Portugalia

Portugalia Airlines (PGA), as part of the TAP Air Portugal Group, maintains a robust safety profile.

The airline has a strong safety record, notably without any fatal incidents for almost five decades. While several operational incidents have been reported for Portugalia Airlines (PGA) and TAP Air Portugal (Portugalia Express), such as unsafe gear indications, rejected takeoffs, electrical problems, nose gear steering issues, and a near collision, these are typically minor occurrences that did not result in major accidents or fatalities. An incident in 2018 involving an ATR 72 operated for TAP Portugal by White Airways prompted investigations that suggested a possible link to pilot training and staffing levels.

Portugalia Airlines is IOSA Certified (IATA Operational Safety Audit), indicating adherence to recognized international operational safety standards. Furthermore, as a subsidiary of TAP Air Portugal, it benefits from the parent company's broader safety compliance, which includes a Category 1 rating from the US FAA International Aviation Safety Assessment program and passing all major airline audits.

As of 2025, Portugalia's fleet of Embraer E-Jets has an average age of 14.7 years. However, at the time of its rebranding to TAP Express in 2016, a significant fleet renewal saw the introduction of new Embraer 190s and ATR 72s, which drastically reduced the average fleet age to only two years for the newly branded regional fleet. TAP Air Portugal is known for performing most of its in-service fleet maintenance in-house and investing in its maintenance capabilities, contributing to a solid maintenance reputation.

Based on available data, Portugalia Airlines (TAP Express) has an excellent overall safety assessment. Its parent company, TAP Air Portugal, consistently ranks among the world's safest airlines, achieving a perfect seven-star safety rating on AirlineRatings.com. TAP Air Portugal was ranked 6th safest in 2023/2024 and continues to be listed among the top 25 safest airlines globally for 2025, adhering to high European safety benchmarks.

In terms of recognitions, Portugalia received the title of "Best Regional Airline in Europe" for five consecutive years (2001-2005) and the Skytrax Award for "Best Cabin Staff in Europe" in 2005 and 2006, and for "Best Cabin Staff in Southern Europe" in 2007. These awards, while not solely safety-focused, reflect a strong operational standard and service quality that often correlates with robust safety cultures.