Porto. Photo: Shutterstock American Airlines is adding Porto to its map, giving travelers another way to reach Portugal starting in summer 2027. The new route will connect the US with Porto using the airline’s Airbus A321XLR, an aircraft designed for long, thinner routes that do not always make sense with larger planes. For passengers, it means a nonstop option to one of Europe’s most character-filled cities, paired with American’s latest premium cabin.
Photo: American AirlinesPorto has long lived slightly in the shadow of Lisbon, but that is part of its appeal. The city feels grounded and lived-in, with wine cellars lining the Douro River, tiled façades across historic neighborhoods, and a food scene that rewards curiosity. American already flies year-round to Lisbon, and Porto adds a second Portuguese gateway that feels different rather than redundant.
“Porto is exactly the type of new market the Airbus A321XLR enables us to serve,” Senior Vice President of Network and Schedule Planning Brian Znotins told team members at the airline’s annual leadership conference this week. “While we’ll have even more new routes to share later this year for summer 2027, we’re eager to continue growing our long-haul network that features service to new destinations, including Budapest, Hungary, and Prague that will start this summer.”
The new Porto flights will feature American’s Flagship Suite experience, with 20 private suites at the front of the plane offering privacy doors and bedding designed for overnight comfort, along with details like Bang & Olufsen noise-canceling headphones, slippers, and upgraded amenity kits. American plans to roll out new mattress pads across its long-haul Flagship Business flights in 2026, so Porto passengers should benefit from that update as well.
Photo: American AirlinesTravelers not flying up front will still have solid options. Premium Economy offers more space, better headrests, leg supports, and wireless charging, while Main Cabin passengers get hot meals and seatback entertainment with Bluetooth support.
For many travelers, the journey begins in Philadelphia, where American recently opened a Flagship lounge. The space is designed as a quieter place to wait, with proper dining, a full bar, showers, and views of the airfield.
The A321XLR is key to American’s broader international plans. The aircraft will also be used on new routes like New York to Edinburgh and on select transcontinental flights. For Porto, it opens the door to a direct connection that feels overdue and refreshingly practical for summer travel in Europe.