092. Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS)

Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), often still referred to by its former name, Portela Airport, is not just Portugal’s busiest air hub but a vital artery connecting the Iberian Peninsula to the Americas, Africa, and beyond. Its unique history, strategic location within the city, and continuous evolution reflect Lisbon’s growing prominence as a global travel destination and a key player in international commerce.

The History of LIS

The story of Lisbon Airport begins amidst the tumultuous backdrop of World War II. It officially opened its doors on October 15, 1942, a time when Portugal, maintaining a delicate neutrality, found itself a crucial transit point for individuals and goods moving between Allied and Axis territories. Initially, LIS operated in conjunction with the Cabo Ruivo Seaplane Base, handling continental flights while seaplanes managed transatlantic journeys, with passengers transferring between the two. This dual operation underscored its early strategic importance.

Following the war, as global aviation expanded, Lisbon Airport transitioned from a wartime necessity to a burgeoning civilian facility. Its development was gradual but steady, adapting to the increasing demands of passenger and cargo traffic. For decades, it remained known as Portela Airport, serving as the primary international gateway to Portugal.

In 2016, in a fitting tribute, the airport was officially renamed Humberto Delgado Airport. This honored General Humberto Delgado, a prominent figure in Portuguese aviation history who not only founded TAP Air Portugal, the country’s national flag carrier, but also became a significant political figure. The renaming cemented the airport’s connection to Portugal’s rich past and its enduring legacy in air travel.

Throughout its history, LIS has faced the inherent challenge of being situated within city limits. While offering unparalleled convenience to travelers, this proximity has also constrained its physical expansion, leading to ongoing discussions and plans for future development to meet ever-increasing demand. Despite these limitations, LIS has consistently adapted, cementing its role as a critical hub in the European aviation landscape, particularly connecting Europe with South America (especially Brazil) and Africa.

LIS Quick Facts and Statistics

Humberto Delgado Airport is a testament to efficient operation within a constrained urban environment. Its statistics highlight its significant role:

Official Name: Humberto Delgado Airport (formerly Portela Airport)
IATA Code: LIS
Location: Situated almost entirely within Lisbon city limits, approximately 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) northeast of the city center.
Opening Date: October 15, 1942
Operator: ANA Aeroportos de Portugal (managed by Vinci Airports)
Runways: LIS operates with two main runways:
- 03/21: 3,805 meters (12,483 feet) long and 45 meters (147 feet) wide.
- 17/35: 2,400 meters (7,874 feet) long and 45 meters (147 feet) wide. These two runways handle a high volume of aircraft movements, requiring precise air traffic management due to their proximity and the urban setting.
Terminals: Two main passenger terminals.
- Terminal 1 (T1): The primary terminal, handling both arrivals for all airlines and departures for full-service and traditional airlines. It is the larger and more comprehensive of the two.
- Terminal 2 (T2): A smaller, satellite terminal exclusively dedicated to departures for most low-cost carriers (LCCs). It operates with a more simplified service model.
Passenger Traffic: Lisbon Airport has seen exponential growth in the 21st century. It passed 20 million passengers in 2014 and exceeded 31 million in 2019. In 2024, it reached a new record, surpassing 35 million passengers, demonstrating a strong recovery and continued growth.
Cargo Volume: LIS is also a significant cargo hub. In 2024, flown cargo volume broke previous records, handling approximately 198,000 tonnes of freight.
Awards: In 2020, Lisbon Airport was recognized as the “Best European Airport” by ACI Europe in the 25 to 40 million passengers category.
Hub Status: Serves as a major European hub connecting Europe with Africa and South America, particularly Brazil, and is the largest European Star Alliance hub to South America.

Comprehensive Facilities for the Modern Traveler

Lisbon Airport offers a wide range of facilities and services across its two terminals, aiming to provide a comfortable and efficient experience for its millions of passengers.

