Portimao Airport

Portimao Airport is not just a transport hub, but a true "pocket-sized" gateway to the sunny Algarve for those who value time and unique experiences. Instead of noisy terminals and endless queues, you will be welcomed by the cozy atmosphere of an airfield where the scent of the ocean is felt immediately after stepping off the ramp. This place is best known as a premier destination for skydivers from all over Europe, but it also serves as a convenient arrival point for private pilots and travelers choosing scenic regional flights along the coast.

Features and advantages of the airport:

World Skydiving Center. The airport is home to the famous Skydive Algarve club. Thousands of thrill-seekers fly here to jump with a view of the stunning coastline of southern Portugal. If you are not jumping yourself, watching the canopies in the sky makes for excellent entertainment over a cup of coffee at the local café.

Instant access to resorts. Unlike the large Faro Airport, located an hour away, Portimao is just a 10–15 minute drive from the famous beaches of Alvor and Praia da Rocha. This is the ideal choice for those who want to be on a sun lounger almost immediately after landing.

Exclusivity and speed. Thanks to its modest size, the airport offers incredibly fast processing of all formalities. There are no crowds of tourists here, and the service for private flights and rare scheduled routes (such as the air bridge to Cascais) is conducted in a maximally relaxed mode.

Since Portimao Airport (PRM) is a small regional airfield managed by the city municipality, many services here are consolidated. To resolve any issues — from checking flight times to finding lost items — it is recommended to use the administration contacts.

• Official airport website: cm-portimao.pt (aerodrome page on the municipality website)
• Information desk phone: +351 282 480 360
• Airport Address: Aeródromo Municipal de Portimão, Montes de Alvor, 8500-059 Portimão, Portugal
• Email: aerodromo@cm-portimao.pt
• Social Media: News is published on the pages of the Portimao Municipality (Câmara Municipal de Portimão) on Facebook and Instagram.
• Lost Luggage Information: Contact the aerodrome administration via the general phone number +351 282 480 360 or via email.
• Passenger Support Contacts: +351 282 480 360 (Administration / AFIS)

Getting to the Portimao Municipal Aerodrome (Aeródromo Municipal de Portimão) is quite simple, but its specific nature should be taken into account. Since it is a small regional hub, there is no metro or high-speed airport express trains. The airport is located in the Montes de Alvor area, approximately 7 kilometers from the city center and just a few minutes' drive from the resort village of Alvor. The choice of transport depends on your budget and luggage.

Taxi and Transfer

This is the most convenient and common way to get to the airport, especially if you are carrying skydiving gear. Popular ride-hailing apps (Uber, Bolt) work perfectly in the Algarve, as do local services.

• Travel time: From the center of Portimao or Praia da Rocha, the trip will take about 10–15 minutes. From Alvor — about 5 minutes.
• Cost: A trip from the city center usually costs around 8–12 Euros. From Alvor, the price may be 4–6 Euros.
• Tip: Tell the driver that you need exactly the "Aeródromo" in Montes de Alvor so that you are not accidentally taken towards the train station or the marina.

Public Transport

There are no direct flights entering the airport territory, but you can use the "Vai e Vem" city bus network. Routes running between Portimao and Alvor (for example, Line 14 or 1P) will suit you.

• Stop: You need to get off at the stop in the Montes de Alvor area. From the stop to the entrance of the aerodrome, you will have to walk about 10–15 minutes (approximately 800 meters).
• Cost: A ticket from the driver costs about 1.50 Euros.
• Trains and Metro: There is no metro in the region. The nearest railway station is in the city of Portimao itself (Estação Ferroviária de Portimão), 7–8 km from the aerodrome. It is best to take a taxi from the station to the airport.

Car Rental and Parking

Traveling by rental car is an excellent choice for the Algarve. The airport is located near the national road N125 and the A22 highway (exit to Alvor/Portimão). Access to the terminal is convenient and clear.

Parking: One of the main advantages of this small aerodrome is parking. Right in front of the aeroclub building, there is a free parking zone. There are almost always free spaces here, and you do not need to worry about rates or ticket validation as in large hubs.

