LAM Airlines Restarts Flights to Portugal and Expands in Brazil and India, Boosting Their Tourism, Trade and Long-Term Aviation Growth of Mozambique

Published on December 10, 2025

On 8 December 2025, Mozambique’s President, Daniel Chapo, has confirmed that the country’s state carrier, LAM – Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique, is set to resume flights to Portugal, with further long-haul plans towards Brazil and India. No start dates were revealed, but this strategic move will reinforce the international air connectivity of Mozambique and give a strong fillip to tourism and business relations between these regions.

Chapo stressed that this relaunch of flights to Portugal, specifically the Maputo–Lisbon route, would contribute to the moderating of the fare on the route currently served exclusively by TAP Portugal. Its re-entry into the route by LAM, according to this, is a competitive and timely move. This expansion is part of LAM’s larger strategy of enhancing international markets and stimulating growth in Mozambique’s aviation industry.

A Key Step in Strengthening Mozambique’s Aviation and Tourism Infrastructure

The return of LAM’s flights to Portugal and the introduction of new services to Brazil and India are expected to make a significant impact on the tourism sector in Mozambique. These routes will provide direct access from Portugal, which has a large Mozambican diaspora, as well as from Brazil and India, both of which have growing economic and cultural ties with the country. The direct flights will lower travel time, making Mozambique more accessible to international tourists and business travelers.

This expansion will encourage an influx of high-value tourists, particularly in niche markets like eco-tourism, luxury travel, and business tourism, which will enhance Mozambique’s tourism offerings. The increased tourism flows will benefit local economies, with more spending on accommodation, tourism services, restaurants, and retail businesses, all contributing to regional economic growth.

Driving Economic Development and Regional Integration

The expanded international routes will have a direct economic impact, not just by attracting more visitors, but also by boosting local businesses. The new air connectivity will allow businesses from Mozambique, Brazil, and India to engage in more frequent trade and investment activities. Companies involved in agriculture, mining, energy, and infrastructure in Mozambique will find it easier to connect with their counterparts in these regions, potentially unlocking new economic partnerships.

Furthermore, Mozambique’s government has made it a priority to enhance regional connectivity as part of its broader economic goals. The new routes will make Mozambique a more integrated part of the Southern African region, helping the country become an important aviation hub within Africa. This will encourage greater cross-border tourism and trade, supporting the economic development of not only Mozambique but also its neighbors in the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

Future Impact: Strengthening Mozambique’s Position as a Tourism and Investment Hub

Looking to the future, LAM Airlines’ expansion into Brazil and India will play a key role in diversifying Mozambique’s tourism base and attracting more international visitors. The increased air connectivity will help the country position itself as a leading tourism destination for adventure seekers, cultural tourists, and business travelers from these growing markets.

Brazil and India are both experiencing rapid economic growth, and as travel restrictions ease globally, the demand for international travel from these markets will continue to rise. LAM’s efforts to connect Mozambique with these countries will not only help strengthen tourism but will also open new avenues for investment in sectors like hospitality, real estate, and sustainable tourism. In addition to tourism, these flights will support business tourism and contribute to the development of Mozambique’s export industries, particularly in agriculture and manufacturing.

The Long-Term Vision: Sustaining Growth in Mozambique’s Aviation Sector

With the launch of new long-haul routes, LAM Airlines is positioning itself as a central player in Mozambique’s aviation industry. As part of its growth strategy, the airline is continuing to focus on regional and international expansions, including the Brazil-India routes, which are expected to drive sustained growth in passenger numbers and tourism revenues.

The addition of new aircraft and the strengthening of existing routes will make LAM more competitive in the African aviation market, particularly as global tourism continues to rebound. LAM’s efforts to expand its reach and improve service offerings will ensure the airline remains relevant and resilient, offering Mozambique the chance to become a more integrated player in global tourism and aviation networks.

LAM’s Expanding Footprint and Mozambique’s Bright Tourism Future

This expansion means that, for the first time, LAM Airlines will also link Mozambique to Portugal, Brazil, and India, and it is a game-changer for tourism in Mozambique. As air accessibility improves, new possibilities are opened for tourists and businesspeople alike, placing Mozambique in a more accessible and desirable position.

Sustainable tourism and regional connectivity remain the country’s focus in the near future, meaning that this development will be felt far beyond the immediate tourism sector. Growth by LAM will intrinsically contribute to Mozambique’s long-term economic development and its international standing through improved aviation infrastructure, the arrival of global investors, and access to new markets. All in all, Mozambique’s tourism and aviation future is bright, with many opportunities for further growth, innovation, and international collaboration in the years to come.