Terminal 1 (T1): As the main terminal, T1 is a bustling hub equipped with extensive amenities:

Shopping and Dining: A vast selection of shops, including duty-free outlets, fashion boutiques, electronics stores, and souvenir shops offering Portuguese specialties. Dining options range from international fast-food chains and coffee shops to local Portuguese eateries and more upscale restaurants, catering to all tastes and budgets.
Lounges: Multiple lounges are available, including the spacious ANA Airport Lounge with panoramic runway views, offering comfortable seating, premium food, beverages, Wi-Fi, and shower facilities (for an extra fee). Several airline-specific lounges (e.g., TAP Premium Lounge) also cater to eligible passengers.
Services: Comprehensive services include numerous ATMs, currency exchange counters, baggage services (storage, wrapping, lost luggage assistance), a post office, and medical services. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal.
Accessibility: The airport is designed with accessibility in mind, offering special assistance services (MyWay), mechanical mobility aids, accessible toilets, and trained staff for passengers with reduced mobility.
Family Services: Baby changing rooms and children’s playgrounds are available.
Fast Track & VIP Services: For those seeking a quicker passage through security, Fast Track services provide priority access, and VIP services offer enhanced comfort and efficiency.
Parking: Various parking options are available adjacent to T1, including premium (P1), executive (P2), low-cost plus (P3), and classic (P6), offering different price points and proximity to the terminal.

Terminal 2 (T2): Designed for efficiency and lower costs, T2 is a more minimalist terminal focused exclusively on departures for specific low-cost carriers.

Simplified Services: While smaller, T2 still offers essential services like check-in desks, security screening, and boarding gates.
Shops and Restaurants: A limited selection of shops, cafes, and restaurants are available post-security, including duty-free options.
No Jet Bridges: Passengers departing from T2 should expect to board their aircraft via a bus, as there are no jet bridges at this terminal.
Connectivity: T2 is connected to Terminal 1 by a free shuttle bus service, which runs frequently (every 10-12 minutes) from 03:30 AM to 00:30 AM. There are no direct public transport connections or parking facilities at T2 itself; all ground transport access is via T1.

Both terminals also feature information kiosks, tourist offices, and car rental providers, ensuring travelers have all the necessary resources upon arrival or departure.

A Diverse Array of Airlines

Lisbon Airport is a bustling hub for a wide spectrum of airlines, reflecting its diverse route network and strategic importance.

TAP Air Portugal: As the national flag carrier, TAP Air Portugal is the largest operator at LIS. It utilizes Lisbon as its main hub, offering an extensive network of domestic flights, European routes, and a particularly strong presence in South America (especially Brazil) and Africa (connecting with former Portuguese colonies). TAP’s network includes major cities across five continents.
Major European and International Carriers: LIS welcomes a vast array of full-service airlines from around the globe, connecting Lisbon to major cities worldwide. These include, but are not limited to, Air France, British Airways, KLM, Lufthansa, Iberia, Swiss International Air Lines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Air Canada. These airlines facilitate seamless travel to North America, the Middle East, and beyond.
Low-Cost Carriers (LCCs): A significant portion of LIS’s traffic is handled by LCCs, primarily operating out of Terminal 2 for departures. These budget airlines offer extensive connections to numerous European cities, making Lisbon an accessible destination for leisure travelers. Key LCCs include Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, Transavia, Vueling, and Norwegian.
Regional and Charter Airlines: Several regional airlines connect Lisbon to various Portuguese islands (such as the Azores and Madeira) and smaller European cities. Charter airlines also operate seasonally, catering to package holiday demand.
Cargo Airlines: Beyond passenger services, LIS also handles a significant volume of air cargo, with dedicated cargo operations by specialized freight airlines.

This diverse mix of carriers ensures that LIS offers a comprehensive range of flight options, catering to business travelers, tourists, and cargo operations alike.

