Passenger traffic at Portuguese airports grew by 4.9% from January to July, compared to the same period last year, according to data released today by INE statistics institute.
According to the ‘rapid air transport statistics’, 42 million passengers passed through national airports.
Cargo and mail traffic also grew.
The UK remains the main country of origin and destination for flights, with an “increase in the number of passengers disembarking (+2.9%) and embarking (+2.6%) compared to the same period in 2024.”
France recorded decreases in the number of passengers disembarking (-1.5%) and embarking (-1.3%) and ranked second. Spain, Germany and Italy ranked third, fourth and fifth, respectively.
The capital’s overloaded Humberto Delgado airport accounted for almost half of all movements in the first seven months this year.
“Lisbon airport handled 49.1% of total passengers (20.6 million), +3.0% compared to the same period in 2024.
Faro airport recorded a 7.3% increase in passenger traffic (around six million, 14.2% of the total) and Porto airport accounted for 22.8% of total passenger traffic (9.6 million) and increased by 5.5%, says INE.
As for cargo and mail, there was an increase of 2.6% between January and July, totalling 148,200 tonnes.
Freight traffic at Lisbon airport accounted for 78.0% of the total, reaching 115,600 tonnes (+4.0% compared to the same period in 2024). At other airports, cargo and mail traffic decreased by 1.9%..
In July alone, 7.6 million passengers passed through national airports, an increase of 5.2% year-on-year.
Although July’s growth trajectory was above 5%, in the previous month the difference compared to the same period last year had been greater. In June, the number of passengers grew by 6%.
With regard to cargo and mail movements, INE data shows that 22,800 tonnes were transported in July, an increase of 3.2% compared to July last year. This segment also saw a slowdown in growth. In June, cargo and mail had grown by 3.9% year-on-year.
INE statistics take into account movements at the airport infrastructures of Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Ponta Delgada, Madeira, Porto Santo, Beja, Horta, Flores, Santa Maria, Terceira, Pico, Graciosa, São Jorge, Corvo, Portimão, Bragança, Cascais, Vila Real and Viseu.
source : LUSA
