Porto Airport (OPO/LPPR) – Francisco Sá Carneiro International: Northern Portugal’s Premier Gateway
Porto Airport, officially named Francisco Sá Carneiro International Airport, stands as the primary and most vital international gateway to Northern Portugal. Renowned for its cutting-edge facilities, exceptional passenger service, and operational efficiency, OPO is consistently rated among the best airports in Europe. It serves as a crucial base for major low-cost carriers and a key connection point, significantly fueling the economic prosperity and tourism of the vibrant Porto region.
General Airport Information & Key Facts
| Feature | Detail |
| Official Name | Francisco Sá Carneiro International Airport |
| IATA/ICAO Codes | OPO / LPPR |
| Location | Situated in Maia, just 11 km (7 miles) northwest of the Porto city center (41° 14′ 36” N, 8° 40′ 46” W). |
| Status & Ranking | Portugal’s second-busiest international airport. |
| Passenger Volume | Served a record 16 million passengers in 2024, highlighting its rapid growth. |
| Key Hub | A major operating base for low-cost giant Ryanair. |
| Recent Awards | Named the best European airport by passengers in 2024 and rated Europe’s second-best by Holidu in 2025. |
2025 Route Expansion & Airline Updates: Connecting Porto to the World
Porto Airport continues to expand its global footprint, with the Summer 2025 schedule featuring over 100 destinations across 30 countries. This expansion caters to both business and leisure travellers.
- New Strategic Destinations for 2025: Six significant new routes have been introduced, including crucial intercontinental and holiday links:
- Americas: São Paulo/Viracopos and Recife (Brazil), Boston (USA).
- Africa & Europe: Sal (Cape Verde), Split (Croatia), Rodez (France), and Addis Ababa (Ethiopia).
- Welcoming New Carriers: OPO has strengthened its network by adding three new major airlines in 2025: Air Canada, Azul, and Ethiopian Airlines.
- Key Airlines Operating: Major carriers include Ryanair, TAP Air Portugal, easyJet, Lufthansa, and Turkish Airlines.
- Long-Haul Connections: The longest direct route is to Rio de Janeiro (approximately 10 hours), expertly operated by TAP Air Portugal.
- Middle East Gateway: Turkish Airlines offers 2 daily flights to Istanbul, facilitating connections to Asia and beyond.
- Increased Frequencies: Ryanair has significantly boosted its flight frequencies to key European cities like Barcelona in 2025.
Terminals, Premium Services, and Amenities
The airport is designed for passenger comfort and efficiency, operating a single, integrated, and modern passenger terminal.
- Connectivity: Passengers benefit from complimentary Wi-Fi access available throughout the entire terminal building.
- Shopping & Dining: A wide selection of retail options is available, including extensive duty-free shopping areas. Dining choices cater to all tastes, featuring popular spots like Delta Q and healthy options at Go Natural.
- Airport Lounges: The dedicated ANA Lounge offers a quiet and comfortable retreat for passengers, accessible for a standard fee (€35).
- Accessibility: The terminal ensures full accessibility and support for passengers with reduced mobility.
- Lost & Found: For inquiries regarding lost items, contact the department directly at: +351 229 432 400.
- Currency: All services and transactions are conducted using the Euro (€).
Ground Transportation and Access to Porto City Center
Porto Airport is strategically connected to the city center and surrounding regions via an efficient, multi-modal transport network, making access quick and affordable.
| Method | Details | Cost (Approx.) | Time (Approx.) |
| Metro | Violet (E) line offers a direct, hassle-free connection. | €2 | 30 minutes |
| Bus | STCP lines 601, 602, and 604 provide direct city connections. | €2 | 25 minutes |
| Taxi | The fastest and most direct option to the central Porto district. | €20 – €25 | 20 minutes |
| Car Rental | Major international agencies are available, including Hertz, Avis, Sixt, and Europcar. | Varies | Varies |
| Parking | Multiple options are available: P0 for short-term/express stays and P9 for long-term economy parking. | From €5 per day (long-term) | N/A |
| Nearby Hotels | Convenient options located within close proximity include Park Hotel Porto Aeroporto and OPO Hotel Porto Aeroporto. | N/A | N/A |
Important Travel Notices and Future Development
Porto Airport is continuously working to enhance its infrastructure while maintaining smooth operations for travellers.
- Infrastructure Investment: ANA Aeroportos is executing a €50 million structural reinforcement project for the runway, scheduled for completion in February 2026. Passengers are advised to check flight statuses for any temporary operational adjustments.
- Operational Reliability: All planned disruptions, including ground handling strikes scheduled for late 2025, have been cancelled, ensuring a reliable and predictable travel experience.
- Travel Advisory: Due to peak seasonal demand, especially during the summer months, passengers are strongly recommended to book flights and accommodations well in advance.
- Visa Information: Travellers, particularly Turkish citizens, must ensure they possess the necessary Schengen visa for entry into Portugal.
- Sustainability Commitment: OPO is a leader in environmental responsibility, having achieved its zero waste to landfill goal and committed to reaching NetZero emissions (Scope 1 & 2) by 2030.
Contact Information
| Detail | Information |
| Address | 4470-558 Maia, PORTUGAL |
| Telephone | +351 229 432 400 |
| Official Website | www.ana.pt |