Seamless Ground Transportation

Lisbon Airport’s excellent connectivity to the city center is one of its most appreciated features. Various ground transportation options cater to different budgets and preferences:

Metro (Subway): The most convenient and economical way to reach central Lisbon. The “Aeroporto – Saldanha” line (Red Line) directly connects the airport Metro station (located at Terminal 1) to downtown Lisbon in about 20 minutes. From Saldanha, passengers can easily transfer to other Metro lines to reach various parts of the city. A “Navegante” electronic travel card (rechargeable) is required for use on the Metro and buses.
Aerobus: These dedicated airport shuttle buses offer comfortable, air-conditioned journeys with free Wi-Fi and ample luggage space. Two lines connect both terminals to major points in the city, including hotels and transport hubs like Cais do Sodré and Sete Rios bus terminal. Tickets can be purchased on board or online.
City Buses (Carris): Several local Carris bus lines connect the airport (Terminal 1) to various parts of Lisbon. While more economical than the Aerobus, they have restrictions on luggage size (maximum 50x40x20cm).
Taxis: Taxis are readily available outside both terminals. Given the airport’s close proximity to the city center, taxi fares to central Lisbon are relatively affordable, typically ranging from €10 to €15, including luggage fees. Passengers are advised to ensure the meter is on at the start of the journey and to ask for a receipt.
Ride-Hailing Services (Uber, Bolt): Popular ride-hailing platforms like Uber and Bolt operate in Lisbon. There’s a dedicated pick-up area for these services on P2 (Level 2, arrivals level) at Terminal 1.
Private Transfers: Pre-booked private transfer services offer a convenient door-to-door option, with a driver meeting passengers directly in the arrivals hall. These are ideal for those seeking maximum comfort or traveling with significant luggage.
Car Rental: All major car rental companies have desks at Terminal 1, providing travelers the flexibility to explore Lisbon and the surrounding regions at their own pace.

The Future of Lisbon Airport

Lisbon Airport is facing a significant challenge: it is operating at or near full capacity, particularly during peak seasons. With Portugal’s booming tourism industry and Lisbon’s increasing popularity as a business and leisure destination, the need for increased aviation infrastructure is critical. This has led to decades of discussions and various proposals for the airport’s future.

The most recent and significant development in this ongoing saga occurred in 2024. After extensive deliberations, the Portuguese government announced a definitive plan to build a new Lisbon airport at Alcochete, located at the former armed forces shooting range, approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) southeast of the current LIS. The new airport will be named Luís de Camões Airport, honoring Portugal’s most celebrated poet.

This ambitious project aims to create a full-scale international airport that will eventually replace the existing Humberto Delgado Airport. Key aspects of the plan include:

Capacity Expansion: The new airport is designed to significantly increase Lisbon’s air traffic capacity. Initial plans propose two 4,000-meter (2.5-mile) runways, capable of handling all types of aircraft and up to 95 movements per hour, with the potential for future expansion to four runways. This would effectively quadruple the current runway capacity of Humberto Delgado.
Phased Construction: The construction, estimated to cost around €8.5 billion, is projected to take about six years. It will be staggered, with earthworks taking at least three years across five sectors, followed by three years for paving and tarmacking the runways. The terminal building, initially sized at 589,300 square meters, will also be segmented into four independent construction sectors to optimize resource sharing and efficiency.
Infrastructure Development: The new airport project is intertwined with major infrastructure investments, including studies for a Third Tagus Crossing (a road-railway bridge) and the development of a high-speed rail line connecting Lisbon to Madrid, ensuring seamless access to the new facility.
Operational Transition: While Humberto Delgado Airport will eventually be replaced, the exact timeline for its complete closure and the full transition to Luís de Camões Airport is still being finalized. The new airport is expected to commence operations in mid-2037.
Sustainability Focus: Future developments at the new airport are expected to incorporate advanced sustainable practices, aligning with modern aviation industry standards for environmental responsibility.

In the interim, while the new airport is under construction, Humberto Delgado Airport will continue to operate, with ongoing efforts to optimize its existing infrastructure and passenger flow within its current limits. The long-awaited decision for Alcochete signifies a pivotal moment for Lisbon’s aviation future, promising a robust and modern gateway to Portugal for decades to come.

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