Author: Lisbeth Juliao

Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, commonly referred to as Porto Airport, stands as a vital international gateway near Porto, Portugal. Located just 11 kilometers northwest of Porto’s iconic Clérigos Tower, the airport spans across the municipalities of Maia, Matosinhos, and Vila do Conde. It is the second-busiest airport in Portugal based on aircraft operations and passenger traffic, following Lisbon Airport and preceding Faro Airport. Porto Airport serves as a significant base for airlines like easyJet, Ryanair, TAP Air Portugal, and its subsidiary, TAP Express.

This airport has a rich history, having opened in 1945 under the name Pedras Rubras Airport, named after the locality where it is situated. In 1990, it was renamed Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, in honor of the former Portuguese prime minister who tragically lost his life in a plane crash while traveling to this very airport in 1980. Over the years, Porto Airport has undergone notable developments, including the construction of a new terminal building between 2003 and 2006, designed by the Portuguese firm ICQ. This state-of-the-art facility became operational in late 2006, significantly enhancing the airport’s capacity.

Porto Airport achieved a major milestone on December 6, 2017, when it welcomed ten million passengers in a year for the first time. This accomplishment underscores its increasing significance as a key entry point for travelers to Portugal and its beautiful northern regions. With ongoing improvements and its status as a base for several major airlines, Porto Airport continues to play a vital role in the country’s air travel infrastructure, offering passengers a gateway to the charms of Porto and its surroundings.

Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport, informally known as Lisbon International Airport, stands as the main international gateway to Portugal, serving as a crucial European hub to various destinations worldwide. This airport has a long history dating back to its opening during World War II when it operated alongside the Cabo Ruivo Seaplane Base. In the post-war era, the airport developed rapidly and began serving major airlines, marking the start of its evolution into a significant aviation hub.

As of 2022, Lisbon International Airport ranks as the 14th largest airport in Europe in terms of passenger volume and plays a crucial role in connecting Portugal to global destinations. Despite its importance, it has been notorious for low customer satisfaction, consistently ranking at the bottom in various surveys. The airport’s unique position, surrounded by urban development, has led to debates about relocating it to a less congested area. However, the latest expansion plans, focused on enhancing the existing infrastructure, reflect the government’s commitment to modernizing Lisbon Airport to meet growing passenger traffic. These efforts include the construction of Terminal 2, improvements to Terminal 1, an expanded shopping and restaurant area, new airbridges, and upgraded cargo facilities. With the long-term concession to the French group Vinci Airports, the focus is on transforming Lisbon International Airport into a state-of-the-art facility capable of serving over 22 million passengers annually. Furthermore, Portugal’s government has unveiled plans to adapt a military airfield in Montijo, establishing a second airport, and boosting the country’s overall air travel capacity. These developments promise an exciting future for Lisbon Airport, offering travelers a modern and efficient experience.

Faro International Airport, officially known as Faro – Gago Coutinho International Airport, is a significant aviation hub situated just four kilometers west of the charming city of Faro in Portugal. This airport, inaugurated in July 1965, plays a pivotal role as the main gateway to the Faro District, a renowned year-round resort region in the Algarve. In 2019, the airport saw nine million passengers passing through its terminals, highlighting its importance for travelers both within Portugal and southwestern Spain. In 2022, it was officially named after Gago Coutinho, a notable Portuguese geographer, cartographer, naval officer, historian, and aviation pioneer.

Faro International Airport has a rich history, with its development dating back to the 1960s. Ownership of the airport transitioned from the Portuguese Government to Vinci Group in the 2010s, with ANA Aeroportos de Portugal operating it. The airport has undergone substantial expansions and improvements over the years, including the construction of a new passenger terminal in 1989 and subsequent enlargement in 2001. From 2009 to 2013, Faro Airport witnessed comprehensive enhancements to its infrastructure, runways, and commercial areas to meet growing demands. A notable expansion program was initiated in 2010, ultimately increasing the airport’s capacity to handle eight million passengers annually, with additional stands, taxiways, and updated security measures. In 2019, Faro Airport was equipped to serve nine million passengers each year, featuring numerous check-in desks, boarding gates, and remote stands. In addition to this, the airport demonstrated its commitment to sustainability by unveiling a 3MWp solar power plant, contributing to a significant reduction in CO2 emissions.

One of the most recent and symbolic developments for Faro International Airport was the official renaming of the airport in June 2022 to honor Gago Coutinho, an esteemed navigator and admiral in Portuguese history. This renaming paid tribute to his groundbreaking achievement in 1922, when he, along with aviator Sacadura Cabral, completed the first aerial crossing of the South Atlantic in the seaplane Lusitânia. The airport’s name change was accompanied by the launch of a 3MWp solar power plant, marking a significant milestone in the airport’s commitment to environmental sustainability. This plant will provide up to 30% of the airport’s electricity needs and reduce CO2 emissions by more than 1,500 tonnes annually, underlining Faro Airport’s dedication to a greener future.

