Lufthansa Is Chosen to Buy a Large Share of TAP Air Portugal, but Not Full Control
Portugal's government says Lufthansa Group will take 44.9% of TAP Air Portugal, ahead of Air France-KLM, while the state stays the majority owner.
Air France-KLM was the other bidder. The process began more than a year ago.
Lufthansa Group will hold 44.9% of the airline. It could reach up to 5% more if TAP employees do not use their right to buy that share. The Portuguese government will stay the majority owner.
The government said the whole deal, including the 5% set aside for employees, is worth €1.201 billion. Earlier reports from Reuters and Portuguese broadcaster SIC said Lufthansa offered cash. Air France-KLM reportedly offered cash plus shares.
SIC also pointed to Lufthansa's stronger financial position as a reason for its edge. Portugal relaunched the plan to privatize TAP in the summer of 2025.
What it means for travelers
TAP is Portugal's national airline, so a new large shareholder may shape its future network and partnerships. The notes do not say whether flights, fares, routes or loyalty programs will change. Travelers with TAP bookings do not need to act because of this news.
What to watch next
Watch for official updates from TAP, Lufthansa Group and the Portuguese government on how the deal moves forward. Check with the airline for any change that affects a booking.
How the story unfolded
- Live and Let's Fly Lufthansa Poised To Beat Air France-KLM For Key TAP Air Portugal Stake
Read the original reporting
- AeroTime – Lufthansa beats Air France-KLM to acquire minority stake in TAP Air Portugal ↗
- Live and Let's Fly – Lufthansa Poised To Beat Air France-KLM For Key TAP Air Portugal Stake ↗
- Upgraded Points – Lufthansa Beats Air France-KLM, Set To Purchase 44.9% Stake in TAP Air Portugal ↗
- One Mile at a Time – Lufthansa Expected To Buy 44.9% Stake In TAP Air Portugal, Beating Out Air France-KLM ↗
Quick questions
What is this flights & airlines story about?
Portugal's government says Lufthansa Group will take 44.9% of TAP Air Portugal, ahead of Air France-KLM, while the state stays the majority owner.
How does this affect trips to Portugal?
TAP is Portugal's national airline, so a new large shareholder may shape its future network and partnerships. The notes do not say whether flights, fares, routes or loyalty programs will change. Travelers with TAP bookings do not need to act because of this news.
What should I do now?
Watch for official updates from TAP, Lufthansa Group and the Portuguese government on how the deal moves forward. Check with the airline for any change that affects a booking.
Which outlets reported this?
This brief is based on reporting from AeroTime, Live and Let's Fly, Upgraded Points and One Mile at a Time. Links to the original stories are listed on this page.
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How we made this brief: RoamSun brings together facts reported by the outlets listed above and writes a fresh, short explanation with the help of AI. Every brief is checked so it does not copy the publishers' wording. The original reporting belongs to those outlets – please read their full stories.