Alternative Airports Nearby

Since Portimao mainly accepts private aviation and domestic flights, most tourists arrive in the region via large international hubs and then travel here by ground transport.

• Faro Airport (FAO): The main air gateway to the Algarve, located 57 km away. The transfer to Portimao will take about 45–60 minutes.
• Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS): The capital's airport is located 187 km away. A trip by car or express bus will take about 2.5–3 hours.
• For those traveling through Spain, convenient options may be Jerez Airport (229 km) or Seville Airport (240 km), from where you can arrive by rental car. The nearest Spanish regional hub is Badajoz Airport (247 km), but it is less popular among international tourists.

If you are used to the huge labyrinths of international hubs, Portimao Airport (PRM) will be a pleasant surprise for you. There are no confusing maps, trains between terminals, or long moving walkways here. The entire airport complex is a single, compact building where it is simply impossible to get lost.

Terminal Structure

The airport has one single terminal that serves all types of aviation: scheduled domestic flights (for example, Sevenair airlines), private jets, and the active traffic of the parachute club. The terminal building is a single-story structure combining the functions of a waiting hall, administrative office, and check-in area.

The interior space is organized as simply and efficiently as possible:

• Central Hall: Immediately upon entry, you find yourself in a common space where information and check-in desks are located.
• Skydive Algarve Zone: A significant part of the activity in the terminal is created by the parachute center. Here are the counters for jump registration and briefing zones.
• Café & Lounge: The heart of the terminal. This is not just a place for a snack, but an improvised waiting room with panoramic windows and an open terrace facing directly onto the runway.

Departure and Arrival Zones

In Portimao, there are no jet bridges or buses to the aircraft. All movements are carried out on foot, which adds a special charm to the trip.

• Departure: After a quick check-in and passing security control (which is a couple of meters from the entrance), passengers wait for boarding either in the café or in a small area by the exit to the apron. When the plane is ready, a staff member simply invites you to walk to the aircraft.
• Arrival: Arriving passengers descend the aircraft stairs onto the apron and walk to the terminal building. The distance usually does not exceed 50–100 meters. Baggage claim takes place right here: due to the small number of flights, conveyor belts are often replaced by manual baggage handover or unloading in a direct access zone.

Navigation and Connection Features

The concept of a "transit zone" in the classical sense is absent here. Portimao Airport is the end or start point of the route.

• Transfers between terminals: Since there is only one terminal, transfers are not required. All services are within direct line of sight.
• Sanitary zones and amenities: Restrooms are located in the general hall and are easily accessible for both departing passengers and those meeting them.

Processing Time

One of the main advantages of flying through Portimao is the colossal saving of time.

• Check-in: For domestic flights (e.g., the Portimao — Cascais — Vila Real route), check-in counters usually open 60 minutes and close 20–30 minutes before departure. Queues here are an extremely rare phenomenon.
• Security Check: Security control is fast and in a calm environment. You do not need to remove shoes or belts in a rush, as the flow of passengers is minimal. The entire process usually takes no more than 5 minutes.

Recommendations for Passengers

Despite the simplicity, there are a few tips for a comfortable stay:

• Arrive early for the atmosphere. You don't need to be at the airport 3 hours early, but by arriving an hour early, you can enjoy a cup of coffee on the terrace while watching the skydivers land. It is a free and exciting show.
• Documents at hand. Despite the relaxed atmosphere, aviation security rules are strictly observed here. Keep your ID and boarding pass ready.
• Weather. Since boarding and disembarking take place outdoors, in windy or rainy weather it is worth having a light jacket or umbrella with you, although the run to the plane will take just a minute.

The history of the Portimao Municipal Aerodrome (Aeródromo Municipal de Portimão) is inextricably linked with the development of tourism in the Algarve region. While neighboring Faro turned into a giant international hub, Portimao retained its intimate status, evolving from a simple airstrip into an important hub for small aviation and a European center for parachute sports.

Birth and Early Years

The official birth date of the aerodrome is considered to be August 15, 1971. It was then, on the wave of the growing popularity of southern Portugal as a resort destination, that this air harbor was opened. Initially, the facility was conceived as an auxiliary site for receiving light aircraft of tourists and private pilots wishing to get closer to the western part of the Algarve, bypassing the more distant Faro.

