OPO Airport: the Small yet Busy Portugal Airport
Porto International Airport is one of the most important Portugal airports. Verily, it is listed among the most occupied airports in Portugal, actually being the country’s second busiest aviation hub (following Lisbon Airport). Even though it is a small airport consisting of just one terminal building, it welcomes millions of passengers every year. As a matter of fact, it welcomed 12.6 million travelers in 2022, almost fully recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is worth noting that its passenger traffic in 2021 was just 5.8 million.
Porto Airport is conveniently located in the municipalities of Maia, Matosinhos, and Vila do Conde, just 11km/6.8 miles from the city center. Hence, journeys from and to the airport are overall short and hassle-free. Moreover, the airport’s operator is ANA-Aeroportos de Portugal, which manages 6 major Portugal airports (Lisbon Airport, Porto Airport, Algarve Airport, Alentejo Airport, Madeira Airport, and Azores Airport).
OPO Airport first opened its doors back in 1945 under the name Pedras Rubras Airport, getting its former name after its location. However, in 1980, Francisco Sá Carneiro -the Portuguese prime minister at the time- died in an air accident that took place while traveling to Porto. Hence, in 1990, the airport was renamed as a tribute to his memory. Nowadays, its formal name is Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport.
IATA Code: OPO
ICAO: LPPR
Location: 11 km (6.8 mi) NW of Porto
Time Zone: Western European Time (GMT+1)
Airport Map: OPO Airport at Google Maps
Airlines Operating at OPO Airport
Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport is a small airport, especially when compared to the likes in other big European cities. Still, it provides connections to other Portuguese cities as well as to various international destinations (Brussels, Madrid, Barcelona, Paris, London, Frankfurt, etc.). Expectantly, it hosts several airlines. In detail, more than 30 air carriers are present at OPO Airport. Moreover, it is the base for easyJet, Ryanair, and the flag carrier, TAP Air Portugal.
Porto Airport’s Layout
Porto International Airport has only one terminal building. Overall, it is considered a small aviation hub. Still, its terminal is technologically advanced. In fact, it is multi-awarded. It spreads over three levels. The Ground level houses the Arrivals and the baggage claim area, and the second level is where boarding gates and retail stores are to be found. Finally, Departures and the check-in area are situated at the third level.
Parking Facilities
The parking facilities at Porto International Airport meet its passengers’ needs. With 5 parking lots and a 2000-space capacity, OPO Airport offers valet services as well. Moreover, an underground parking zone is dedicated to drop-offs. Please note that all car parks serve both short-term parking and long stays, although some of them are more suitable for extended parking as they come with lower rates.
Transit Options
Porto Airport lies just within an 11-km/6.8-mile distance from the city center. Thus, rides from and to the airport are brief and overall effortless. In fact, if you want to travel from OPO Airport to the city center, you can catch:
- an airport taxi / a private airport transfer
- the subway
- a bus
- an airport car rental
Services and Amenities
Despite its small size, Porto Airport isn’t lacking the necessary amenities. In fact, it is considered a passenger-friendly airport, having, in fact, received awards for its provided services. You can check out the most important ones:
- Numerous cafes, restaurants, and bars
- Various retail stores / Duty-free area
- Baggage carts / Luggage cleaning
- Luggage storage and lockers
- Meet & Greet services
- First aid / Pharmacy
- ATMs / Currency exchange areas
- Children’s playground / Baby changing facilities
- Lost & Found offices
- Smoking areas
- Lounges
- Meeting rooms (at CIP Lounge)
- Wi-Fi
- Charging stations
- Information kiosks
- Special services and amenities for passengers with disabilities
Contact Info
Official Name: Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport
Address: 4470-558 Vila Nova da Telha, Portugal
Phone Number: +351 229 432 400
Email: porto.airport@ana.pt
The City of Porto
The beautiful Portuguese city is a major tourist destination. Scenic, authentic, and crossed by the Douro River, Porto presents one-of-a-kind landscapes to its visitors. The old town (the Ribeira District), a Unesco World Heritage Site, is filled with buildings featuring distinctive and colorful Portuguese tiles. However, if the old town with its scenic streets is a major tourist attraction, the famous Porto wine is one of the main reasons for the majority of people visiting the city. Verily, wine tasting at Porto is simply a must. On the other hand, the city is full of sites and attractions. The Porto Cathedral, the Clerigo Tower, the Palácio da Bolsa, and the well-known Dom Luís I Bridge are just some of them, while museums, theaters, and galleries are scattered all over the city’s territory. What’s more, its gastronomy and nightlife are equally appreciated. Thus, one can hardly disagree that Porto offers a comprehensive traveling experience.
FAQs
Which airport do you fly to for Porto?
If you want to travel to Porto, you’ll fly to Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport. Verily, Porto International Airport is the only aviation hub serving the city of Porto and its surrounding areas.
How many airports are there in Porto?
There is only one airport in Porto that goes by the name of Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport or simply Porto Airport. As a matter of fact, there are only three international Portuguese airports: Lisbon Airport, Faro Airport, and Porto Airport.
How big is Porto Airport?
Porto Airport is a small aviation hub. Still, it is the second busiest Portugal airport. Moreover, despite its small size, its one and only terminal isn’t just considered passenger-friendly but has also received multiple awards.
How far is Porto Airport from downtown Porto?
OPO Airport is just 11km/6.8 miles away from downtown Porto. Hence, a ride from Porto Airport to the city center lasts around 15-20 minutes under normal traffic conditions.
What is the name of the airport in Porto Portugal?
When it began its operation, Porto Airport was known as Pedras Rubras Airport, named after its location. However, in 1990, it was renamed, taking the name of the former Portuguese prime minister Francisco Sá Carneiro, who lost his life when its plane (traveling to Porto Airport) crashed. Thus, nowadays, the official name of Porto Airport is Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport.
How early should I arrive at Porto Airport for international flight?
That depends. If you are flying to a Schengen destination, you should check in at Porto Airport 90 minutes before your flight, whereas, for non-Schengen destinations, you should arrive at the airport 120 minutes prior to the flight departure. On the other hand, if your flight is intercontinental, you should be at OPO 180 minutes before your departure time.
How to get from Porto Airport to city center?
You’ll have numerous transit options to travel from Porto Airport to downtown. Thus, apart from the comfortable airport taxis and the luxurious private airport transfers, you can rent a car from OPO Airport or opt for a cheaper alternative. Hence, you can catch a bus or hop on the subway to reach the city center.