by Azores Getaways Team
September 2026 • 7 min read
SATA Air Açores is the only airline operating scheduled inter-island flights in the Azores. It connects all nine inhabited islands and operates year-round, though schedules are thinner in winter and frequencies pick up significantly from April through October. If you are visiting more than one island, a flight is almost always faster than a ferry.
One practical point that surprises many visitors: flight times are short (typically 20 to 45 minutes island to island) but most inter-island routes do not operate daily. Schedule gaps, small aircraft, and summer demand mean booking well in advance is not optional — it is necessary.
The Airline: SATA Air Açores
SATA Air Açores (formerly known as SATA Internacional for long-haul routes, now operating as Azores Airlines on transatlantic routes) handles all scheduled inter-island flying in the archipelago. It is a regional carrier operated by the regional government of the Azores, which effectively makes it the only game available for island hopping by air.
The fleet consists primarily of ATR 72-600 turboprops, with a capacity of around 68 passengers. On some shorter or lower-demand routes, smaller aircraft operate. The flights are short in duration but this does not mean they are always smooth — turboprops at low altitude in Atlantic weather can be uncomfortable if you are sensitive to motion.
For booking, go directly to SATA's website (flysata.com) or use a travel agent with Azores experience. Third-party aggregators sometimes list SATA flights but direct booking typically gives you more flexibility for changes.
Routes by Island
The network covers all nine inhabited islands, with São Miguel and Terceira acting as the main hubs. Most connections between western and central/eastern group islands route through one of these two.
São Miguel (PDL): Direct flights to Santa Maria, Terceira, Pico, Faial, São Jorge, and Flores. The most connected island and the one with the most frequent departures on each route.
Terceira (TER): Direct flights to São Miguel, Pico, Faial, São Jorge, Flores, and Graciosa. The second hub of the network and the main connection point for Graciosa.
Faial (HOR): Direct flights to São Miguel, Terceira, Flores, and Corvo. Faial's airport serves as the western group hub and the gateway to Corvo.
Pico (PIX): Direct flights to São Miguel and Terceira. Pico's airport is small and the island sits close enough to Faial that many visitors combine the two by ferry for the short crossing rather than flying.
São Jorge (SJZ): Direct flights to São Miguel and Terceira. No direct connection to the western group from São Jorge.
Flores (FLW): Direct flights to São Miguel, Terceira, Faial, and Corvo. The westernmost island in the central-eastern network; its connection to Corvo is the only link Corvo has to larger islands.
Corvo (CVU): Direct flights to Flores and Faial only. Corvo is the smallest and most remote inhabited island. Flights operate on a limited schedule; getting there requires planning around those departure days.
Graciosa (GRW): Direct flights to Terceira only. Like Corvo, Graciosa has limited frequency and Terceira is the only hub connection.
Santa Maria (SMA): Direct flights to São Miguel only.
MULTI-ISLAND AZORES PACKAGES
Our most popular packages combine two or three islands with inter-island flights included. The local team handles flight coordination and logistics — you just show up.
See Island-Hopping Packages →Practical Booking Advice
Book early. This is the single most important piece of advice for anyone visiting multiple islands. SATA aircraft are small, popular routes (São Miguel to Terceira, Faial to Flores) fill up weeks in advance in summer, and there are often only one or two departures per day on a given route. If you are visiting between June and September, inter-island flights should be among the first things you book after accommodation.
Schedules change seasonally. Winter schedules reduce frequencies significantly on most routes. Some connections that run daily in summer may drop to three or four times per week in October and November. Always check the current schedule rather than assuming a frequency you saw in a travel blog from a previous year.
Weather cancellations happen. The Azores sits in the mid-Atlantic and its airports are small, some with approaches that are sensitive to wind and visibility. Cancellations and delays due to weather are more common here than on mainland European routes. Build in buffer time at either end of a connection, particularly if you have a transatlantic flight to catch from Ponta Delgada.
Check-in and luggage. One checked bag up to 23 kg is included on inter-island tickets. Carry-on allowances are restricted on smaller aircraft configurations. Confirm the specific allowance when booking, as it varies by fare class.