Development Stages and Regional Significance

For a long time, the airport remained an exclusively local facility. However, its role increased significantly with the advent of regular regional air service.

• Integration into the national network: The airport became the southern terminus of a unique route crossing the whole of Portugal from north to south (Bragança — Vila Real — Viseu — Cascais — Portimao). This route, operated by Aero VIP (now Sevenair), became a vital artery connecting remote regions of the country.
• Sports specialization: In the 1990s and 2000s, the aerodrome began to actively attract aviation sports enthusiasts. Thanks to stable weather conditions and low congestion with commercial flights, parachute schools settled here, which determined the modern look of the airport.

Modernization and Reconstruction

Since the aerodrome is managed by the municipality, its renovation takes place in stages. One of the most significant milestones was the large-scale reconstruction carried out in the second half of the 2010s and early 2020s.

• 2010s: Works were carried out to improve the runway surface and update navigation equipment, which allowed for increased flight safety.
• 2021: The aerodrome underwent another phase of modernization. The runway was re-asphalted (its length is about 930 meters), markings were updated, and taxiing zones were improved. These works were critically important for the continued service of regular Sevenair flights and intensive flights of parachute planes.

Interesting Facts from History

Despite its modest size, Portimao Airport has its own "book of records" and curious features:

• Longest domestic flight: The airport receives flights that are part of the longest domestic air route in Portugal. The flight from Bragança (northern border) to Portimao (southern coast) with stopovers takes about 2.5–3 hours, allowing you to see the whole country from the air.
• Hub of records: Thanks to the activities of the Skydive Algarve club, the aerodrome has repeatedly become a place for setting national and European records for group canopy acrobatics and freefall formations.
• Rescue base: Historically, the aerodrome plays an important role in the civil protection of the region. In summer periods, aerial equipment for fighting forest fires is often based here, protecting the natural wealth of the Algarve.

The infrastructure of Portimao Airport (PRM) fully corresponds to its status as a small regional aerodrome. Here you will not find luxury boutiques or chain restaurants characteristic of large international hubs. Services and amenities here are basic, but quite sufficient for a comfortable short wait for a flight or watching skydivers jump.

Restaurants and Shops

The gastronomic center of the aerodrome is the local café, which serves simultaneously as a waiting room and a meeting place for pilots and instructors. This establishment is famous for its laid-back atmosphere and, perhaps, the best view in town: its terrace offers a panorama of the runway and the skydivers' landing zone.

• Menu: Coffee, soft drinks, fresh pastries, sandwiches, and light snacks (the famous Portuguese "tosta mista") are served here. There are no full-service haute cuisine restaurants in the terminal.
• Shops: Duty-Free zones are absent. Trade is limited to the sale of souvenirs related to parachute sports in the Skydive Algarve club zone, as well as the opportunity to purchase essentials at the café.

Lounges and VIP Service

Portimao Airport does not have separate business lounges or VIP lounges for Priority Pass holders. However, thanks to the low congestion and cozy atmosphere, the entire general hall of the terminal can be considered a zone of increased comfort. Passengers can wait for departure on the open terrace, enjoying the sea air and spectacular flights, which for many is much more pleasant than closed air-conditioned halls.

Communication and Finance

Travelers should take care of cash in advance, as banking services on the premises are limited.

• Wi-Fi: Free wireless internet is usually available within the terminal and café area.
• Charging stations: There are no specialized stands with sockets, but if necessary, you can charge a gadget in the café by politely asking the staff.
• Banks and ATMs: There are no currency exchange points or bank branches at the airport. The presence of an ATM (Multibanco) is not guaranteed, so it is recommended to withdraw cash in the city in advance.

Medical Services and Safety

Since the aerodrome is a base for extreme sports, specialists ready to provide first aid are always on duty here. The First Aid Post (Posto de Primeiros Socorros) is equipped with everything necessary for emergency situations. The nearest major hospital is located in the city of Portimao, just a 10-minute drive away.

