list of airports in Portugal

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Portugal, a land of stunning coastlines, vibrant cities, and rich history, welcomes millions of visitors each year. Whether you’re planning a sun-soaked Algarve getaway, a cultural exploration of Lisbon and Porto, or an adventure to the Azores and Madeira, understanding Portugal’s airport network is crucial for a smooth trip. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of all the airports in Portugal, helping you navigate your arrival and departure with ease.

Mainland Portugal Airports

The majority of international travel to Portugal arrives through airports located on the mainland. These hubs offer a wide range of connections to destinations across Europe and beyond.

Lisbon Airport (LIS) – Humberto Delgado Airport

Lisbon Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Portugal, serving as a primary gateway for international flights. Located conveniently close to the city center, it offers excellent transport links including the metro, buses, and taxis. Expect a bustling atmosphere and a comprehensive selection of shops, restaurants, and services.

Porto Airport (OPO) – Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport

Porto Airport is the second busiest in Portugal, serving the northern region and offering a growing number of international routes. It’s well-connected to Porto city center via metro and bus services. The airport has undergone significant expansion in recent years, improving passenger experience.

Faro Airport (FAO) – Algarve Airport

Faro Airport is the main entry point for the popular Algarve region, known for its beaches, golf courses, and resorts. It’s a smaller airport than Lisbon or Porto, but still handles a substantial volume of seasonal tourist traffic. Car rental facilities are readily available, and bus services connect to major Algarve destinations.

Other Mainland Airports

Beyond the "big three," several smaller airports cater to domestic and regional flights, as well as some international low-cost carriers. These include:

  • Beja Airport (BYJ): Primarily used for military and training purposes, but also welcomes some civilian traffic.

  • Cascais Airport (CTS): A small airport mainly serving general aviation and private flights.

  • Lisbon-Montijo Airport (LIS): Currently undergoing expansion to alleviate pressure on Lisbon Airport, with limited commercial operations.

  • Ponta Delgada Airport (PDL): While geographically in the Azores, it’s often considered alongside mainland routes due to its frequency. (Also listed in the Azores section below)

Airports in the Azores

The Azores, a volcanic archipelago in the mid-Atlantic, are a unique destination offering stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. Each of the nine islands has an airport, though some are smaller and serve only inter-island flights.

  • Ponta Delgada Airport (PDL) – João Paulo II Airport (São Miguel Island): The largest airport in the Azores, with international connections to mainland Portugal, Europe, and North America.

  • Horta Airport (HOR) – Horta Airport (Faial Island): Serves as a key stopover for transatlantic flights and offers connections to other Azorean islands.

  • Terceira Airport (TER) – Lajes Airport (Terceira Island): Historically a US airbase, it now handles both civilian and military traffic, including some international routes.

  • Pico Airport (PIX) – Pico Airport (Pico Island): Primarily serves inter-island flights.

  • São Jorge Airport (SJZ) – São Jorge Airport (São Jorge Island): Serves inter-island flights.

  • Flores Airport (FLW) – Flores Airport (Flores Island): Serves inter-island flights.

  • Corvo Airport (CVU) – Corvo Airport (Corvo Island): The smallest commercial airport in the Azores, serving only inter-island flights.

  • Graciosa Airport (GRW) – Graciosa Airport (Graciosa Island): Serves inter-island flights.

  • Santa Cruz das Flores Airport (SCZ) – Santa Cruz das Flores Airport (Flores Island): Serves inter-island flights.

Airports in Madeira

Madeira, another Portuguese archipelago, is renowned for its lush landscapes, levada walks, and Madeira wine.

  • Madeira Airport (FNC) – Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport: The main airport serving Madeira, with direct flights from many European cities and connections via mainland Portugal. It’s famous for its runway extension built on pillars over the sea.

  • Porto Santo Airport (PXO) – Porto Santo Airport: Serves the island of Porto Santo, offering connections to Madeira and mainland Portugal.

Complete List of Portuguese Airports

Here’s a table summarizing all the airports in Portugal:

Airport Code Airport Name Location Region Primary Use
LIS Humberto Delgado Airport Lisbon Lisbon International & Domestic
OPO Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport Porto Porto International & Domestic
FAO Algarve Airport Faro Algarve International & Domestic
PDL João Paulo II Airport Ponta Delgada Azores International & Domestic
TER Lajes Airport Terceira Azores International & Domestic
FNC Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport Funchal Madeira International & Domestic
PXO Porto Santo Airport Porto Santo Madeira Domestic & Regional
BYJ Beja Airport Beja Alentejo Military/Civilian
CTS Cascais Airport Cascais Lisbon General Aviation
LIS Lisbon-Montijo Airport Montijo Lisbon Limited Commercial
HOR Horta Airport Horta Azores Inter-Island/International
PIX Pico Airport Pico Azores Inter-Island
SJZ São Jorge Airport São Jorge Azores Inter-Island
FLW Flores Airport Santa Cruz das Flores Azores Inter-Island
CVU Corvo Airport Corvo Azores Inter-Island
GRW Graciosa Airport Graciosa Azores Inter-Island
SCZ Santa Cruz das Flores Airport Santa Cruz das Flores Azores Inter-Island

Navigating Portuguese Airports: Tips for Travelers

  • Arrival Procedures: Be prepared to show your passport and boarding pass. If arriving from a non-Schengen country, you’ll go through immigration control.

  • Baggage Claim: Follow the signs to baggage claim. Delays can occur, especially during peak season.

  • Transportation: All major airports offer various transportation options, including taxis, buses, and metro (Lisbon & Porto). Consider pre-booking airport transfers for convenience.

  • Currency Exchange: Currency exchange facilities are available, but often offer less favorable rates than ATMs.

  • Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is generally available at Portuguese airports.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Which is the largest airport in Portugal?
A: Lisbon Airport (LIS) is the largest and busiest airport in Portugal.

Q: How do I get from Faro Airport to Albufeira?
A: You can take a bus (Line 16), a taxi, or pre-booked airport transfer. The bus is the most affordable option.

Q: Is it easy to get connecting flights from Porto Airport?
A: Yes, Porto Airport offers a growing number of connections, particularly within Europe.

Q: Do I need to go through customs if I’m connecting within the Schengen area?
A: No, you generally do not need to go through customs if you are connecting within the Schengen area.

Q: Are there many car rental companies at Lisbon Airport?
A: Yes, Lisbon Airport has a wide range of international and local car rental companies.

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