The aircraft is small. On ATR 72 aircraft, there is limited overhead storage. Arriving with oversized carry-on bags causes delays and sometimes requires gate-checking. If travelling with camera equipment or similar, factor this in.
CUSTOM ISLAND-HOPPING ITINERARY
Our Azorean advisors can put together a multi-island itinerary with flights sequenced around real-time availability — including combinations that do not have obvious direct connections.
Plan a Custom Trip →Flights vs Ferries
Inter-island ferries exist and cover some of the same routes, but the comparison is not straightforward. Ferries are slower (crossings range from 1.5 to 8 hours depending on route), run on seasonal schedules, and can be cancelled in rough seas. For most visitors with limited time, flights are the practical choice on most routes.
The main exception is the Faial to Pico crossing. The two islands sit about 6 km apart, and a passenger ferry covers this route in around 30 minutes for a fraction of the cost of a flight. Most visitors combining Faial and Pico use the ferry for this specific leg and fly between other islands.
Full guide to Azores inter-island ferries
Common Island-Hopping Combinations
Most visitors do not attempt to visit all nine islands on a single trip. The more practical approach is picking two or three islands and doing them properly.
São Miguel + Terceira: The two most visited islands and the most frequent inter-island route. A 35-minute flight. Terceira adds the historic city of Angra do Heroísmo (UNESCO) and a completely different landscape character to a São Miguel-anchored trip.
São Miguel + Faial + Pico: A three-island route that works well in 10 to 14 days. São Miguel first, fly to Faial, ferry to Pico, fly back to São Miguel from Pico or Faial for the return leg. This combination covers the three most distinct island types in the archipelago.
Terceira + São Jorge + Faial: For visitors who want the central group and its quieter, less-touristed character. All three connected through Terceira with reasonable frequency.
Flores + Corvo: Flores and Corvo together for those who specifically want the western group. Limited access, limited accommodation, but the most remote and least visited part of the archipelago. Requires planning well in advance.
FAQ
Which airline operates inter-island flights in the Azores?
SATA Air Açores is the only scheduled airline flying between the islands. It operates all inter-island routes and is owned by the regional government of the Azores. For transatlantic flights into Ponta Delgada or Terceira, the same group operates as Azores Airlines, but inter-island routes are exclusively SATA Air Açores.
How far in advance should I book inter-island flights?
As early as possible, particularly for summer travel (June to September). Popular routes like São Miguel to Terceira or Faial to Flores fill up weeks ahead. Waiting until arrival in the Azores to book onward flights is a risk not worth taking in peak season.
Can I bring a checked bag on inter-island flights?
Yes. One checked bag up to 23 kg is generally included. Carry-on allowances are more limited than on full-size commercial aircraft due to the smaller cabin. Confirm your specific allowance when booking, as it can vary by fare type.
What happens if my inter-island flight is cancelled?
SATA re-accommodates passengers on the next available flight when cancellations occur. Given the limited frequency on many routes, "next available" can mean a wait of one or more days on less busy routes. Travel insurance that covers missed connections and accommodation costs is worth having, particularly on the more remote island routes.
Is it better to fly or take the ferry between islands?
Depends on the route. For most island combinations, flying is faster and more reliable. The Faial to Pico crossing is the main exception: a 30-minute passenger ferry crosses for a fraction of the cost, and the two islands are close enough that flying between them makes no practical sense. For everything else, flights save significant time.
Do I need a passport or ID for inter-island flights within the Azores?
The Azores is Portuguese territory and an EU member state. Travel between islands is a domestic flight within Portugal. An EU national identity card or passport is standard; non-EU visitors should carry the same travel document they used to enter Portugal. No additional visa or documentation is required beyond what you needed to enter the country.
Are inter-island flights included in Azores Getaways packages?
Many of our multi-island packages include inter-island flights, which we book alongside accommodation and car rental as part of the full itinerary. Packages that include flights are noted in the package details. If you want a custom combination, the tailor-made trip option lets you specify which islands and dates.
