“It is important to introduce incentive measures to encourage operators in the [aviation] sector to explore more international direct routes, giving priority to expanding the network of direct flights with Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking countries,” Song Pek Kei said during an address at the Legislative Assembly.
Macau’s Civil Aviation Activity Law came into force this year, opening the door to the liberalisation of the sector. Song Pek Kei said that, with the legislation now in effect, the Government “should accelerate” the adjustment of the service structure and “make good use” of resources to develop more routes with stopovers and connections.
“Drawing on the experience of other regions, it is necessary to launch incentive measures to stimulate operators to explore more international direct routes,” she added.
Song Pek Kei is not the first lawmaker to propose new air routes linking the Chinese region to Europe. In December, Ip Sio Kai also supported establishing a direct air connection with Lisbon to promote business between Portuguese-speaking countries and Europe.
Ip suggested the Government grant subsidies to open the long-haul service and launch promotions on accommodation, transport and cultural activities to attract tourists to Macau.
Responding to Ip Sio Kai, Civil Aviation Authority president Pun Wa Kin said the Government “attaches great importance” to aviation development, “particularly its role in promoting economic diversification”.
“However, in commercial operations, airlines often consider market demand, operating costs, long-term benefits and route competitiveness before deciding to launch new flights,” Pun Wa Kin stated.
When Ip suggested the Government could subsidise the route, Pun replied that such support “involves different sectoral policies” and that the Macau SAR Government needs to assess the matter comprehensively.
In July 2025, Macau’s Portuguese lawmaker José Pereira Coutinho had also called for the launch of “direct air routes to Europe, namely to Portugal.”
