EasyJet Launches New Summer Flights Boosting Portugal Tourism: All You Need to Know

Published on December 22, 2025

Funchal and Nice inaugurate new direct connectivity through easyJet commencing June 6, 2026, with two weekly flights on Tuesdays and Saturdays linking Madeira Airport (Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport) to Nice Côte d’Azur Airport. This route expansion responds to surging demand for premium leisure destinations, reinforcing easyJet’s commitment to diverse, affordable networks across Portugal and Europe.​

Madeira’s official tourism board promotes the archipelago’s levadas, volcanic peaks, and Atlantic laurel forests as UNESCO-protected wonders, while Côte d’Azur France highlights Nice’s Promenade des Anglais and Riviera glamour. The service profoundly impacts tourism by slashing fares between subtropical island escapes and Mediterranean luxury, channeling French sun-seekers to levada hikes and Madeirans to pebble beaches, amplifying bidirectional visitor economies through extended stays and regional explorations.​

Bi-Weekly Schedule Optimizes Weekend Tourism Flows

Flights depart Funchal mornings for midday Nice arrivals, with evening returns enabling full Côte d’Azur days. Tuesday/Saturday cadence targets weekend warriors balancing workweeks.

Madeira Airport’s 2025 milestone of over five million passengers underscores capacity for LCC growth. Scheduling impacts short-haul tourism positively, packing Friday escapes with Parisians craving Porto Santo sands and Sunday returns for Monday commutes.​

Madeira’s UNESCO Laurel Forests Draw French Eco-Tourism

Madeira’s laurel forests, Europe’s oldest subtropical ecosystems, beckon via direct access, complementing levada walks and cable car rides to Monte. Funchal’s market stalls offer poncha tastings.​ Visit Madeira campaigns target continental Europeans. Forests impact nature tourism exponentially, surging bookings for Rabaçal trails among Nice hikers fleeing Riviera crowds.​

Nice Promenade des Anglais Fuels Beach Tourism Pipeline

Nice’s iconic pebbly promenade and azure Mediterranean invite Madeira adventurers to Jet Set glamour, with Old Town markets mirroring Funchal’s vibrancy. Day trips to Cannes and Monaco multiply appeal.​Côte d’Azur France promotes Riviera circuits. Promenade impacts luxury beach tourism, channeling Madeirans to Èze clifftop drives and Èze seafood feasts.​

Low-Cost Model Democratizes Island-Riviera Tourism

EasyJet’s fares starting at euro 36.79 make premium escapes accessible, blending economy with aspiration. Frequent promotions spur impulse bookings.​ Portugal’s tourism strategy emphasizes LCC penetration. Democratization impacts aspirational tourism, filling Funchal’s levada lodges with first-time French families.​

Cristiano Ronaldo Airport Handles Surging Tourism Traffic

Madeira Airport’s expansions, including doubled terminal space and enhanced parking—absorb new routes amid 2025’s record five million passengers. Infrastructure scales sustainably.​ ANA Aeroportos de Portugal oversees growth. Capacity impacts peak tourism, accommodating summer influxes without delays.​

Funchal Cable Car and Levadas Anchor Adventure Tourism

Funchal-Monte cable car panoramas and Caldeirão Verde levadas offer French visitors vertigo-inducing thrills and rainforest immersion. Porto Moniz pools complement Riviera beaches.​ Madeira’s adventure portfolio thrives. Anchors impact active tourism, boosting canyoning outfits with Côte d’Azur climbers.​

Riviera Day Trips Amplify Multi-Destination Tourism

Nice gateways unlock Monaco yachts, Cannes film vibes, and Saint-Tropez beaches via quick trains. Madeira’s Desertas boat tours mirror island-hopping.​ Côte d’Azur connectivity multiplies. Day trips impact circuit tourism, extending Madeira stays with Riviera add-ons.​

Summer Peak Alignment Drives High-Season Tourism Surge

June-August operations coincide with Madeira’s warmest weather and Nice’s Riviera high season. Funchal fireworks and Nice Jazz Festival sync perfectly.​ Seasonal timing impacts festival tourism, surging Jazz Fest tie-ins with Festa da Madeira folklore.

French Market Strengthens Continental Tourism Balance

France joins UK’s dominance at Madeira Airport, diversifying beyond Anglo markets. Paris connections via Nice feeders grow.​ Diversification impacts resilient tourism, buffering Brexit fluctuations.

Porto Santo Beach Extension Enhances Tourism Packages

Fifteen-minute hops to golden-sand Porto Santo extend itineraries, rivaling Nice’s pebble shores. Ferry packages bundle seamlessly.​ Golden island impacts beach tourism, drawing French families fleeing crowded Calanques.

Sustainable Practices Appeal Eco-Luxury Travelers

EasyJet’s efficient fleet and Madeira’s green initiatives minimize footprints. Levada maintenance funds conservation.​ Practices impact eco-tourism positively, attracting Provence birders to Madeira’s seabirds.

Economic Ripple Boosts Regional Tourism Ecosystems

New seats generate jobs in handling, taxis, and hospitality. Funchal hotels and Nice boutiques benefit.​ Ripple impacts inclusive tourism, sustaining Caniçal fishing villages.

2026 Launch Sets Madeira Tourism Benchmark

EasyJet’s route establishes French Riviera benchmark, inspiring Lyon or Marseille pursuits.​ Benchmark impacts competitive tourism, elevating Madeira against Canaries.

Image Credit: easyJet