Lajes Field

Lajes International Airport (Lajes Field) is not merely a transport hub, but a true aerial gateway to the heart of the Azores archipelago, located on the island of Terceira. This unique airport combines a civilian terminal with a legendary military airbase that has served as a strategic "bridge" across the Atlantic for decades. Landing here, you will immediately feel a sense of history: rare military aircraft can often be seen on adjacent runways, and the long runway, capable of accommodating even space shuttles, guarantees a smooth landing for any airliner. The terminal welcomes travellers with a cosy, almost home-like atmosphere, where modern comfort intertwines with the measured island rhythm of life.

Airport Features and Advantages:

Lajes Airport possesses a number of unique characteristics that distinguish it from other aviation hubs in the region. First and foremost is its runway — the longest in the Azores (about 3.3 km), which ensures the highest level of safety and allows for the reception of all types of aircraft, including wide-body transatlantic liners.

The airport terminal, despite its compact size, offers passengers everything necessary for a comfortable wait. There are Duty Free shops offering local souvenirs and delicacies, cafes serving Portuguese coffee and snacks, as well as free Wi-Fi access. Thanks to its shared use with the military base, airport services operate around the clock, ensuring operational flight servicing at any time of day or night.

Its convenient location makes Lajes an excellent starting point for a journey around the island. A trip to the island's capital, the UNESCO World Heritage city of Angra do Heroísmo, takes only about 20 minutes by taxi or bus. Furthermore, counters for popular car rental companies are located right in the arrivals hall, allowing tourists to begin exploring the picturesque roads of Terceira immediately after collecting their luggage.

• Official Website: www.ana.pt/en/ter/home
• Information Desk Phone: +351 295 545 454
• Address: Aeroporto das Lajes, 9760-251 Lajes, Ilha da Terceira, Açores, Portugal
• Email: For general enquiries, you can use the address ana@ana.pt or the contact form on the official website.
• Social Media: Official pages of the managing company ANA Aeroportos de Portugal are available on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube, where news and updates are published.
• Lost & Found: For issues regarding lost or damaged luggage, please contact the baggage tracing service operated by Groundforce. Phone: +351 295 540 037, email: ter.lostfound@groundforce.pt.
• Passenger Support: For general information, use the main airport phone number. Assistance for passengers with reduced mobility must be requested through your airline no later than 48 hours before departure.

Lajes Field Airport (TER) is located approximately 22 kilometres northeast of the city of Angra do Heroísmo, the capital of Terceira Island. You can get from the city to the airport or vice versa in several ways, each with its own features depending on your budget and travel plans in Portugal.

Public Transport: The most budget-friendly method is to use the local bus services provided by EVT (Empresa de Viação Terceirense). Routes connect the airport with Angra do Heroísmo and other key points on the island. The journey to the city will take about 40-50 minutes, and the ticket cost is just a few euros. It is important to remember that buses run according to a schedule that may not be very frequent, especially on weekends and in the evenings. We recommend checking the current schedule on the carrier's website in advance.

Taxi and Transfers: A faster and more comfortable option is a taxi. The trip from the city centre to the airport will take approximately 20-25 minutes. The cost of a taxi ride is usually €20-€30, depending on the time of day and the day of the week (night and weekend tariffs may be higher). Taxis can be found at designated stands in the city or called by phone. You can also pre-book a private or group transfer, which is particularly convenient if you are travelling with large luggage or family.

Car Rental: For those planning to actively explore Terceira Island, renting a car is the best solution. Offices of several international and local rental companies are present at Lajes Field Airport. You can rent a car immediately upon arrival or book online in advance. This gives complete freedom of movement and allows you to reach the most remote beaches and attractions. The road from Angra do Heroísmo to the airport by car is very simple and takes about 20-25 minutes.

Airport Parking: If you are travelling to the airport in your own or a rented vehicle, parking facilities are at your disposal. There are zones for both short-term and long-term parking, which is convenient if you plan to leave the car while visiting other islands of the Azores archipelago.

Lajes Field Airport (TER), serving Terceira Island, is distinguished by a simple and clear structure. It operates one passenger terminal, which is used for both domestic and international flights. Such compactness makes navigation intuitive even for those visiting for the first time.

The terminal layout is very logical. The building is small, and all key zones are located within walking distance of each other. The check-in area, airline counters, and the arrivals area with baggage claim belts are located on the same level. This allows for easy orientation and quick transition from one stage of the journey to another.

Since there is only one terminal, you do not have to worry about transferring between different buildings. Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated but are under one roof, eliminating the need for shuttles. After check-in and baggage drop, passengers proceed to security screening, followed by the departure lounge with boarding gates. Everything is very close and convenient.

Completing all pre-flight procedures at Lajes Airport generally does not take much time. Thanks to moderate passenger traffic, queues for check-in and security are usually shorter than in major international hubs. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before international flights and 1.5 hours before domestic ones to complete all formalities without rushing.

For convenient navigation, clear signs in Portuguese and English are installed throughout the terminal. Airport staff are friendly and always ready to help with any questions. Due to the simplicity and compactness of the terminal, getting lost here is practically impossible — simply follow the signs, and you will easily find the zone you need.

The history of Lajes Field Airport (TER) is a unique combination of military strategy and civilian necessity, reflecting the turbulent past of the 20th century. Its story began in 1934, when Portuguese military engineers built a runway here. However, the key moment that defined the airfield's destiny was the Second World War.

In 1943, thanks to an agreement between Portugal and Great Britain, Lajes Airfield became a vital base for the Allies. The British Royal Air Force, and subsequently the US Air Force, used it for patrolling the Atlantic and combating German submarines. This strategic location in the middle of the ocean made Lajes an indispensable link in the transport chain between America and Europe.

