Mr Pereira said at a press conference that even the chairman of the Portuguese airport manager company ANA, Ponce Leão, had told the Jornal de Negócios newspaper of a “cartel” between the two companies.
Mr Pereira also stressed that the fact there were only two Airlines flying the Lisbon-Funchal route, while there were four flying between Lisbon and the Azores, even though there was much less demand to the Azores, was of concern.
“The regional government has to clearly explain to the people of Madeira why it cannot attract more carriers”, Carlos Pereira said, insisting on the possibility of price fixing between EasyJet and TAP.
The Socialist leader also noted, on the other hand, that the high airport taxes Madeira charges could also be a reason for other Airlines not wanting to fly there.