TAP Air Portugal. Photo: Shutterstock The Air France-KLM group announced today (April 2, 2026) that it has submitted a non-binding offer (NBO) as part of the privatization process of the Portuguese airline TAP Air Portugal - another step in the fight to acquire the company.
The group's CEO, Benjamin Smith, noted that, over 81 years, TAP has built a strong hub in Lisbon, a leading brand and a unique value proposition that connects millions of Portuguese people to the world, adding that the group sees the company as a natural fit for the group's multi-hub strategy.
According to the plan, Lisbon is expected to become the group's main southern hub of operations in Europe, with an emphasis on strengthening connectivity to destinations in the Americas, primarily Brazil, as well as Africa. At the same time, the group plans to expand operations to other cities in Portugal, including Porto.
Air France-KLM emphasizes that the integration of TAP will allow it to enjoy access to a broad global network that includes the group's companies and its transatlantic partners, including Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic. This move is expected, they say, to strengthen Portugal's air connectivity and increase the range of destinations.
The proposal was submitted on April 2 to Parpública, the government body responsible for the privatization process. The group notes that they intend to preserve TAP's Portuguese heritage, while strengthening its global position and continuing its development in a sustainable manner.