Horta Airport

Horta Airport (Aeroporto da Horta) is not merely a transport hub, but a true scenic viewpoint, opening the gates to the heart of the Azores archipelago. Landing here often becomes one of the most memorable moments of the trip: passengers are treated to a breathtaking panorama of the ocean and the majestic Pico volcano, rising on the neighbouring island directly opposite the terminal. This compact and cosy air terminal immediately immerses guests in the atmosphere of the "Blue Island", offering the tranquillity and absence of bustle characteristic of large hubs.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

Despite its modest size, Horta Airport plays a key role in the life of the central group of the Azores and boasts a number of advantages for tourists:

• Unique Location: The airport is situated on the coast in the parish of Castelo Branco. Its runway is positioned in such a way that, in good weather, the windows of the terminal and the aircraft offer the best view of Mount Pico — the highest point in Portugal.
• Compactness and Speed: Due to the low passenger flow, all pre-flight formalities, from check-in to security screening, take minimum time. There are practically never long queues here.
• Walking Distance to the Ocean: The airport is located very close to the ocean, and a fresh sea breeze greets travellers immediately upon exiting the aircraft.
• Clear Navigation: A single terminal makes it impossible to get lost, and all services — from car rental to cafés — are within sight.

If you need to contact representatives of Horta Airport (HOR), located in the city of Horta, please use the following contact information. Here are the main channels for communication with various airport services.

• Official Website: www.aeroportohorta.pt. Here you will find the current flight schedule, information about services, and rules for passengers.
• Information Desk Phone: +351 292 202 030. You can clarify information about flights and airport operations at this number.
• Address: Aeroporto da Horta, Castelo Branco, 9900-321 Horta, Portugal.
• Email: For general enquiries, it is recommended to use the feedback form on the airport's official website.
• Social Media: The airport is managed by ANA Aeroportos de Portugal. You can follow general news and updates on ANA's official social media pages: Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
• Lost & Found Information: Baggage tracing issues are handled by the handling agent. At Horta Airport, this is SATA. You can contact the service via email: hor.lostfound@sata.pt or by phone: +351 292 202 049.
• Passenger Support Service: To assist passengers with reduced mobility, the MyWay service is provided at the airport. It is recommended to book this in advance through your airline, usually at least 48 hours before departure.

Horta Airport (HOR) is located approximately 9.5 kilometres southwest of the city centre of Horta, on the picturesque island of Faial in Portugal. The journey from the airport to the city centre usually takes about 10-15 minutes, depending on the chosen transport and traffic conditions. You can reach your hotel or catch your flight using several convenient methods.

The fastest and most comfortable way to get to the city is by taxi or pre-booked transfer. The taxi rank is located right outside the arrivals terminal exit. A trip to the centre of Horta will cost on average 15-20 Euros. This option is ideal if you are travelling with a large amount of luggage or simply wish to reach your destination without hassle. Private transfers can be booked online in advance, guaranteeing a driver meeting you with a name sign in the arrivals hall.

For budget-conscious travellers, there is public transport. Faial Island is served by a bus network, and there are routes passing through the airport connecting it to Horta and other settlements. This is the most economical way to travel. However, it is worth noting that buses run according to a schedule that may not be very frequent, especially on weekends. We recommend checking the current schedule on the carrier's official website in advance to plan your time.

If you plan to actively explore the island, the best solution would be car rental. Horta Airport hosts representatives of several international and local rental companies. By renting a car, you gain complete freedom of movement and will be able to visit not only Horta but also the most remote and scenic corners of the island at your own pace. It is better to book a car well in advance, especially during the high tourist season, to ensure the best choice and price.

For those arriving at the airport in their own or rented vehicle, there is convenient parking at the terminal. It offers both short-term and long-term parking options at reasonable prices. This is a good option if you need to meet or see off friends, or leave your car for the duration of your trip off the island.

Thus, the choice of transport depends on your priorities. Taxi ensures speed and comfort, the bus provides maximum savings, and a rented car offers freedom and the opportunity to see all the beauties of the island. Whichever method you choose, the journey to or from Horta Airport will not take much time and will allow you to quickly begin your Azorean adventure.

Horta Airport (HOR) is a small and compact airport serving the island of Faial in the Azores. Its structure is as simple and convenient as possible for passengers, making navigation intuitive even for those visiting for the first time.

The airport operates one passenger terminal, which serves all flights — both domestic (between the archipelago islands and mainland Portugal) and international. Thanks to this, you do not have to worry about transfers between terminals: all processes, from check-in to boarding, take place in one building.

The terminal is a two-storey building. The ground floor houses the main zones: check-in counters, the arrivals area with baggage reclaim belts, and car rental company desks. A small waiting area and a café are also located here. The departure zone and security screening are also on the ground floor; after passing control, you enter the airside zone with several boarding gates.

Check-in and screening procedures at Horta Airport generally proceed very quickly due to the low passenger volume. On average, all formalities take no more than 20-30 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before departure, especially during the high tourist season, to go through all stages without rushing.

Orienting yourself in the terminal is very easy. Signs are clear and duplicated in English. Due to the compact size of the building, it is practically impossible to get lost here. All zones are within walking distance of each other, creating a calm and comfortable atmosphere before the flight.

