Ponta Delgada, Portugal, Oct. 21, 2025 (Lusa) - The Independent Union of Police Officers (SIAP) accused TAP and Azores Airlines on Tuesday of violating Schengen rules on national flights, forcing authorities to conduct checks on all passengers.

In a statement, the union denounced the fact that the two airlines "are operating mixed flights, carrying both Schengen and non-Schengen passengers on national routes between Porto, Ponta Delgada, Funchal and Lajes" on the island of Terceira.

"The airlines' practice aims to increase the “slots” [take-off and landing authorisations] of Schengen flights through non-Schengen “slots”, circumventing (...) the European legislation in force," they argue.

The actions of the airlines are causing the Public Security Police to carry out "systematic checks on all passengers, including Portuguese and European citizens, on internal flights within national territory", which constitutes a "direct violation" of Schengen rules.

"This has meant that the officers at the Portuguese borders have had to agree to this illegality, as well as (...) dealing directly with the revolt of passengers, prompting several complaints to this union," they emphasise.

SIAP calls on TAP and Azores Airlines to put an "end to this practice" to ensure "full compliance with Schengen rules and respect for European passenger rights".

"As Portugal has not notified the European Commission of any temporary re-establishment of internal border controls, it is in breach of Schengen rules and respect for the free movement of citizens of the EU [European Union] and associated countries, thus operating illegally," they warn.

The Schengen area is a free movement zone in Europe that allows travel between 29 countries without passport controls at internal borders.

RPYP/ADB // ADB.

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