Roberta Aguirre
Lisbon's airport is officially called Humberto Delgado Airport (IATA: LIS, ICAO: LPPT), previously known as Portela Airport. It is located 7 kilometres northeast of Lisbon's historical city centre and is the country's most important airport. The airport is currently undergoing modernisation and expansion to address congestion issues, with a new airport, Lisbon Luís de Camões Airport, expected to open in 2034.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | Lisbon Airport, Humberto Delgado Airport |
| Airport Codes | IATA: LIS, ICAO: LPPT |
| Location | Lisbon, Portugal |
| Coordinates | 38°46′19″N 009°07′55″W |
| Elevation | 379 ft (115 m) |
| Operating Hours | 24 hours |
| Number of Runways | 2 |
| Runway Lengths | 3,792 m (12,441 ft) and 2,502 m (8,209 ft) |
| Passenger Traffic | 32.9 million (2022) |
| Area | 1,500 hectares (3,700 acres) |
| Owner | ANA Aeroportos de Portugal |
| Time Zone | UTC+00:00 (WET), UTC+01:00 (WEST) |
| Website | https://www.ana.pt/en-us/lisbon-airport |
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What You'll Learn
Lisbon Airport's official name
Lisbon Airport, informally known as Lisbon Airport or Lisbon Portela Airport, is officially named Humberto Delgado Airport (IATA: LIS, ICAO: LPPT). The airport, located 7 kilometres northeast of Lisbon's historical city centre, was previously called Portela Airport. It is one of the busiest airports in Europe, serving over 35 million passengers annually and is the main hub for Portugal's flag carrier, TAP Air Portugal.
The airport has undergone significant upgrades and expansions since 2007, including the construction of Terminal 2, new cargo facilities, and improvements to departure lounges and underground stations. However, due to capacity issues and frequent delays, there are plans to replace Humberto Delgado Airport with a new airport, Lisbon Luís de Camões Airport, in Alcochete, 40 kilometres from Lisbon. The new airport is expected to accommodate up to 100 million travellers annually and will feature improved transportation links and reduced environmental impact.
Humberto Delgado Airport has a rich history, dating back to its opening during World War II in 1942. It served as a neutral airport, open to both German and British airlines, and played a pivotal role in the classic film "Casablanca." Over the years, it has expanded rapidly, attracting major airlines and becoming a crucial hub for travel between Europe, South America, and Africa.
The airport is currently operated by ANA Aeroportos de Portugal, a concession granted to the French group Vinci Airports in 2012. Recent renovations include modernisation work centred on Terminal 1's expansion, with a new south pier, boarding bridges, and aircraft parking stands. These improvements aim to enhance the passenger experience and streamline operations.
While the new Lisbon Luís de Camões Airport is expected to open in 2034, Humberto Delgado Airport remains a vital gateway to Lisbon, contributing significantly to the city's tourism industry and economic growth.
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Its former name
Lisbon's airport is currently called Humberto Delgado Airport (IATA: LIS, ICAO: LPPT). It is informally referred to as Lisbon Airport and was previously known as Portela Airport. The airport is located 7 kilometres (4.3 miles) northeast of Lisbon's historical city centre in Portugal.
Humberto Delgado Airport is one of the most congested airports in Europe, with over 414,000 people living within a 5-kilometre radius, the highest number among major European airports. It is the main hub for Portugal's flag carrier, TAP Air Portugal, and serves as a major hub for flights to and from South America, notably Brazil, and Africa.
The former name, Portela Airport, reflects the airport's historical role as a crucial gateway to Lisbon and Portugal. The airport opened on 15 October 1942, during World War II, and played a significant role during that period. It operated in conjunction with the Cabo Ruivo Seaplane Base, facilitating transatlantic flights and transfers to continental flights. Due to Portugal's neutrality during the war, the airport was accessible to both German and British airlines and was heavily monitored by spies from both sides.
Portela Airport was a hub for people smuggling into, out of, and across Europe during World War II. It also served as a stopover for Allied flights en route to Gibraltar, North Africa, and Cairo. By the end of the war and into the post-war years, the airport experienced rapid development, attracting major airlines such as Air France, British European Airways, Iberia, KLM, Sabena, Pan Am, and Trans World Airlines.
In 2007, Lisbon Airport underwent significant structural improvements and expansions, including the construction of Terminal 2 and various refurbishments. Despite these enhancements, the airport continued to face capacity challenges, leading to plans for a new airport in Lisbon. The Portuguese government has recently announced the development of the Lisbon Luís de Camões Airport, scheduled to open in 2034, which will eventually replace Humberto Delgado Airport.
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The new Lisbon airport
Lisbon's Humberto Delgado Airport (IATA: LIS, ICAO: LPPT), informally Lisbon Airport and previously Portela Airport, is an international airport located 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) northeast of the historical city centre of Lisbon, Portugal. With more than 35 million passengers per year, it is the 12th-largest airport in Europe in terms of passenger volume and the busiest single-runway airport in mainland Europe. It is expected to be shut down after the new Lisbon Luís de Camões Airport, currently under construction in Alcochete, becomes fully operational in 2034.
The new Lisbon Luís de Camões Airport, named after the 16th-century Portuguese poet Luís de Camões, will be located 40 kilometres (25 miles) from Lisbon by road. It will be built on the current site of the Field Firing Range of Alcochete, which is occupied by a military training facility. The selection of this site was made by the new centre-right minority government led by Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, who stated that having a single airport would better suit the country's strategic interests.
