Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport in Porto, Portugal, is at the centre of calls for expansion as passenger numbers continue to soar, with tourism in the region reaching record highs.
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Porto’s tourism industry is reaching new heights, with more visitors flocking to the region every year.
In 2023, Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport welcomed an impressive 15 million passengers, marking a 20% increase compared to the previous year. But as demand surges, questions are being raised about whether the airport can keep up without major expansion plans.
At the IPDT Tourism Conference 2025, held in Vila Nova de Gaia, Luís Pedro Martins, the president of Turismo do Porto e Norte de Portugal, called for immediate action. “We’re not in crisis mode yet, but we can’t afford to delay,” he said. “We’ve seen what years of indecision have done to Lisbon Airport—we must avoid making the same mistakes.”
Planning Porto airport’s expansion for northern Portugal’s tourism growth
Porto’s international airport is a cornerstone of the region’s economy and tourism. With the ability to expand to accommodate up to 40 million passengers, Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport has the infrastructure needed to support future growth—if plans are put in motion now.
“This is the perfect moment to start thinking about the airport’s next chapter,” Martins emphasised. “Sá Carneiro is more than just a transport hub; it’s a key driver of tourism and investment in the North. But without proactive planning, we risk falling behind.”
The growing urgency to expand Porto airport
Tourism leaders are urging collaboration between public and private sectors to ensure Porto remains competitive on the global stage. Martins warned that delaying expansion could jeopardise the city’s position as one of Europe’s leading tourist destinations.
“Tourism is thriving, and we’re in a strong position, but that won’t last forever without careful planning,” he added. “Expanding Sá Carneiro Airport is vital for our long-term success and will solidify Porto’s role as a top destination for travellers worldwide.”
With record-breaking passenger numbers and a booming tourism industry, the message is clear: Porto’s future depends on bold decisions—and it starts with Sá Carneiro Airport.
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