The history of Horta Airport (HOR) is the story of how a small airfield on a remote island in the middle of the Atlantic turned into an important transport hub. The decision to build an airport on the island of Faial was made in the 1960s, and the official opening took place on 24 August 1971. This event became a turning point for the city of Horta and the entire region, significantly simplifying connections with mainland Portugal and other islands of the archipelago. By 5 July 1972, TAP airline operated the first commercial flight on a Boeing 737, connecting Horta with Lisbon.

A key stage in the airport's development was its transformation into an international air gateway. On 23 October 1985, the airport received its first international flight — a charter from Montreal, Canada. This achievement highlighted the strategic importance of its location. To meet growing demands, in July 1986, the runway was extended from 1,500 to 1,700 metres, allowing it to accommodate larger aircraft.

Further modernisation continued in the 1990s and 2000s. In 1995, the installation of a lighting system was completed, enabling the receipt and dispatch of flights during hours of darkness, making the schedule more flexible and reliable. The most significant reconstruction was the construction of a new passenger terminal, which was inaugurated on 16 December 2001. The modern building significantly increased the level of comfort for passengers and the airport's capacity.

One of the interesting facts from the airport's history lies in its unique location, which makes it not only a tourist gateway but also an important point for private and business aviation crossing the Atlantic Ocean. Today, Horta Airport remains a vital link in the transport system of the Azores, ensuring communication between the islands of the central group (Faial, Pico, São Jorge) and serving as a reliable bridge connecting the archipelago with the rest of the world.

Horta Airport (HOR), despite its compact size, offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. The terminal is designed to ensure convenience and accessibility for all categories of travellers arriving on Faial Island or departing from it.

Dining and Shopping. The airport has several cafés where you can have a snack or buy coffee and light refreshments. There are also shops offering souvenirs, press, and essential goods. Here you will find products from the Azores, which make excellent gifts.

Lounges and Connectivity. For business class passengers and members of the SATA Imagine loyalty programme, the SATA Plus Lounge is available, where you can relax in a quieter environment. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the terminal, and charging stations for electronic devices are available in the waiting areas. ATMs are installed for financial transactions.

Passenger Services. The airport is equipped for the comfortable stay of passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps, specially equipped restrooms, and staff assistance provided upon prior request (MyWay service). For travellers with small children, mother and child rooms are provided. In case of necessity, you can contact the first aid station.

Accommodation and Business Services. There are no hotels within the airport grounds, but many accommodation options can be found in the nearby city of Horta, which is just a few minutes' drive away. There are no specialised conference halls or business centres in the terminal, as the airport is primarily oriented towards serving tourist flows.

Horta Airport (HOR) is a small regional air terminal, so the choice of catering establishments here is limited but quite sufficient for a snack before departure. The main options for food and drinks are concentrated in the main terminal building.

In the public zone of the airport (before security control), there is a café, which is the main place for dining. Here passengers and greeters can order coffee and various refreshing beverages. The menu usually features simple and filling snacks: sandwiches, toasts (for example, the popular Portuguese `tosta mista` with cheese) and various pastries, including the famous `pastéis de nata`. This is an excellent place to pass the time while waiting for a flight or to have a substantial snack.

After passing security control (in the departure zone), the choice is generally more modest. Often there is a small kiosk or counter where you can purchase drinks and light snacks for the journey, such as crisps, chocolate, or packaged sandwiches. We recommend having a full meal in the main café before screening.

Regarding special dietary requirements, finding certified vegan, halal, or gluten-free meals at Horta Airport will be extremely difficult. Vegetarians can count on a cheese sandwich or simple pastries. If you have strict dietary restrictions, it is better to bring food with you. Prices in the café are moderate, slightly higher than in the city, but standard for an airport. Opening hours are usually tied to the flight schedule: they open before the first departure and close after the last one leaves.

To ensure your journey through the airport of Horta goes smoothly, use these tips. Horta Airport (HOR) is small and usually calm, but proper preparation never hurts. It is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before the departure of domestic flights (including flights to other islands of the Azores archipelago and mainland Portugal). For international destinations, it is better to allow a little more time. To save time, complete online check-in if your airline provides this option.

Check-in and security control procedures here are faster than in major hubs. However, during the peak tourist season, small queues are possible. When choosing a seat on the plane, if possible, take a window seat. You will be treated to unforgettable views of the islands of Faial and Pico, especially during takeoff and landing. Regarding hand luggage, standard international rules apply: liquids in containers up to 100 ml must be packed in a transparent bag, and sharp objects are prohibited.

If you have a transfer in Horta, note that this is mainly an airport for direct flights, but it serves connections between islands. Check with your airline whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage. Customs control is only passed by passengers arriving from countries outside the Schengen area. If you are flying from another EU country, you will only need to pass security control. To save money, book flight tickets and transfers from the airport in advance, and bring an empty reusable water bottle to fill after screening.

In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for information and assistance. Since you are in the EU, you are covered by passenger rights under Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, which may include the provision of meals, beverages, and, if necessary, accommodation. Stay calm — remember that you are in one of the most beautiful corners of the world, and even a small delay can be a reason to enjoy the surrounding views.