Passengers with Children

Special mother-and-child rooms or playgrounds are not provided in the terminal. Nevertheless, children are usually not bored here: the opportunity to watch planes and colorful parachutes from a distance of several dozen meters turns the wait into an exciting adventure.

Accessible Environment

The aerodrome is located on one level (ground floor), which facilitates movement for passengers with reduced mobility. The building has no complex passages or stairs. Restrooms are adapted for citizens with limited mobility. When boarding the plane, airline or aerodrome staff provide assistance, as special ambulifts are rarely used here due to the small size of the aircraft.

Hotels Nearby

There are no hotels on the territory of the aerodrome itself, but the convenient location between the city of Portimao and the resort of Alvor offers a huge selection of accommodation within a 5–10 minute taxi ride.

• Penina Hotel & Golf Resort (5 stars): Located just 2 km from the aerodrome. A legendary hotel for lovers of golf and tranquility.
• Alvor Resort Zone: 3–4 km away there are dozens of hotels and apartment complexes for any budget (for example, Pestana Alvor Praia or Alvor Baía Resort).
• Aerodrome Camping: For skydivers and flight school students, places for accommodation are sometimes organized in the immediate vicinity of the dropzone, but this is a specific service requiring clarification at the club.

Business Services

There are no specialized conference rooms or business centers with office equipment in the terminal. If you need to hold a business meeting or print documents, it is better to use the services of business hotels in the Alvor area or the center of Portimao.

The gastronomic map of Portimao Airport (PRM) is as concise as the terminal itself. Here you will not find the usual food courts with chain fast food, fine dining restaurants, or numerous coffee shops scattered across different floors. The entire catering system is concentrated in one point, which, however, possesses a unique charm and is the center of the aerodrome's social life.

Main Meeting Place: Aerodrome Café

The only catering establishment is located in the public zone (landside), to the right of the main entrance. It is a cozy café that serves everyone: passengers waiting for departure, greeters, skydiving instructors, and simply locals who stopped by for a coffee. The main "feature" of the establishment is the spacious open terrace overlooking the airfield. This is an ideal place for a full lunch or a quick snack to the roar of engines of taking-off planes and spectacular landings of skydivers.

Menu and Local Specialties

The café assortment is simple but tasty, with an emphasis on Portuguese classics. If you want to snack "like a local," be sure to order:

• Tosta Mista: A large hot toast with ham and cheese. In Portugal, this is a cult dish for breakfast or a snack, which is prepared excellently here.
• Coffee and Pastries: The Portuguese espresso (bica) here is strong and aromatic. It is often accompanied by a pastel de nata (puff pastry with custard), if they are available in the morning display.
• Dish of the Day (Prato do Dia): At lunchtime (usually from 12:00 to 14:00), the café often offers hot dishes of the day. This could be fried fish, "piri-piri" chicken, or bitoque (steak with egg), served with rice and French fries.

Dietary Food (Vegetarian and Halal Notes)

Given the small size of the establishment, the choice for people with strict dietary restrictions is very limited. Specialized menus (Halal, gluten-free, vegan) are generally not available here.

• Vegetarians: Can order an omelet, salad, or toast with cheese only.
• Vegans: The choice will likely be limited to vegetable salad, French fries, or packaged snacks (chips, nuts).
• Halal Note: Please be aware that meat dishes (like ham in the Tosta Mista) are typically not Halal. It is advisable to stick to vegetarian options or packaged goods if strict Halal dietary laws are observed.
• Tip: If you follow a strict diet (for example, gluten-free), it is strongly recommended to bring food with you.

Prices and Opening Hours

The pricing policy at Portimao Airport will pleasantly surprise those accustomed to markups in large international hubs. Prices here are comparable to ordinary city cafés.

• Average check: Coffee costs about 0.70–1.00 Euro, a sandwich or toast — 3–5 Euros, a full hot meal — 8–12 Euros.
• Opening hours: The café opens in the morning (around 08:30–09:00), adjusting to the start of flights, and works until sunset or the end of the parachute club's jumping session.

Recommendations for Passengers

Since in the "clean" departure zone (airside), after passing security control, there are neither shops nor vending machines, it is recommended to have a snack or buy water in advance while in the general hall. However, considering that security control here is passed 10–15 minutes before departure, you can comfortably spend the entire waiting time on the café terrace.

