Airport Guide
Lisbon Portela Airport
History of Lisbon Portela Airport
Lisbon's international airport can trace its roots back to the Second World War.
Though, like many major European airports, it didn't see combat action due to Portugal's neutral stance in the conflict, it nevertheless boasts a fascinating early history, having been used as a gateway for numerous spies and smugglers, as well as international jetsetters.
Once the war came to an end, the airport continued to grow, with a number of major European airlines offering services in and out of the Portuguese capital by the 1950s.
Expansion during the 1960s allowed larger aircraft to start using the airport, culminating in the introduction of the first transatlantic service in 1970.
This expansion continued throughout the 1980s and, while a new Terminal 2 was added in 2007, not much more can be done due to Portela's location - it is one of the few airports in the world to be located within a major city, rather than on the outskirts.
However, the Portuguese government has confirmed the Alcochete military air base, just a few miles from downtown Lisbon, as the location for a new international airport, with this set to be operational by 2017.
Travelling to Lisbon Portela Airport
Travelling between Portela Airport and downtown Lisbon is both easy and affordable.
The majority of passengers opt to jump on the Aeroshuttle buses running every 30 minutes and offering direct, speedy access between the terminals and the heart of the historic city, including the Praca de Espanha.
A cheaper, yet slightly slower option, are the normal buses departing every few minutes from outside the airport, with a number of destinations, both in the city centre and in the suburbs, well-served.
Though there is no direct Metro link to the airport, it is possible to take a bus to the nearest station and jump onto the city's underground.
In addition, taxis are also available, with passengers benefiting from strictly-enforced rules on fares between fixed points.
Airlines Flying From Lisbon Portela Airport
One of the busiest air travel hubs in southern Europe, Lisbon Portela welcomes dozens of different carriers, offering passengers routes serving destinations across the globe.
The biggest presence at the airport is that of TAP Portugal, which offers dozens of domestic and international flight options.
These include services within Europe, such as those to Amsterdam, Barcelona, London, Paris, Prague and Rome, as well as those to Brazilian destinations including Rio de Janeiro.
At the same time, TAP Portugal also offers budget flights through Portugalia.
Alongside the Portuguese national carrier, a number of flag carriers also operate in and out of Lisbon, including Air France, British Airways, Egyptair, Royal Air Maroc and Swiss International, all of which serve their respective capitals, as well as other major destinations.
Furthermore, US Airways flies to Philadelphia, while TAAG Angola Airlines flies to Luanda.
Among the budget airlines also operating from Portela are easyJet, Germanwings, Transavia and Veuling.
Lisbon's international airport can trace its roots back to the Second World War.
Though, like many major European airports, it didn't see combat action due to Portugal's neutral stance in the conflict, it nevertheless boasts a fascinating early history, having been used as a gateway for numerous spies and smugglers, as well as international jetsetters.
Once the war came to an end, the airport continued to grow, with a number of major European airlines offering services in and out of the Portuguese capital by the 1950s.
Expansion during the 1960s allowed larger aircraft to start using the airport, culminating in the introduction of the first transatlantic service in 1970.
This expansion continued throughout the 1980s and, while a new Terminal 2 was added in 2007, not much more can be done due to Portela's location - it is one of the few airports in the world to be located within a major city, rather than on the outskirts.
However, the Portuguese government has confirmed the Alcochete military air base, just a few miles from downtown Lisbon, as the location for a new international airport, with this set to be operational by 2017.
Travelling to Lisbon Portela Airport
Travelling between Portela Airport and downtown Lisbon is both easy and affordable.
The majority of passengers opt to jump on the Aeroshuttle buses running every 30 minutes and offering direct, speedy access between the terminals and the heart of the historic city, including the Praca de Espanha.
A cheaper, yet slightly slower option, are the normal buses departing every few minutes from outside the airport, with a number of destinations, both in the city centre and in the suburbs, well-served.
Though there is no direct Metro link to the airport, it is possible to take a bus to the nearest station and jump onto the city's underground.
In addition, taxis are also available, with passengers benefiting from strictly-enforced rules on fares between fixed points.
Airlines Flying From Lisbon Portela Airport
One of the busiest air travel hubs in southern Europe, Lisbon Portela welcomes dozens of different carriers, offering passengers routes serving destinations across the globe.
The biggest presence at the airport is that of TAP Portugal, which offers dozens of domestic and international flight options.
These include services within Europe, such as those to Amsterdam, Barcelona, London, Paris, Prague and Rome, as well as those to Brazilian destinations including Rio de Janeiro.
At the same time, TAP Portugal also offers budget flights through Portugalia.
Alongside the Portuguese national carrier, a number of flag carriers also operate in and out of Lisbon, including Air France, British Airways, Egyptair, Royal Air Maroc and Swiss International, all of which serve their respective capitals, as well as other major destinations.
Furthermore, US Airways flies to Philadelphia, while TAAG Angola Airlines flies to Luanda.
Among the budget airlines also operating from Portela are easyJet, Germanwings, Transavia and Veuling.
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