Porto Airport
Porto Airport is Portugal’s second busiest after Lisbon, handling 15.9 million passengers in 2024, representing growth of nearly 22% since 2019. It added a significant 41 new routes to its network over the past five years, the most of any airport in the country.
Porto has a balance of full-service and low-cost airlines, serving as a base for both Ryanair and easyJet. The two, which are Porto’s largest airlines, have a combined share of scheduled seat capacity exceeding 53%. Other major LCCs serving the airport include Eurowings, Transavia, Vueling and Wizz Air.
The presence of full-service carriers at Porto Airport has grown over 30% over the past five years, with the most recent new arrivals including Air Serbia, Austrian Airlines, El Al and SAS. Flag carrier TAP Air Portugal remains the largest among them, followed by Lufthansa.
In addition to strong connectivity to other parts of Europe, the airport also boasts long-haul services, which will be significantly expanded in 2025. This will include the arrival of Air Canada from Montreal, Azul from Campinas and Recife and Ethiopian Airlines from Addis Ababa. Furthermore, TAP Air Portugal adds Boston to its Porto long-haul network, joining Luanda, New York EWR, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo GRU.
There is significant potential to enhance connectivity with North American cities and to expand routes to emerging markets in Africa and Asia. Additionally, the airport’s capacity to accommodate more flights could be leveraged to increase LCC operations, further boosting tourist and business travel to the region.
The Porto area has the biggest flow of emigration, which makes VFR tourism an important factor for Porto Airport. As the Spanish region of Galicia is nearby, just 120 kilometres by car, 10% of passengers travelling through Porto Airport are estimated to be of Galician origin.
Tourism Board Info
Tourism in Porto, Portugal: A Growing Destination for Airline Route Developers
Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city, is rapidly becoming one of Europe’s most sought-after tourist destinations, presenting significant opportunities for airline route developers. Located along the scenic Douro River in the country’s northern region, Porto combines rich history, vibrant culture, and world-class cuisine, attracting millions of international visitors each year.
The city is renowned for its UNESCO-listed historical center, including the iconic Ribeira district, and the striking Livraria Lello, one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores. Visitors also flock to Porto’s famous wine cellars, where they can indulge in tastings of the world-famous Port wine. The region’s scenic vineyards along the Douro Valley make it an ideal location for wine tourism, which has seen substantial growth.
Additionally, Porto offers diverse experiences such as the picturesque coastline with beautiful beaches, a thriving arts scene, and innovative gastronomy. The city’s modern amenities, paired with its charm and affordability compared to other European cities, make it an attractive destination for travelers of all ages.
Porto’s international accessibility has been improving in recent years, with Porto’s Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) serving as a major gateway for tourists. The airport’s expansion and enhanced connectivity have contributed to a rise in visitor numbers, particularly from international markets. Furthermore, the city’s thriving tourism infrastructure, which includes a range of accommodations from luxury hotels to boutique options, ensures a welcoming environment for tourists.
For airline route developers, Porto presents a compelling case for expanding flight options. With strong demand from European and transatlantic markets, adding routes to Porto is a strategic move to tap into this burgeoning tourism hotspot. Expanding access to this captivating city will support the growing demand and strengthen Porto’s position as a key European tourism destination.
