Posted on 04 June 2025.
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.
Departures from Funchal are scheduled for 11:30 AM, with arrivals in New York at 2:00 PM local time. Flights will be operated with a Boeing 737 MAX 8, offering economy class service.
Previously, Azores Airlines (SATA) had offered direct flights between New York JFK 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.
In addition, United Airlines introduced 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
Starting June 5 to September 23, United Airlines also offers seasonal nonstop flights to the Azores, specifically to Ponta Delgada (PDL) on São Miguel Island. For the summer 2025 season, United 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
Additionally, United Airlines offers flights to Ponta Delgada from Boston (BOS) and Denver (DEN) during the summer months. These flights are operated using Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, featuring United’s standard economy and business class cabins.
For travelers from Providence, Rhode Island, Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) is the closest departure point for United’s flights to the Azores.
Other European carriers, including Lufthansa, British Airways, and Iberia, provide flights from Funchal to various US destinations via their respective hubs in Frankfurt, London, and Madrid.
For travelers preferring Azores Airlines, connecting flights via Ponta Delgada remain available. Additionally, Azores Airlines 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. As of 2024, focused on expanding its international routes, the airline employed over 107,000 people and operated a fleet of more than 1,000 aircraft.
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.
