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TAP Air Portugal is expanding its North American footprint with the introduction of a direct service connecting Lisbon Airport (LIS) and Orlando International Airport (MCO). Starting October 29, 2026, the airline will operate flights three times per week, providing a streamlined transit corridor for European travelers entering Central Florida.
The service will be designated as flight numbers TP267 and TP268, with scheduled departures on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. To service this route, TAP will deploy Airbus A330 aircraft, utilizing both the A330-200 and the A330-900neo variants.
This strategic addition arrives as Orlando continues to see record-breaking overall visitation. In 2025, Orlando recorded 76,663,200 total visitors, comprising 70,325,600 domestic and 6,337,600 international arrivals. While international numbers saw a slight dip compared to 2024, the total visitor count has grown steadily from approximately 74 million in 2023 to 75,333,800 in 2024, and finally to the 2025 peak.
The new route is expected to create a "spillover effect," encouraging European tourists to extend their stays beyond Orlando's theme parks to explore the wider Florida region, including the coastal attractions of Cocoa Beach and the hospitality hubs of Kissimmee.
Transit Schedule & Route Specifications
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | October 29, 2026 |
| Flight Numbers | TP267 / TP268 |
| Frequency | 3x Weekly (Monday, Thursday, Saturday) |
| Route | Lisbon (LIS) $\leftrightarrow$ Orlando (MCO) |
| Aircraft Models | Airbus A330-200, Airbus A330-900neo |
| Primary Hubs | Lisbon Airport / Orlando International Airport |
Traveler Logistics Guide
From a ground-level perspective, the best way to navigate this new connection is to treat Lisbon not merely as a transit point but as a multi-day stopover. TAP’s hub structure is designed for this, allowing travelers to explore Lisbon’s historic districts, such as Alfama and Terreiro do Paço, before continuing to Florida.
Booking and Connection Advice:
- Optimal Layover: For those combining a Portugal visit with a Florida holiday, a 3-to-5 day stopover in Lisbon is recommended to avoid jet lag before the final leg to MCO.
- Customs and Entry: Travelers should ensure their ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is approved at least 72 hours before departure to avoid delays at Orlando International Airport.
- Ground Transit in Florida: For those extending their trip to Cocoa Beach or Kissimmee, rental cars are the most efficient option. Kissimmee is located approximately 25 minutes from MCO, making it a primary choice for initial accommodation.
Infrastructure Impact Assessment
The introduction of this route increases competition on the transatlantic corridor and provides a critical entry point for the Portuguese market and connecting European flights.
With Orlando's hotel inventory reaching 132,685 rooms and a 71.4% occupancy rate in 2025, the additional capacity from TAP will likely push hotel room demand beyond the 34.5 million room nights recorded in 2025. Furthermore, the route supports Florida's broader tourism goal of diversifying its international visitor base, which currently relies heavily on Canada (1,119,300 visitors in 2025) and the UK (933,500 visitors in 2025). By strengthening the Lisbon gateway, Florida expands its reach into Southern Europe, potentially increasing the 12.5 million total Canadian and overseas visits recorded statewide in 2025.
