Lufthansa Group Submits Bid for Minority Stake in TAP Air Portugal

Lufthansa Group has submitted a bid to acquire a minority stake in TAP Air Portugal as part of the Portuguese government’s privatization process, proposing a long-term partnership aimed at strengthening the flag carrier while preserving its national identity.

The group said it intends to position Lisbon as a strategic Atlantic hub within its network, expanding connectivity between Europe and key markets in Latin America, Africa and North America. TAP would continue operating as Portugal’s national airline while benefiting from the scale and financial strength of the Lufthansa Group.

Lufthansa highlighted its long-standing presence in Portugal, where it has operated for more than 70 years. The group currently offers 353 weekly flights to and from the country and employs more than 500 people locally. That figure is expected to exceed 1,000 by 2030 with the opening of a new Lufthansa Technik engine and aircraft component repair facility near Porto.

The airline group said its proposal extends beyond a financial investment, combining industrial development, job creation and long-term strategic cooperation. Lufthansa also pointed to its successful integration of SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and ITA Airways as examples of preserving national airline brands while supporting sustainable growth within a larger aviation group.