TAP Privatization: Portugal asks bidders for more
September 17, 2026
AirFrance/KLM and Lufthansa offered similar bids, but the government wants bigger offers
AirFrance/KLM and Lufthansa offered similar bids, but the government wants bigger offers
Within the month, Portugal is to announce which bidder will be able to buy into TAP
The finalists in bidding to buy Portugal’s airline must now submit binding bids
TAP’s sale of its catering subsidiary marks a new stage in the consolidation of the airline food industry
Two airline groups have placed non-binding proposals, while a third bidder dropped out
TAP’s catering and ground service businesses must go as part of Portugal’s deal with EU regulators
With three bidders qualified to make actual offers, it’s not clear that all three are equally interested
First-round documents are in for airlines bidding to take over TAP; the next step is due December 12
Potential bidders have 60 days to say if they’re in and then months to submit a bid
Elections over, Portugal’s new government returns to the task of selling off the airline