After the war, during the Cold War era, the significance of Lajes Field only increased. It became a key base for the US Air Force and NATO, serving as a primary point for refuelling and servicing military transport aviation. The airport played a crucial role during the Berlin Airlift and Operation "Nickel Grass" in 1973, when the US organised massive supply shipments to Israel.

Parallel to the military history, civilian aviation also developed. The first passenger terminal was opened in 1960, connecting Terceira Island and its historic centre, the city of Angra do Heroísmo, with the rest of the Azores, mainland Portugal, and the world. Over time, the terminal has been modernised repeatedly to meet the growing flow of tourists and the needs of local residents.

Among the interesting facts in the airport's history is its status as an official emergency landing site for American Space Shuttles. Today, Lajes Field continues to perform a dual function: it is both an important military facility and the modern aerial gateway to Terceira Island, receiving regular and charter flights from Europe and North America.

Lajes Field Airport (TER), despite its modest size, offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. In the single terminal, you will find several key amenities that will make your journey more pleasant.

For those wishing to have a bite to eat, there are several cafes and snack bars in the airport where you can order coffee, pastries, sandwiches, and other light snacks. There are also shops, including Duty Free, where you can purchase souvenirs, local delicacies, and perfumes. This is an excellent opportunity to buy gifts at the last moment.

For a more comfortable wait, passengers can utilise the services of the SATA Plus Lounge. Here, in a quiet atmosphere, you can relax, enjoy complimentary beverages and snacks, as well as work. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and special stations are provided for charging gadgets.

ATMs (Multibanco) are installed in the airport for cash withdrawals, and there is a currency exchange point. A medical centre operates to provide emergency assistance. Passengers with children can use mother and child rooms equipped with changing tables.

For travellers with reduced mobility, the MyWay service is provided, ensuring accompaniment and assistance during all pre-flight procedures. The terminal is equipped with ramps and special restrooms. There are no hotels directly within the airport building; however, many accommodation options can be found in the nearby city of Praia da Vitória, which is just a few minutes' drive away. Dedicated conference rooms or business centres are not provided in the airport, but the VIP lounge can be used for business meetings or work.

Lajes Field Airport (TER), serving the picturesque island of Terceira, offers passengers several convenient options to have a snack or drink coffee while waiting for a flight. Although the choice of establishments here is not as extensive as in major international hubs, you certainly won't go hungry.

The main dining points are located in the single passenger terminal. In the public area (before security screening), there is a main café-bar. This is an ideal place to spend time with those seeing you off over a cup of coffee. After passing security control, in the departure area (airside), there is another small café where you can refresh yourself directly before boarding.

When travelling around the Azores, be sure to try local treats. In the airport cafes, you can often find traditional pastries and sandwiches. Pay attention to Queijadas da Dona Amélia — famous local spiced cakes that are a hallmark of the island. For a more substantial snack, sandwiches with local cheese or cured meat are excellent options.

If you are short on time, the best choice for a quick snack would be an espresso with the famous pastel de nata pastry. For a more complete lunch, you can take a large sandwich, salad, or a hot toast (tosta). Prices at the airport are moderate, slightly higher than in city establishments, which is standard practice for air hubs.

Opening hours of establishments are usually synchronised with the flight schedule — they open before the first morning flights and close after the departure of the last one. Regarding special dietary requests, the choice may be limited. Vegetarians will likely find salads or cheese sandwiches, but specialised vegan, gluten-free, or Halal meals may not be available. It is recommended to check the ingredients of dishes with the staff in advance.

Planning a trip through Lajes Field Airport (TER) will be easier if you consider a few tips. This airport, located on the picturesque island of Terceira, is an important gateway to the Azores archipelago. Here are several recommendations to help make your journey comfortable.

Arrival Time at the Airport: Lajes Airport serves both domestic and international flights. For flights within the Schengen area or within Portugal, it is recommended to arrive 2 hours before departure. If your flight is heading outside the Schengen area (for example, to the USA or Canada), it is better to arrive 3 hours in advance to calmly complete all formalities.

Check-in and Security Control: To save time, use online check-in on your airline's website. Although the airport serving Angra do Heroísmo is not as large as capital hubs, queues can occur during peak hours. Prepare liquids in a transparent bag (up to 100 ml each) in advance and be ready to remove electronics from your hand luggage for screening.

Seat Selection on the Plane: The Azores are famous for their landscapes. To enjoy the views during takeoff or landing, try to book a window seat. Often, one side offers a view of Terceira Island, while the other overlooks the boundless Atlantic Ocean.

Hand Luggage: Standard rules prohibit carrying liquids in containers larger than 100 ml, sharp objects, and other dangerous items. Be sure to put all valuables, documents, necessary medication, a portable charger, and perhaps a light snack in your hand luggage, as the selection within the airport itself may be limited.

Passengers with Connections: Lajes is not a major transit hub, but flights between the archipelago's islands operate through it. If you have a connecting flight, check with the airline whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage. Leave a sufficient time margin between flights, especially if they are operated by different carriers.

Customs Control: For passengers arriving from countries outside the EU, standard procedures with "green" and "red" channels apply. If you are not carrying goods subject to declaration, feel free to go through the "green" channel. For travel within the EU, there is effectively no customs control.

Saving Time and Money: Besides online check-in, booking a taxi or transfer to the city in advance will help save money. Prices for food and drinks at the airport are generally higher, so you can bring an empty water bottle and fill it after passing security control.

What to Do in Case of Flight Delay: In the event of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative for information. Remember your rights under European regulation EC 261/2004, which may provide for compensation, meals, and accommodation. Waiting options at Lajes Airport are limited, so it is useful to have a book or films downloaded to your device with you.