Some 6.2 million passengers passed through national airports in Portugal in November 2024, a year-on-year increase of 6.2%, new data from INE, the Portuguese statistics body, has revealed.
In addition, some 22.7 thousand tonnes of freight and mail were handled by the country’s airports during the month, which is a 10.6% increase, year-on-year.
‘Monthly highs’
‘Between January and November of 2024 there were historic monthly highs of passengers at national airports,’ INE noted.
Between January and November 2024, passenger traffic increased by 4.3%, continuing the upward trajectory from the previous year, which saw a 19.7% increase.
In November alone, there was a daily average of 75,800 passengers disembarked, a 7.1% increase compared to November 2023.
The majority of passengers, approximately 81.3%, were of international origin, with European destinations accounting for the largest share – two thirds (66.3%) of disembarked passengers in November hailed from Europe. The Americas – including North and South America – accounted for 9.4% of the total.
In terms of embarked passengers, 82.7% were traveling to international travel destinations, with Europe again being the leading region, followed by North America.
Lisbon the busiest airport
Lisbon airport handled the largest volume of passengers in November 2024, accounting for nearly half (49.4%) of the total traffic at national airports. Porto and Faro airports followed, handling 22.5% and 9.5% of passengers, respectively.
The UK was once again the most significant country of origin and destination for flights, with France and Spain ranking second and third in terms of passenger movement. France saw a decrease in traffic compared to 2023, the data showed.
Lisbon airport also managed the largest share of freight and mail, handling 77.6% of the total freight. This equates to more than 180,000 tonnes, which is an increase of 18.7% compared to the previous year. Other airports also saw a rise in freight movement, with a 2.6% increase in total freight handled outside Lisbon. Read more here.
