Passenger traffic in Portugal, by airports 2023

Portugal's airports saw significant passenger traffic in 2023, with Lisbon Portela Airport leading the way at 33.6 million travelers. This robust air travel activity reflects a broader recovery in the Portuguese aviation sector, which has rebounded strongly from recent challenges. 

Investments and profitability on the rise

The air transport sector in Portugal has seen increased investment, with 54 million euros allocated in 2022, up from 43 million the previous year. This resulted a growth in the country's aviation industry, with turnover reaching a peak of 6.3 billion euros in 2022.  

Airline preferences and workforce dynamics

TAP Air Portugal remains the most popular airline among Portuguese travelers, chosen by 28 percent of survey respondents in 2023. TAP Air Portgual, Portugal's flag carrier, reported an operating profit of 346.73 million euros in 2023, a substantial increase from 2019 levels. However, low-cost carrier Ryanair is a close second at 24 percent, indicating strong competition in the market. Despite its popularity, TAP has seen a reduction in its workforce, with employee numbers decreasing to 7.84 thousand in 2023. This shift in employment figures may reflect ongoing efforts to optimize operations in a competitive landscape.