Traveling through the regional Portimao Airport is strikingly different from the experience in large international hubs. There is no hustle here, but there are nuances related to the specifics of small aviation and small terminals. To make your flight as comfortable as possible, we have collected the most important practical tips.

Optimal Arrival Time

Forget the rule of "arriving 2–3 hours in advance." In Portimao, this simply makes no sense.

• For scheduled flights (Sevenair): Arriving 45–60 minutes before departure is the ideal option. Counters close 20–30 minutes prior, but it is better to have a small margin of time in case of unforeseen circumstances.
• For private flights and jumps: Follow the instructions of your pilot or instructor. Usually, it is enough to arrive 30 minutes before the appointed time.

Check-in and Security Control

Procedures here take place in a homely atmosphere, but aviation security rules are strictly observed.

• Documents: Keep your passport or ID card handy. Even though flights are often domestic, identity verification is mandatory.
• Screening: The process takes a couple of minutes. There are practically no queues. Remember that standard EU rules on carrying liquids (containers up to 100 ml in a transparent bag) apply here too, even if the plane looks like an "air taxi."

Luggage and Hand Baggage: Critically Important!

This is perhaps the most important point for Sevenair scheduled line passengers.

• Size matters: Flights are operated on small turboprop aircraft (like the Dornier 228). Overhead bins for hand luggage are very small or non-existent.
• Tip: Avoid rigid "cabin size" suitcases. It is better to use soft bags or backpacks, which are easier to place in limited space.
• Handover at the stairs: Be prepared that you may be asked to hand over even a small wheeled bag as luggage right at the plane, and it will be returned immediately after landing ("Valet Bag" or "Delivery at Aircraft" procedure).

Choosing a Seat on the Plane

A flight to/from Portimao is primarily an excursion. Planes fly at a relatively low altitude, which guarantees stunning views.

• Where to sit: Seats are usually not fixed in the boarding pass (free seating) or are assigned at check-in to balance the aircraft. If there is a choice, sit by the window.
• Best view: When departing towards Lisbon/Cascais, try to take a seat on the left side to enjoy the view of the rugged ocean coastline. When flying south to Portimao — sit on the right.

Passengers with Connections

Portimao Airport operates on a "point-to-point" principle. There is no transit zone here.

• Connections: If you are flying with a transfer in Cascais or another city on the Sevenair route, check with the crew if you need to leave the aircraft. Often at intermediate stops, transit passengers remain on the plane or wait next to it.
• Change of transport: If you arrived in Portimao to proceed to Faro or Lisbon for an international flight, allow for a minimum of 3–4 hours buffer. Small aviation is more sensitive to weather, and delays happen more often than with large liners.

Customs and Border Control

Most flights are domestic or from Schengen area countries.

• Passport control: Usually absent. Only the correspondence of the name on the ticket to the identity document is checked.
• For private flights from non-Schengen: The airport can accept such flights, but prior notification of the police and customs service is required (minimum 24–48 hours), as there is no permanent border guard post here.

How to Save Time and Money

• Parking: Do not spend money on a taxi if you can be dropped off, or leave your rental car here. Parking in front of the terminal is absolutely free, which is a rarity for Europe.
• Dining: Prices in the aerodrome café are not inflated. Coffee and a sandwich here cost the same as in the city. This is a great way to have an inexpensive snack before the road.
• Water: Since there are no shops after security control, buy a bottle of water at the café counter in the "unclean" zone and drink it before screening, or, if rules permit (check on site), bring an empty bottle and ask for it to be filled with drinking water if such an option is available from the staff.

Actions in Case of Flight Delay

Small aviation is dependent on wind and fog. If the flight is delayed:

• Do not panic in the hall: Go out to the café terrace. Fresh air and the view of skydivers will help pass the time much better than sitting on a plastic chair.
• Have a Plan "B": If the flight is canceled due to weather conditions (for example, strong crosswind), you can get to Lisbon or Faro by ground transport. The railway station and bus station of Portimao are just a 15-minute taxi ride away. Express buses to Lisbon run regularly and take about 3–3.5 hours.