According to José Gabriel Eduardo and Dora Valadão, Socialist Party deputies elected by the island of Flores, numerous reports emerged in April and May about individuals unable to travel due to a lack of available seats. This situation has notably impacted citizens needing to leave the island for health reasons.
“There have been individuals who missed medical appointments, had to advance their travel dates by several days to ensure timely attendance, or remained stranded after medical examinations or treatments for several days upon their return. This is unacceptable,” warned the socialist deputies in the Azorean parliament.
In a press release, the party stated that a requisition was sent to the Regional Government (PSD/CDS-PP/PPM) via the Azorean parliament, demanding that the Azorean executive promptly ensure an effective increase in SATA Air Açores flight connections to and from the island of Flores.
They highlighted the “increasing difficulties” experienced by the residents of Flores in recent weeks due to the “unavailability of seats” on SATA flights and “constant waiting lists.”
For the Socialist Party/Azores, this situation undermines the quality of life for residents, harms the island’s image as a tourist destination, and jeopardizes local economic development.
“The Regional Government must ensure that no one is disadvantaged for living on a peripheral island. It is their duty to provide all citizens, particularly patients, with dignified and effective access to air transport, even during peak demand periods,” argued the Socialist Party/Azores deputies elected by the island of Flores.
