Inter-island sea traffic declines in the Azorean summer

Azorean ports recorded 86,648 passenger arrivals on inter-island sea journeys in July, 3,878 fewer than in the same month of 2025. The change represents a 4.5% decrease, according to figures released by the Regional Statistics Service of the Azores.

Across the first seven months of 2026, arrivals totalled 294,249. That is 14,897 passengers below the comparable period, amounting to a cumulative decline of 4.8%.

Pico retained the highest July volume, with 37,159 arrivals, despite a 3.7% fall. Faial recorded 32,802 passengers, down 2.4%, while São Jorge registered 10,228, a decrease of 10.1%. Terceira received 1,015 arrivals and Graciosa 548, both below their 2025 figures.

Flores was the only island to post monthly growth, with 544 arrivals, up 8.2% year on year. Corvo recorded 474 passengers, a small decline. The Atlânticoline routes are particularly important for year-round mobility between Pico, Faial and São Jorge; during summer, service also reaches Terceira and Graciosa, making these figures relevant to residents, visitors and businesses that rely on travel between islands.