Faro - Gago Coutinho International Airport Guide

IATA FAOICAO LPFRFaroUpdated 2026-09-11
Local time
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Faro Airport opened in July 1965 as the main gateway to Portugal's Algarve region. In September 2022 it was renamed Faro - Gago Coutinho International Airport, honouring the naval officer who completed the first aerial crossing of the South Atlantic in 1922. The Portuguese state owns the airport; ANA Aeroportos de Portugal, part of the Vinci Airports group, has operated it since Portugal privatized its airport network in 2013.

The airport crossed 10 million annual passengers for the first time in 2025, up nearly 6% on the 9.8 million recorded in 2024. The United Kingdom supplies about 46% of traffic, followed by Germany, Ireland, France and the Netherlands. New routes launched in 2025 included Newark, Helsinki, Reykjavik and Riga, extending the airport's reach beyond its traditional charter and low-cost markets.

A single asphalt runway, 2,490 metres long, handles all traffic; aircraft movements reached 67,510 in 2025. The airport sits close to Faro's old town and the Ria Formosa wetlands, serving both city-break and beach tourism across the Algarve as the region's only international airport.

Services

5 of 6 available

Compare 27 listed options at Faro - Gago Coutinho International Airport, spanning parking, car rentals, lounges, hotels and shuttles. Each guide sets out locations, distance from the airport, key features and links to book direct, so you can weigh cost against convenience before you fly. Select a service below to see every provider we track for Faro - Gago Coutinho International Airport.

Location

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Key facts

Size
10M passengers (2025)1 runwayopened 1965
Location
37.016, -7.971
Operator
ANA Aeroportos de Portugal (Vinci Airports)

Terminals

1 terminal

Faro - Gago Coutinho International Airport has 1 passenger terminalTerminal, handling both international and domestic flights for around 10 airlines. Check which terminal your airline uses before you travel, as check-in, security and boarding points differ between them, and moving from one to another can take time.

  • TerminalMixed

    Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2.com, Transavia, British Airways, Eurowings, Aer Lingus, TAP, TUI, Lufthansa

    Concourses Concourse A · Concourse B

Nearby cities

4 cities

Faro - Gago Coutinho International Airport is closest to Faro (6 km east), and also serves Olhão, Loulé and other nearby areas. With 4 towns and cities within reach, it is a practical gateway for the wider region. Distances shown are straight-line from the airport, so allow extra time for road transfers, traffic and parking.

  • Faro6 km east
  • Olhão15 km east
  • Loulé16 km north
  • Albufeira46 km west

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the airport codes for Faro - Gago Coutinho International Airport?

Faro - Gago Coutinho International Airport uses the following codes: IATA: FAO, ICAO: LPFR. These codes are used by airlines, pilots, and travel systems to identify the airport.

Where is Faro - Gago Coutinho International Airport located?

Faro - Gago Coutinho International Airport is located in Faro, Faro District, Portugal. The airport coordinates are 37.0159°, -7.9709°.

What services are available at Faro - Gago Coutinho International Airport?

Faro - Gago Coutinho International Airport offers: 4 parking options, 14 car rental companies, 1 lounges, 3 nearby hotels, 5 shuttle services, public transport connections. Click on each service type above to view detailed information.

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