Gago Coutinho Airport, in Faro, is expected to end 2025 with the best result ever, surpassing, for the first time, the 10 million passenger mark. This performance represents a growth of 6% compared to 2024, consolidating the importance of the Algarve airport infrastructure in the national and European panorama.
Throughout 2025, international connectivity was reinforced with the opening of six new routes: Newark, operated by United Airlines; Helsinki, with Finnair; Reykjavik, with Play; Funchal, with TAP; Riga, with Air Baltic; and Krakow, with Ryanair. Nine new operations were also launched, including Berlin, with Eurowings; Bournemouth and London-Luton, with jet2.com; Zurich, with easyJet; Bordeaux, with easyJet and Transavia France; London-Gatwick, with Wizz Air; London-Southend, with easyJet; and Amsterdam, with Tui Netherlands.
Four new airlines joined the airport’s regular operations, bringing the total number of carriers operating in Faro to 33. Currently, Gago Coutinho Airport is connected to 22 countries and 77 destinations, reinforcing its relevance in the European context.
The United Kingdom remains the main issuing market, representing 46% of total traffic, followed by Germany, Ireland, France and the Netherlands.
Winter 2024/25 was the best ever
The 2024/25 winter was the best ever, with significant growth that contributes to the reduction of seasonality. Between 2015 and 2025, winter traffic more than doubled.
For Thierry Ligonnière, CEO of ANA|VINCI Airports, “Exceeding 10 million passengers is a historic milestone for Faro Airport in the year in which it celebrates 60 years. This result reflects the confidence of passengers, partners, the community and airlines, as well as the commitment of our teams. We will continue to invest to connect the Algarve to the world with an ambitious sustainability strategy to ensure that the future is as promising as this present.”
ANA|VINCI Airports has been investing in the modernization, operational efficiency and quality of service of Portuguese airports. At Faro Airport, highlights include the complete renovation of the passenger terminal’s coverage, the modernization of the air conditioning system and the focus on technological innovation, with the use of biometrics through the Biometrics by VINCI Airports system and the introduction of a new self-service bag drop system, which simplifies the delivery of hold baggage. The company also renewed its fleet with low-emission vehicles and acquired new emergency and rescue vehicles.
Gago Coutinho Airport is also a reference in terms of environmental management, presenting a reduction of more than 80% in scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2025. The strategy implemented at Portuguese airports has promoted the decarbonization of the aviation sector, in conjunction with partners and the community, highlighting measures such as the installation of 100% LED lighting, the electrification of the fleet and the use of sustainable fuels, such as HVO and SAF. Since 2022, a photovoltaic plant installed at the airport guarantees around 30% of the electrical energy consumed.
It integrates the VINCI Airports network, a world leader in airport management, reinforcing the group’s commitment to promoting responsible mobility, global connectivity and sustainable regional development.
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