Santa Maria Airport (SMA/LPAZ): Your Essential Gateway to the Azores
Santa Maria Airport (IATA: SMA, ICAO: LPAZ) is the primary air travel hub for Santa Maria Island, famously known as the “Mother Island” of the Azores archipelago in Portugal. Strategically located in the municipality of Vila do Porto, the airport serves as a critical link, connecting Santa Maria not only to the rest of the Azores but also to mainland Europe.
Historically significant, SMA was the first airport constructed in the Azores, with operations beginning in the 1940s. For decades, it served as a vital transatlantic refueling and layover point, cementing its legacy in aviation history. Today, it is efficiently managed by ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal, providing essential services for regional and domestic flights, general aviation, and facilitating access to the island’s unique volcanic landscapes and renowned beaches.
Contact, Operations, and Management
For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the airport, its services, and management, please use the following confirmed details:
| Detail | Information |
| IATA Code / ICAO Code | SMA / LPAZ |
| Official Operator | ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal, S.A. |
| Address | Aeroporto de Santa Maria, 9580-402 Vila do Porto, Açores, PORTUGAL |
| General Phone | +351 296 820 020 |
| General Email | santamaria.airport@ana.pt |
| Official Website | ANA Aeroportos de Santa Maria |
| Operating Hours (Local) | Typically 06:45 – 21:30. Extensions are possible until 23:59 (local time) upon prior authorization and are subject to overtime fees. |
Current Airlines and Key Destinations
As a regional gateway, Santa Maria Airport primarily handles flights essential for local connectivity and tourism. The airport is consistently served by the following carriers:
| Airline | Primary Destinations | Focus |
| SATA Air Açores (SP) | Ponta Delgada (PDL) – São Miguel Island | Provides essential inter-island connectivity within the Azores. |
| Azores Airlines (S4) / TAP Air Portugal (TP) | Lisbon (LIS) – Mainland Portugal | Offers connections to the capital, facilitating onward international travel. |
The airport remains a crucial hub for exploring the rest of the Azorean islands and maintaining a reliable air bridge to the mainland.
Terminal Facilities and Passenger Services
Santa Maria Airport, despite being a regional facility, offers a comprehensive range of amenities designed for a comfortable and efficient travel experience:
- Dining and Refreshments: Basic food and beverage services are available, including the Café Concorde and Restaurant Concorde, offering simple meals and refreshments.
- Retail and Shopping: Passengers can find a selection of shops, including LFP Travelshopping, Ourivesaria Castanho (Jewellery), and the Tabacaria do Aeroporto (bookstore/tobacco).
- Public and Banking Services: Essential facilities include a branch of the Banco Comercial dos Açores and a CTT Correios post office.
- Premium Services: A VIP Lounge is available for pre-arranged access, and a left luggage service is provided for passenger convenience.
- General Aviation (FBO): Fixed-Base Operator services, including ground handling and fuel, are available for private and commercial aviation, with providers like ExecuJet operating on-site.
Transportation and Getting to the Island
The airport is conveniently located just 5 km (3.1 mi) from Vila do Porto, ensuring quick and easy access to the rest of Santa Maria Island.
- Car Rental: Major car hire companies offer services directly at the airport, making it the most popular way for tourists to explore the island’s scenic routes independently. On-site parking facilities are available.
- Taxis: Taxis are readily available outside the terminal, offering a fast and direct connection to any destination on the island, including Vila do Porto and popular resort areas like Prainha.
- Public Transport: Limited public transport options are available, connecting the airport to key areas, providing a cost-effective alternative for travelers.
Nearby Airports and Travel Context
Santa Maria is located on the southeastern edge of the Azores archipelago. Key regional airports and flight connection points include:
- Ponta Delgada Airport (PDL): São Miguel Island (approx. 97 km / 60 miles)
- Terceira Lajes Airport (TER): Terceira Island (approx. 260 km / 162 miles)
- São Jorge Airport (SJZ): São Jorge Island (approx. 324 km / 201 miles)
- Pico Island Airport (PIX): Pico Island (approx. 337 km / 209 miles)
Local Climate and Best Time to Visit
Santa Maria is blessed with a mild, humid, subtropical oceanic climate, which contributes to its status as a highly desirable year-round travel spot. Average temperatures typically range between 15°C and 25°C (59°F and 77°F).
- Ideal Time to Travel: The summer months (June to September) offer the warmest weather and sunniest conditions, making it the perfect time for beach relaxation and water sports.
- Travel Advice: Due to the island’s oceanic location, weather conditions can change rapidly. Travelers are advised to check real-time forecasts and plan outdoor activities accordingly.