Discover Mozambique with LAM’s New Direct Flights to Brazil, India, and Portugal

Published on December 11, 2025

In a move that signals renewed ambition and strategic growth, LAM Mozambique (Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique) is set to relaunch its historic route to Portugal and introduce new long-haul services to Brazil and India. This announcement, made by President Daniel Chapo during an engagement with the Mozambican diaspora in Porto ahead of the Portugal–Mozambique Bilateral Summit, underlines the airline’s commitment to connecting Africa with important global destinations. The expansion comes as part of the airline’s efforts to modernize its operations and rebuild its international network, opening new opportunities for tourism, business, and cultural exchange between Southern Africa and key regions.

As Mozambique’s national carrier, LAM’s growth strategy includes expanding its presence on both regional and international routes. The new services will not only serve the growing demand for direct connections between Mozambique and these major markets but also support tourism, trade, and diaspora connections, all key drivers of economic activity in the region.

Strengthening Connections to Europe: The Portugal Route

The resumption of flights between Maputo (Mozambique’s capital) and Lisbon marks an important milestone for LAM Mozambique, as Portugal is a key destination for Mozambican travelers and a significant gateway to Europe. Portugal has long been home to a large Mozambican diaspora, and direct flights between the two countries are expected to strengthen cultural ties and provide easier access for those traveling for business, family visits, and tourism.

The Portugal–Mozambique route is vital for connecting Southern Africa to Europe, particularly for travelers visiting Mozambique for its unique cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and growing tourism offerings. The direct flights will also enhance access for European tourists looking to explore Mozambique’s attractions, such as Bazaruto Archipelago, Gorongosa National Park, and Maputo’s vibrant city life.

By reintroducing this service, LAM is positioning itself as a major facilitator of European tourism to Mozambique, which is increasingly becoming a sought-after destination for eco-tourism, adventure travel, and cultural experiences.

Expanding South American and South Asian Ties: New Routes to Brazil and India

Alongside Portugal, LAM Mozambique is also expanding its network to Brazil and India, two key markets with historical, cultural, and economic ties to Mozambique. Brazil, home to a significant Lusophone (Portuguese-speaking) population, is a natural partner for expanding air connectivity. The introduction of flights to São Paulo, Brazil’s largest city and economic powerhouse, will allow for easier travel between Mozambique and South America, enhancing trade, tourism, and business opportunities for both regions.

Similarly, India has seen a growing demand for direct flights to Africa due to increasing business investments, educational exchanges, and tourism flows between the two regions. By adding a new route to Mumbai or New Delhi, LAM Mozambique will cater to the growing demand for travel between Southern Africa and South Asia. India’s emerging middle class and vibrant tourism sector are key factors in the growing interest in Mozambique, a country that offers rich cultural heritage, wildlife, and emerging tourism infrastructure.

Enhancing Tourism and Economic Growth

LAM’s route expansion is a significant step toward enhancing Mozambique’s position as a prominent tourism and business destination. With new direct flights to Portugal, Brazil, and India, LAM Mozambique aims to increase inbound tourism and diversify its tourism offerings. For international tourists, direct flights will simplify travel logistics, offering an opportunity to experience Mozambique’s unique attractions such as pristine beaches, wildlife safaris, and cultural sites.

Tourism plays a crucial role in Mozambique’s economy, and the expansion of LAM’s international network will attract more visitors from across Europe, South America, and South Asia. The development of these routes also supports the local economy by encouraging investment in infrastructure, hospitality, and tourism-related services. By attracting more visitors, LAM helps generate revenue that can be reinvested into sustainable development and conservation initiatives, further bolstering Mozambique’s position as a must-visit destination in Southern Africa.

Strengthening Business and Diaspora Ties

Beyond tourism, the expansion of LAM Mozambique’s flight routes is an important move for enhancing business and diaspora connections. Direct flights to Portugal will facilitate business relations and investments between Mozambique and Europe, particularly in sectors like energy, agriculture, and infrastructure. Similarly, connections to Brazil and India will foster stronger trade relationships, with both countries increasingly involved in Africa’s growing markets.

The new routes will also cater to the Mozambican diaspora in Brazil, Portugal, and India, making it easier for families and communities to connect. This is particularly important as the diaspora plays a significant role in Mozambique’s development, contributing to remittances, knowledge transfer, and cross-border business ventures.

LAM Mozambique’s Role in Enhancing Regional Tourism

As part of the airline’s broader strategy, LAM Mozambique also continues to strengthen its regional network, which includes popular destinations within Africa. Expanding routes to key international destinations like Brazil and India complements LAM’s existing services to destinations within Southern Africa and other parts of Africa, making it easier for tourists to visit Mozambique from across the globe.

These expanded routes also provide more options for African travelers, making it easier to access destinations in Europe, South America, and Asia. By improving regional and global connectivity, LAM Mozambique is enhancing the accessibility of Mozambique as a key tourism destination.

Looking to the Future of Mozambique’s Aviation and Tourism

The addition of Portugal, Brazil, and India to LAM Mozambique’s route network marks a major step toward the airline’s goal of becoming a more prominent player in the global aviation market. With modernized aircraft, improved services, and strategic partnerships, LAM is positioning itself for sustainable growth and success.

The route expansions are expected to generate a significant increase in air travel between these key regions, bolstering tourism and business opportunities for Mozambique. As the airline continues to grow, LAM Mozambique’s international reach will support the country’s broader tourism strategy, positioning it as a competitive and accessible destination for global travelers.