Air France-KLM and Lufthansa Compete for TAP Air Portugal

Jul 29, 2026

55 min

Jul 29, 2026 18:32

Air France-KLM and Lufthansa bid for Portugal's TAP airline

## Bidding for TAP Air Portugal

Air France-KLM and Lufthansa have both submitted binding offers to acquire a controlling interest in TAP Air Portugal. This move comes as the Portuguese government seeks to privatize the airline by selling a significant portion of its 49.9% stake.

## Strategic Plans

Air France-KLM aims to acquire between 44.9% and 49.9% of TAP, with plans to establish Lisbon as a key hub for its operations in southern Europe. This strategy is intended to bolster its presence in the Americas and Africa.

Lufthansa, while not specifying the exact stake it desires, also plans to make Lisbon a central hub. The airline group, which includes Swiss, Austrian, and ITA Airways, aims to enhance TAP's role as a leading airline for the South Atlantic region.

## Privatization Timeline

The Portuguese government hopes to finalize the privatization process by late August or early September. TAP, which was renationalized in 2020 due to financial struggles during the pandemic, remains one of the few state-owned airlines in Europe. The airline employs around 7,700 people and operates a fleet of approximately 100 Airbus aircraft.

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