If you've been dreaming of a career in aviation, August was the month to pay attention to FlyIAA Portugal. Our nationwide Open Day tour brought pilot training information directly to communities across mainland Portugal and the islands — and it's only the beginning of what's planned for the rest of 2026, including a brand-new training base and an online Open Day designed to make pilot training even more accessible.
FlyIAA Portugal Open Days: A Summer of Success
Throughout July and August, the FlyIAA Portugal team hit the road (and skies) to meet aspiring pilots where they are. Our Open Day tour made stops in five key locations: Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Ponta Delgada in the Azores, and Funchal in Madeira.
By bringing our Open Days to both the mainland and the islands, we made sure that location was never a barrier to exploring a career in aviation.
The response exceeded expectations, with more than 200 attendees joining us across all five cities. At each stop, participants had the chance to learn the details of FlyIAA's pilot training programs, ask questions directly to our team and instructors, understand what it really takes to start a career as a commercial pilot, and take their first concrete step toward life in the cockpit.
The turnout confirms what we've long believed: interest in aviation careers in Portugal is strong, and aspiring pilots are actively looking for a trusted, well-structured pathway into the industry.
What's Next: FlyIAA Portugal Goes Online
Building on the momentum from our in-person Open Days, we're excited to announce our next Open Day will be held online — a first for FlyIAA Portugal.
- Date: September 9, 2026
- Time: 10:00 AM
- Location: Online — accessible from anywhere in Portugal
This shift online means aspiring pilots no longer need to travel to attend. Whether you live in a small town far from our usual event cities or simply can't make it to an in-person session, you'll now be able to discover the full FlyIAA Pilot Training Program, meet the FlyIAA team virtually, learn what the training journey looks like from day one to graduation, and get your questions answered live, from the comfort of your own home.
Our mission has always been to make aviation careers more accessible, and this online format is a direct response to that goal — removing geography as an obstacle for anyone serious about becoming a pilot.
A New Training Base in Oeiras, Portugal
Alongside the expanded Open Day format, FlyIAA Portugal is also growing its physical footprint. We're proud to announce a new training base in Oeiras, Portugal, purpose-built to support the next generation of students entering our programme.
How the Programme Is Structured
The new base will support FlyIAA's Integrated ATPL training pathway, leading to an EASA Certificate — the internationally recognised qualification that opens the door to careers with commercial airlines across Europe and beyond.
The training structure is designed for flexibility and real-world flying experience:
- Ground School: Delivered fully online, giving students the flexibility to study around their own schedules and locations.
- Flight Training: Conducted at our facilities in Ponte de Sor, where students get hands-on time in the air.
This hybrid model — online theoretical training combined with dedicated in-person flight instruction — reflects a broader shift in how aviation academies are training pilots in 2026, balancing accessibility with the rigorous hands-on hours required to earn an EASA licence.
When Does It Start?
The new Integrated ATPL programme based in Oeiras is scheduled to begin in November 2026, giving prospective students a clear, near-term opportunity to start their journey toward becoming a professional pilot.
Between the success of the summer Open Day tour, the launch of an online Open Day, and the opening of a new training base in Oeiras with a November start date, FlyIAA Portugal is entering the second half of 2026 with real momentum.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you missed our in-person Open Days this summer, there's still a chance to get all your questions answered. Join us for the online Open Day on September 9 at 10:00 AM and learn how the Integrated ATPL programme at our new Oeiras base — with training starting in November — could be the beginning of your career as a professional pilot.
FlyIAA Portugal — making the path to becoming a pilot more accessible, one Open Day at a time.
