Sao Jorge Island Airport

São Jorge Island Airport is not merely a point on a map, but a truly picturesque gateway to the world of the "Dragon Island" and its famous fajãs. Located on a unique lava terrace at the very edge of the Atlantic Ocean, it turns every landing into a breathtaking excursion with views of the majestic Mount Pico on the neighbouring island. Thanks to its cosy atmosphere and lack of hustle, this air harbour allows travellers to instantly switch to the measured rhythm of Azorean life, where the ocean breeze greets you right at the aircraft steps.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

The main highlight of the airport is its fantastic location. The runway is laid along the coast on a "fajã" — a flat piece of land of volcanic origin, which offers passengers incredible panoramas of the ocean and rocky cliffs even before touching the ground. In clear weather, the best view of the neighbouring Pico Island and its famous volcano opens up from here.

Travellers especially appreciate this airport for its comfort and speed of service. The terminal is so compact that the journey from the plane to the city exit takes mere minutes, and getting lost here is simply impossible. Friendly staff and the absence of long queues make the beginning and end of a holiday on São Jorge as comfortable and peaceful as possible.

Below you will find the main contact information for São Jorge Island Airport (SJZ), which serves the island of São Jorge in Portugal.

• Official Website: You can find up-to-date information on flights, services, and regulations on the official website of Aeroporto de São Jorge.
• Information Desk Phone: For general information, you can call: +351 295 401 240.
• Airport Address: Aeroporto de São Jorge, 9800-422 Queimada, Ilha de São Jorge, Açores, Portugal.
• Email: For general inquiries, you can use the email of the Azores airports operator: sata.aerodromos.sa@sata.pt.
• Social Media: News and updates are published on the official page of Azores Airports on Facebook.
• Lost & Found Information: If you have lost items within the airport terminal, contact the Lost & Found service via email at sjz.lost.found@sata.pt. For issues regarding lost checked baggage, you should contact your airline directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For passenger assistance, the general information desk phone is used: +351 295 401 240.

São Jorge Island Airport (SJZ) is the main air gateway to the eponymous island in Portugal. It is located approximately 9-10 km from Velas, the largest town on São Jorge island, making the journey there quick and convenient. Transfer options are typical for the smaller Azores islands, where preference is given to private transport.

Taxi and Private Transfer

The simplest and most reliable way to get to the airport is by taxi. The trip from the centre of Velas takes only 10–15 minutes. The cost is generally around 10–15 Euros. Cars can be found at designated stands in the town or ordered by phone. You can also book a private transfer in advance, which is particularly convenient if you are travelling with a large amount of luggage or want to ensure a car is available at the needed time.

Car Rental

Car rental is the most popular choice among tourists wishing to explore the island at their own pace. Most rental companies have offices both at the airport and in Velas. You can pick up a car upon arrival and return it right at the airport before departure. This not only solves the transfer issue but also provides complete freedom of movement for the duration of your stay. In high season, it is recommended to book a vehicle in advance.

Public Transport

There is a network of public buses on the island connecting the main settlements. However, direct and regular routes to the airport may be limited or non-existent. The schedule changes frequently and is not always convenient for passengers with early morning or late evening flights. This option suits those who are not in a hurry and wish to save money, but for travelling to catch a flight, it is considered not the most reliable. It is recommended to check the current schedule on site.

Airport Parking

São Jorge Airport has a car park where you can leave your vehicle for a short or long term. This is a convenient option for those arriving at the airport in a rental car to return it before departure, or for local residents. Given the small size of the airport, finding a free space is usually not difficult.

São Jorge Island Airport (SJZ) is a small regional airport, so its structure is very simple and convenient for passengers. It consists of one passenger terminal, which serves all domestic flights connecting the island with other parts of the Azores archipelago.

The terminal is a compact single-storey building where all processes are organised as efficiently as possible. The airport layout is extremely clear: departure and arrival zones are located under one roof but have logically separated flows. Thanks to this, navigation poses no difficulties even for those visiting for the first time. There is no need for transfers between terminals, as there is only one.

The Departure Zone includes several check-in counters, a security checkpoint, and a small waiting hall with boarding gates. The Arrival Zone consists of a baggage claim hall and an exit to the general part of the terminal, where passengers are met and where car rental desks are located. All key points are within walking distance of each other.

Due to its compactness and moderate passenger flow, all pre-flight formalities at São Jorge Airport proceed very quickly. Flight check-in and security screening usually take no more than 15-20 minutes. Despite this, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1-1.5 hours before departure to check in luggage and pass controls without haste. It is practically impossible to get lost here — all signs are clearly visible, and staff are always ready to help.

The history of São Jorge Island Airport (SJZ) is, above all, a story of overcoming isolation and connecting with the rest of the world. The official opening of the air harbour took place on April 23, 1983. This event became a turning point for the entire island of São Jorge, which until that moment relied exclusively on maritime connections with other islands of the Azores archipelago and mainland Portugal, often interrupted due to weather conditions.

