new long‑haul routes and expanded airline schedules, holiday rental owners and visitors will benefit from a wider choice of flights and a broader pool of potential guests. Here’s a look at the latest developments and how to capitalise on them.
Direct Flights from the United States and Beyond
The most exciting news is United Airlines’ first‑ever direct service connecting the Algarve to the United States. In May 2025, United launched a four‑times‑weekly service between Newark (EWR) and Faro (FAO). Flights depart Faro on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, returning from Newark on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and are operated with Boeing 757‑200 aircraft featuring Polaris business‑class seats. This historic route will run until late September and cements United’s position as a leading airline in Portugal (globaltravelerusa.com).
Faro’s international connections have been expanding rapidly. By August 2025 the airport serves nearly 90 destinations, with new routes to Funchal, Helsinki, Keflavik, Prague and Zurich (airserviceone.com). The destination list now includes three long‑haul markets outside Europe, Marrakesh, Montreal and Newark, underscoring the Algarve’s growing global appeal. This diversity of routes means more visitors from North America, Africa and Northern Europe, extending the traditional tourist season and bringing in guests with different interests and budgets.
Ryanair’s Record‑Breaking Summer Schedule
Europe’s largest low‑cost carrier is also investing heavily in Faro. In March 2025, Ryanair unveiled its Summer 2025 schedule, featuring 47 routes, 11 aircraft based in Faro and over 270 weekly flights (corporate.ryanair.com). The schedule represented an 11 % increase in available seats compared with Summer 2024, with more than 3.6 million passengers estimated. Frequent connections to major cities such as Berlin, Dublin, London and Porto ensure that both domestic and international travellers can easily access the Algarve. To celebrate the new routes, Ryanair launched a seat sale with fares starting at €24.99, a sign of strong competition and affordability.
What These Developments Mean for Holiday Rental Owners
1. Longer and more diverse tourist season: Direct flights from North America and increased capacity on European routes will extend the peak season beyond summer. Expect more bookings from May through October as visitors take advantage of new schedules.
2. Broader guest demographics: With flights from Newark, Montreal and Marrakesh, expect a mix of transatlantic travellers, Canadian families, and culture‑seekers from North Africa. Tailor your marketing to highlight features that appeal to long‑haul guests, such as private pools, work‑friendly spaces and authentic local experiences.
3. Opportunity for premium pricing: Long‑haul visitors often have higher budgets and stay longer. Upgrading amenities (e.g., high‑speed Wi‑Fi, welcome hampers, airport transfers) can justify higher nightly rates and improve reviews.
4. Partner with transport providers: Increased passenger numbers mean transport from the airport can be congested. Collaborating with a property management company can connect guests with private transfers to deliver a seamless arrival experience for guests.
Tips for Travellers
Visitors should book flights and accommodation early, especially during peak weeks, because new routes can fill quickly. If travelling from the US or Canada, consider the United Airlines service operating through September. Budget travellers can take advantage of Ryanair’s summer fare deals, while travellers from Iceland, Finland or the Czech Republic can explore the Algarve thanks to new connections to Keflavik, Helsinki and Prague.
For those worried about potential disruptions, travel insurance that covers flight changes and partnering with a reputable hosting company can provide peace of mind.
Summary
The Algarve’s enhanced air connectivity in 2025 is a boon for both holidaymakers and property owners. United Airlines’ inaugural transatlantic flights and Ryanair’s expanded European network are set to push passenger numbers beyond 10 million, drawing visitors from across the globe.
Algarve holiday rental owners who anticipate these trends will be well positioned to capture the growing demand.
Is your property ready to welcome a new wave of guests? Resort Rentals Algarve can help you prepare your property and optimise your listings.
