Asked by journalists about the TAP strike and the cancellation of 360 flights on December 8 and 9, which will also affect Madeira, he said that, fortunately, the region has 34 companies in operation and 90 routes.

“We have companies that can supply this situation with TAP, which is very embarrassing. At a time when we need to have the national company operational, in high season, with a large influx of tourists and locals, the situation of cancellations […] is a disaster for the company”, he said.

“This is the country we have and the management we have. Nothing works. SEF [Foreigners and Borders Service] does not work, TAP does not work”, he criticised.

Praise for Ryanair

He added that Ryanair, “the company that many said was no good”, offers 355,000 seats per year to Funchal, and “the flights have an occupancy rate” on average of almost 92% - “and it makes a profit”.

“This is the difference”, concluded Miguel Albuquerque.

TAP's executive president, Christine Ourmières-Widener, announced that the company will cancel 360 flights on December 8 and 9, the days of the cabin crew strike, affecting around 50,000 passengers and causing a loss of €8 million in revenue.