Horta Airport (HOR/LPHR) – Your Essential Gateway to Faial, the Blue Island of the Azores
Horta Airport (IATA: HOR, ICAO: LPHR), officially known as Aeroporto Internacional da Horta, serves as the main air transport hub for Faial Island in the beautiful Azorean archipelago of Portugal. Situated in the parish of Castelo Branco, approximately 9.5 km (5.9 mi) southwest of the city center of Horta, the airport is a critical lifeline, facilitating connections between Faial and the other islands of the Central Group (Terceira, Pico, São Jorge), as well as mainland Portugal. Known for its stunning panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the majestic Pico Mountain on the neighboring island, HOR processed over 150,000 passengers in 2024, underlining its significance to the region’s economy and growing tourism sector.
General Airport Information
Horta Airport is efficiently operated by ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal and plays a vital role in regional connectivity.
| Attribute | Details |
| Official Codes | IATA: HOR / ICAO: LPHR |
| Location | Castelo Branco, Faial Island, Azores, Portugal |
| Distance from Horta | Approximately 9.5 km (5.9 mi) |
| Coordinates | 38° 31′ 12” N, 28° 42′ 59” W |
| Elevation | 36 meters (118 ft) above sea level |
| Operator | ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal |
| Runway Length | 1,595 meters (5,233 ft) – Asphalt (Direction 10/28) |
| Key Role | Primary access point for the Central Group of the Azores |
Airlines and Destinations (Current Routes 2025/2026)
Horta Airport’s flight network focuses on domestic service, connecting the island within the Azores and to mainland Europe. The summer months see increased flight frequencies to meet peak tourist demand.
The airport currently serves 5 scheduled destinations with 2 primary airlines:
| Airline | Destinations | Focus |
| SATA Air Açores (SP) | Ponta Delgada (PDL), Terceira (TER), Flores (FLW), Corvo (CVU) | Inter-island flights (The most frequent routes) |
| Azores Airlines (S4) | Lisbon (LIS) | Direct connection to Mainland Portugal |
| TAP Air Portugal | Lisbon (LIS) | Seasonal or code-share routes to the capital |
- Most Popular Route: The route to Ponta Delgada (São Miguel Island) is the busiest, acting as the main hub connection for the archipelago.
- Longest Route: The flight to Lisbon (LIS) has an approximate duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes.
- Aircraft Used: Operations typically involve the Bombardier Dash 8 for inter-island routes and the Airbus A320 family for the longer flight to Lisbon.
Terminal Services and Passenger Facilities
Horta Airport features a compact, modernized three-story terminal that was extensively remodeled in 2001 to enhance passenger experience.
- Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the terminal.
- Food and Retail: The terminal hosts a café for quick refreshments and a selection of small shops, primarily accepting payments in EUR.
- Accessibility: Comprehensive facilities and services are provided for passengers with reduced mobility.
- Terminal Layout: Check-in and security processes are located in the western wing, while a single baggage carousel and the enclosed arrivals lounge are situated in the eastern wing.
- Practical Services: For lost or damaged luggage and other property inquiries, a dedicated Lost & Found service is available.
Getting To and From Horta Airport
The airport is conveniently located just a short drive from the city of Horta, offering passengers several reliable transportation options:
- Taxi: Taxis are readily available outside the terminal. The journey to Horta typically takes around 15 minutes, with an estimated fare of 15–20 EUR.
- Bus: A cost-effective public bus service connects the airport to the city center, taking about 20 minutes for a nominal fare (approx. 2 EUR).
- Car Rental: Several international and local car rental agencies operate desks within the airport, including Hertz and the Azorean-based Ilha Verde and Autatlantis, providing flexibility for exploring the island.
- Parking: A dedicated car park is available directly at the airport for passenger use, which is typically free of charge.
The Airport and its Role in Faial Tourism
Horta Airport is the starting point for visitors arriving on Faial, often referred to as the ‘Ilha Azul’ (Blue Island) due to the abundance of blue hydrangeas that blanket the island in summer. The airport’s location offers immediate access to the island’s most famous natural and cultural attractions, providing rich context for travelers:
- Volcanic Wonders: The airport sits close to the island’s unique volcanic landscapes, including the dramatic Capelinhos Volcano and Interpretation Center, a site where the 1957-58 eruption dramatically reshaped the coast. The magnificent Caldeira do Faial, the huge central crater, is also easily accessible by car.
- Nautical Heritage: Horta is a global hub for transatlantic sailors. Visitors departing from the airport can quickly reach the legendary Marina da Horta, famous for the colorful murals painted by visiting yacht crews, and the iconic Peter Café Sport, a cultural landmark often cited as one of the world’s best bars.
- Nature Activities: Faial is one of the world’s premier destinations for whale and dolphin watching, with tours departing from the city’s harbor. The island also offers extensive hiking opportunities, notably the challenging 10 Volcanoes Trail and scenic routes around Monte da Guia.
Future Outlook and Development
As a key component of the Azorean infrastructure, Horta Airport is continually seeking to improve its capacity and services:
- Runway Expansion: Future plans include extending the runway by an additional 275 meters (902 ft) to allow for greater operational flexibility and to accommodate larger aircraft, potentially expanding the range of direct destinations.
- Operational Capacity: Approval has been granted for the implementation of nighttime air flight services, which will significantly increase the airport’s annual operational capacity and service frequency.
Contact and Practical Visitor Information
| Address | Vila da Magdalena, Pico, Azores, PORTUGAL (Note: The airport serves Faial but is often associated with the neighboring Pico Island connection) |
| Telephone | +351 292 943 511 |
| Official Website | Horta Airport – ANA Aeroportos de Portugal |
| Local Currency | Euro (EUR) – accepted for all payments within the airport. |
| Nearby Accommodation | Hotels such as Hotel Horta and Azoris Faial Garden are popular options for visitors. |