Lisbon International Airport (LIS)

The Main Portugal Airport at a Glance

Lisbon Airport, officially known as Humberto Delgado Airport and commonly called after its previous name, Portela Airport, is the major aviation hub of Portugal and the one serving Lisbon, the Portuguese capital. The airport was initially called Lisbon International Airport or simplest, Portela Airport since it is located in the Portela region. However, in 2015 it was renamed after the great Portuguese politician Humberto Delgado. It is located within a 7km distance from the city center, being one of the few airports placed so close to the urban area.

LIS Airport handles flights from all over the world. Being listed among the largest and busiest airfields in Europe, the airport welcomed more than 31 million passengers in 2019. However, as it is a relatively old airport, it has reached its maximum capacity. Thus, the Portuguese government plans to build a new airport in Lisbon and expand the existing one to cope with the rising passenger traffic. Nevertheless, for the time being, no further action has been taken on this project.

Nowadays, Lisbon Airport has 2 terminal buildings and 2 runways, along with a wide variety of restaurants, stores, and duty-free shops. A plan for a third terminal has been drawn up, yet never got off the ground. Still, LIS serves more than 57 air carriers and 132 destinations while being home to TAP Air Portugal, the national airline.

FAQs

Are there two airports in Lisbon?

Lisbon has only one airport, the Humberto Delgado Airport, located 7km from downtown Lisbon. However, as the airport can’t handle the growth of passenger traffic, a new aviation hub is planned to be constructed to serve the Lisbon area.

What is Lisbon’s main airport name?

The official name of Lisbon Airport is Humberto Delgado Airport. The airport took its name in 2015 as a tribute to the famous Portuguese politician, while its previous common naming was Portela Airport, after the name of its location area.

How busy is Lisbon Airport?

Lisbon Airport is one of the busiest airports in Europe and is listed among the biggest and the most important airfields in the South European area. In 2019, the airport welcomed more than 31 million passengers, almost reaching its maximum capacity.

How far is Lisbon from the airport?

Lisbon Airport is only 7km away from Lisbon city center. Thus, it is one of the few airports lying in that proximity to the city center. The ride with a taxi or a car from LIS Airport to downtown Lisbon takes only 20 minutes.

How early should I arrive at Lisbon Airport?

A two-hour before the flight arrival at the airport is ideal if you want to check in stress-free and find your way unhurriedly through the airport. However, if your upcoming flight is international or your destination country isn’t a member of the Schengen Agreement, you should take into consideration that the passport control may even last half an hour. Therefore, in those cases, it is recommended to be at the airport three hours before the flight.

How many terminals does Lisbon Airport have?

Lisbon International Airport has two terminal buildings handling the upcoming and outgoing flights. A third terminal is expected to be added to the airport’s complex in the near future. 

What are the transportation options from Lisbon Airport?

Apart from convenient Lisbon airport taxis, lavish private airport transfers, and independent airport car rentals, Lisbon Airport is also connected to the city of Lisbon via public transportation. Thus, public buses and metro trains travel from Lisbon airport to city and other various destinations all over the Lisbon area.