The new airport will have an initial capacity of 90 to 95 flight movements per hour with two runways, which will boost Lisbon's passenger capacity. By 2050, an additional two runways could be operational, increasing the passenger capacity to 100 million annually. The airport will cost up to €9 billion ($9.74 billion), funded through EU funds, public-private partnerships, and airport tariffs.
In the meantime, renovations are being made to the existing Humberto Delgado Airport to increase its operational capacity from 38 flight movements per hour to 45. This includes the expansion of Terminal 1 with the construction of a new 33,000-square-metre south pier, which will offer direct access to aircraft. The upgrades are slated for completion by 2027 and aim to improve the passenger experience.
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Improvements and expansions
Lisbon's airport is called Humberto Delgado Airport (IATA: LIS, ICAO: LPPT), informally known as Lisbon Airport and previously called Portela Airport. It is an international airport located 7 kilometres (4.3 miles) northeast of Lisbon's historical city centre. It is the main hub of Portugal's flag carrier TAP Air Portugal and is also a hub for low-cost airlines such as Ryanair and easyJet.
Over the years, Lisbon Airport has undergone several improvements and expansions to accommodate growing passenger traffic and enhance operational efficiency. Notable improvements include:
Terminal Expansions:
- Terminal 2 Construction: Between 2007 and 2013, Lisbon Airport constructed Terminal 2 to cater to low-cost carriers. It has 22 check-in desks and 15 departure gates, with a free shuttle service connecting it to Terminal 1.
- Terminal 1 Expansion: Completed in 2011, this expansion added new boarding gates, a large shopping and restaurant area, new airbridges and parking positions, and a more efficient layout.
- Commercial Area Enhancement: In July 2013, Terminal 1's airside area was expanded with 20 new stores and spacious internal circulation spaces.
- Food Court Expansion: In July 2015, a larger food court was introduced, offering a wider variety of dining options.
- Terminal 1 Apron Expansion: In December 2024, construction began on expanding Terminal 1's apron, adding 10 new jet bridges and more aircraft parking space. This project aims to increase the airport's capacity to 50 million passengers annually by 2027.
Infrastructure Upgrades:
- Lighting and Baggage Claim Refurbishment: As part of the 2007-2013 improvements, the airport refurbished its lighting systems and baggage claim areas, enhancing passenger convenience and safety.
- Cargo, Fuel, and Pier Developments: During the same period, the airport constructed new cargo facilities, fuel storage areas, and a north pier and boarding lounge to support growing cargo operations.
- Electrical and Departure Lounge Refurbishments: Electrical systems were upgraded, and departure lounges were renovated to provide a more comfortable waiting experience for passengers.
- Underground Station and Terminal Improvements: A new underground Lisbon Metro station was inaugurated in July 2012, improving airport connectivity. Other terminal enhancements were also made to streamline passenger flows.
In addition to these improvements, the Portuguese government has also unveiled expansion plans for the airport, with a €1.1 billion investment aimed at boosting capacity. However, this expansion faces opposition due to concerns over pollution and noise impacts.
Furthermore, there are plans to replace Humberto Delgado Airport with the Lisbon Luís de Camões Airport in Alcochete, located 40 kilometres (25 miles) from Lisbon. The new airport is expected to become operational in 2034, featuring two runways initially and potentially expanding to four runways by 2050, with a capacity to accommodate 100 million travellers annually.
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How to get to the city centre
Lisbon's airport is officially called Humberto Delgado Airport (IATA: LIS, ICAO: LPPT), but it's also informally referred to as Lisbon Airport and was previously known as Portela Airport. It is located about 7 kilometres (4.3 miles) northeast of Lisbon's historical city centre.
By Bus
The Carris company operates five bus lines that connect the airport with central Lisbon. The fare is usually about $28.21 for a single ticket, and you can buy prepaid passes at the cab stand. The cheapest option is to purchase the 7 Colinas Card, which is valid for both the bus and the subway. You can buy this card at the airport's newspaper store on the second floor and recharge it with the amount for a single trip or a full-day pass.
Terravision buses also provide daily transfers between the airport and the city centre from 8 am to 9 pm. A one-way ticket costs $20.31.
By Subway
The airport is directly connected to Lisbon's metro network. You can use the 7 Colinas Card to access the subway.
By Car
If you prefer a private transfer, you can book a driver to pick you up at the airport and take you to your hotel. This option provides added comfort and convenience, especially if you're travelling with a lot of luggage.
Future Airport Plans
It's worth noting that Lisbon's airport is one of the most congested in Europe, and there are plans to replace it with the Lisbon Luís de Camões Airport in the future. The new airport is expected to be operational by 2034 and will be located in Alcochete, about 25 miles (40 kilometres) from Lisbon.
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Frequently asked questions
Lisbon's airport is called Humberto Delgado Airport (IATA: LIS, ICAO: LPPT). It was previously known as Portela Airport.
The airport is located 7 kilometres (4.3 miles) northeast of Lisbon's historical city centre.
The new Lisbon Luís de Camões Airport is expected to be operational by 2034, after which the current Humberto Delgado Airport will be shut down.
There are several ways to get to the city centre from the airport, including bus services and a transfer service to your hotel.
