Madeira's Lobo Marinho Service Suspended: Secretary Urges Increased Air Connectivity
Madeira GuideThe Secretary of Economy for Madeira has requested an increase in air travel connections between Porto Santo and Madeira. This request follows the temporary suspension of the Lobo Marinho ferry service for five weeks due to maintenance.
The Secretary of Economy for Madeira, José Manuel Rodrigues, has formally requested the Porto Santo Line to increase the frequency of flights between Porto Santo and Madeira. This comes as a response to the temporary suspension of the Lobo Marinho ferry service, which is undergoing maintenance and certification over a five-week period.
The request has been made to ensure that the transportation needs of both residents and tourists are met during this period. With the ferry service halted, the demand for flights has surged, leading to several days where flights are fully booked.
Notably, flights on Tuesdays are currently reserved exclusively for the Regional Health Service (SESARAM), although the SESARAM can request flights on other days if necessary. This prioritization reflects the critical importance of ensuring that healthcare services are not disrupted.
The Secretary highlighted the difficulties faced by residents, especially on specific days like Fridays and Sundays, when travel demand peaks. Issues of 'no-show' passengers and subsequent schedule changes have exacerbated the situation, necessitating a reevaluation of booking practices and perhaps a more flexible allocation of flight resources.
Additionally, it is observed that there is a higher demand for flights from Funchal to Porto Santo than in the reverse direction. This unusual trend is being analyzed to better understand its implications and to adjust the transportation strategy accordingly.
Rodrigues has communicated the urgency of addressing these issues to the maritime concessionaire, stressing the importance of reallocating non-resident travel bookings and freeing up flights originally reserved for health services.
This situation underscores the vital role that efficient transportation links play in the economic and social welfare of Madeira's residents and highlights the need for robust contingency planning in times of service disruption.
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Madeira Guide
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