Madeira Airport, also known as Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport, is a unique and internationally renowned airport situated in the picturesque island of Madeira, an autonomous region of Portugal. Located just 13.2 kilometers east-northeast of Funchal, the regional capital, the airport is known for its captivating runway construction. The airport primarily serves European destinations and plays a crucial role in facilitating the movement of cargo to and from Madeira, making it the fourth-busiest airport in Portugal. The airport’s name, officially changed in 2017, pays homage to the legendary footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, a Madeiran native.

One of the airport’s most defining characteristics is its distinctive and somewhat perilous location, making it one of the most unique airports in the world. Nestled on a foreland that extends into the sea, the airport’s runway is subject to hills and cliffs at the end of runway 05, requiring pilots to perform a visual approach that involves circling the airport in a 180-degree turn before making a short final approach. The airport’s runway, known as 05/23, is a tabletop runway, featuring steep drop-offs at either end, making a direct instrument landing approach unavailable. Instead, it utilizes a platform supported by pillars at the beginning of runway 23, similar to a beam bridge, which adds to its distinctiveness.

Madeira Airport’s history traces back to its official opening in 1964, with a single 1,600-meter runway. Over the years, the airport underwent significant expansions to accommodate larger aircraft and increased passenger numbers. The runway was extended to 1,800 meters in 1986 and then further to 2,781 meters in 2002, making it more accessible for modern planes. The airport has received accolades for its remarkable runway construction, even earning the Outstanding Structure Award in 2004 from the International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering.

In 2016, the airport was renamed Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport in honor of the iconic football player. However, the name change and the original bust of Ronaldo unveiled during the renaming ceremony stirred both international attention and local controversy. Despite the mixed opinions, Madeira Airport remains a renowned and remarkable aviation hub due to its challenging location and awe-inspiring runway construction.

Ponta Delgada Airport – João Paulo II Airport, located on the beautiful island of São Miguel in the Azores, is a prominent international airport that stands as a gateway to the Azores archipelago. Named after Pope John Paul II, this airport is a pivotal hub in the Azores, situated just 2 kilometers west of Ponta Delgada’s city center. It ranks as the busiest airport in the Azores and is the fifth-largest facility managed by ANA Aeroportos de Portugal. The airport’s terminal, which was completed in 1995, is a critical travel hub connecting the Azores’ various islands and providing essential connections to mainland Portugal, including Lisbon, Porto, and Faro, as well as international routes to Europe and North America.

The airport’s history dates back to its inauguration on 24 August 1969 by then-President Admiral Américo Tomás. Six years earlier, in 1963, plans for its construction had been set in motion. Originally situated in Santana, it sported a 1,800-meter runway and was referred to as Aeroporto da Nordela. Initially serving inter-island connections and the mainland with a single Boeing 737 from TAP, it later expanded to include regular flights to Lisbon two years after opening. In May 1995, the airport received its name, João Paulo II, in honor of the Pope’s visit to the Azores in 1991. As a significant part of the Azores’ history, economic development, and social growth, Ponta Delgada Airport has played a vital role in serving both passengers and cargo transport, boasting the highest air traffic volume in the autonomous region of the Azores.

Like other major airports in Portugal, such as Lisbon, Porto, Faro, and others, Ponta Delgada Airport saw its concessions for support of civil aviation transferred to ANA Aeroportos de Portugal in December 1998, as per the provisions of decree 404/98. This concession expanded ANA’s responsibilities to include the planning, development, and construction of future airport infrastructure, further enhancing its role in the Azores’ development and connectivity.

Lisbon Cascais Regional Airport, also known as Cascais Municipal Aerodrome, is a regional airport situated in close proximity to the village of Tires, within the civil parish of São Domingos de Rana, part of the Cascais municipality in Portugal. It’s located approximately 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) to the northeast of the Greater Lisbon subregion’s town bearing the same name. The Tires Airfield hosts around two dozen companies with over 500 employees, including some of Portugal’s aviation schools.

The airport has a unique history that dates back to October 11, 1964, when it was inaugurated by the then-President of the Portuguese Republic, Américo Tomás. The establishment of the Tires Aerodrome was the result of collaborative efforts by the Secretary of State for Aeronautics, the Directorate-General for Civil Aeronautics, and the Count of Monte Real. While the original plan was to locate the aerodrome in the area near Areia-Guincho, it was eventually established in Tires, thanks to the planning and earthmoving performed by the military aeronautics division. The development of the facility continued until 1973, reflecting its significance in the region.

Today, Lisbon Cascais Regional Airport plays a crucial role in the aviation sector of Portugal, with several aviation schools and numerous companies operating within its premises. This regional airport not only serves as a transportation hub but also contributes significantly to the country’s aviation industry.