The construction of the airport was a strategically important project intended to ensure stable communication for residents and promote economic development. Initially, the runway was designed to accommodate small turboprop aircraft, ideally suited for short inter-island flights. The first flights were operated by SATA Air Açores, and this immediately changed daily life on the island, making travel, goods delivery, and medical assistance much more accessible.

Over the years, the airport has undergone several stages of modernisation to meet growing needs and modern aviation standards. A key development was the reconstruction and extension of the runway in the early 2000s. This allowed for the accommodation of more modern and capacious aircraft, such as the Bombardier Dash 8 Q400, which remain the main "workhorses" on inter-island routes today. The passenger terminal was also updated to enhance comfort and safety while maintaining its compactness.

One of the most remarkable facts about the airport is its unique location. It is built on a so-called *fajã* — a narrow strip of land at the foot of high volcanic cliffs, formed by ancient lava flows. This makes the landing and take-off process not only a technically challenging task for pilots but also an incredibly picturesque spectacle for passengers. The main achievement of São Jorge airport is not passenger traffic records, but its role as a vital artery that has ensured the island's connection with the world for decades.

São Jorge Island Airport (SJZ) is a small regional airport offering a basic set of services for a comfortable wait before your flight. Given its compact size, the infrastructure here is simple and functional, oriented towards serving short domestic flights.

Dining and Shopping: The terminal features a small café where passengers can purchase snacks, sandwiches, pastries, and beverages. It is an excellent place to have a bite before departure. There is also a small shop offering mainly souvenirs, press, and essential goods. Large restaurants and Duty Free shops are absent.

Terminal Amenities: Generally, free Wi-Fi is available in the airport building. The number of power outlets for charging electronic devices may be limited, so it is better to carry a portable power bank. Specialised VIP halls or business lounges are not provided. There are no bank branches or currency exchange points, but an ATM may be installed. It is recommended to exchange currency in advance in larger cities.

Passenger Services: Mother and child rooms are equipped for travellers with children. The airport is also adapted to serve passengers with reduced mobility — staff will provide necessary assistance during boarding and disembarking. Basic medical services can be provided by airport staff, but a specialised medical centre is absent. There are no hotels, conference halls, or business centres on the territory of São Jorge Airport; the nearest accommodation options should be sought in the town of Velas and other settlements on the island.

The airport of São Jorge island (SJZ) is a small regional facility, so the choice of dining establishments here is quite modest. Passengers should not expect a food court with numerous restaurants, as found in major hubs. Typically, all opportunities for a snack are concentrated in one café located in the main hall of the terminal.

This establishment is located in the public zone (landside), before security control, so it can be used by both departing passengers and those seeing them off. The menu usually presents:

• Quick snacks: sandwiches, toast, crisps, and other light bites.
• Pastries: croissants, local sweets, and buns.
• Beverages: coffee, tea, juices, water, and soft drinks.

For passengers requiring a full hot meal, the airport is not the best choice. There are no restaurants offering set meals here. Furthermore, options for people with strict dietary requirements (vegan, gluten-free, or Halal meals) are practically absent. If you need a substantial meal or follow a specific diet, it is strongly recommended to do so in one of the establishments in the town of Velas before arriving at the airport.

Prices in the airport café are moderate but slightly higher than in the town. Opening hours directly depend on the flight schedule: the café opens before the first departure and closes after the last plane leaves. It is an ideal place to quickly drink a coffee and eat a sandwich while waiting for boarding, but nothing more.

Travel through the airport of São Jorge island usually proceeds calmly and without fuss, as it is a small regional airport primarily serving flights between the islands of the Azores archipelago. Nevertheless, a few tips will help make your trip even more comfortable. It is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 1.5 hours before the departure of a domestic flight. This time is more than sufficient to check in, drop off luggage, and pass security control without haste.

Check-in and security procedures here are significantly faster than in major hubs. To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides such an option. Security control is standard, but due to the small flow of passengers, queues are rare. When choosing a seat on the plane, prefer a window seat. Flights between the islands of Portugal are often accompanied by stunning views of volcanic landscapes and the Atlantic Ocean, which are not to be missed.

Hand luggage rules are standard: restrictions apply to liquids (up to 100 ml in one container, with a total volume of up to 1 litre), sharp objects, and other prohibited items. If you are carrying the famous local Queijo São Jorge cheese as a souvenir, check the transport rules with the airline — some types of cheese may require special packaging or must be checked in as luggage.

Since the airport mainly serves local flights, long layovers here are rare. If you have a connection between flights in the Azores, it will likely be short. Customs control as such is absent for passengers travelling within the Schengen area, to which all of Portugal belongs. You will only need to pass security control.

To save money, book flight tickets and car rental in advance, especially during the high season (from June to September). Travelling light, with only hand luggage, will also help avoid baggage fees. In case of a flight delay or cancellation, which sometimes happens due to changeable Atlantic weather, contact your airline's counter. Staff will provide information on the new departure time and, depending on the duration of the delay, may offer vouchers for meals or hotel accommodation in accordance with EU air passenger rights.