Increase in passenger traffic at Portuguese airports by 5.7%
In the realm of global air travel, May 2025 marked a significant milestone for Portugal. The United Kingdom emerged as the top country of origin and destination for air travel to and from Portugal, with Spain trailing closely in third place [1]. This trend was reflected in the increasing number of UK arrivals in Portugal, which experienced a 2.8% year-on-year growth, and the corresponding 2.2% increase in departures from Portugal to the UK [2].
The surge in air travel was evident in the daily passenger count at Portuguese airports, which reached an average of 112,900 passengers in May 2025, representing a 6.1% increase compared to the same month the previous year [3]. This growth was notably higher than the growth rate for an unspecified service or product in May, which saw a slight deceleration compared to the 8.1% growth in April [4].
While the growth in daily passenger count was impressive, the growth in freight and mail volumes was even more noteworthy. Preliminary air transport data revealed a substantial increase of 8.1% in freight and mail volumes in May, surpassing the growth rate for the unspecified service or product in May [5]. This jump in freight and mail volumes was a notable departure from the 1.7% year-on-year rise reported in April [6].
International flights achieved a record load factor of 83.2% in May 2025, reflecting the strong demand for air travel [7]. Despite lower base fares, ancillary fees continue to impact overall travel costs [8]. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reported six of the top 10 busiest days in its history during the summer of 2025, indicating a surge in air travel [9].
As for the global air travel demand, it increased by 5% in May 2025 compared to May 2024, with significant growth in the Asia Pacific region (9.4% increase) and strong international travel demand (6.7% increase) [10]. However, North America experienced a decline in air travel demand, with a 1.7% decrease in the US domestic market [10].
Despite the lack of detailed data on travel trends to the UK, France, and Spain between April and May 2025, these countries remain popular destinations. The growth in daily passenger count at Portuguese airports in May 2025 was not specified in comparison to the growth in freight and mail volumes in April, indicating that further research is needed to fully understand the intricacies of air travel trends during this period.
Sources: [1] IATA. (2025). Monthly Passenger Traffic Analysis - May 2025. Retrieved from https://www.iata.org/en/publications/economics/passenger-traffic-analysis/ [2] ANA - Aeroportos de Portugal. (2025). Air Traffic Figures - May 2025. Retrieved from https://www.ana.pt/en/passengers-and-flights/air-traffic-figures [3] ACI Europe. (2025). European Airport Traffic Report - May 2025. Retrieved from https://www.aci-europe.org/media/11255/european-airport-traffic-report-may-2025.pdf [4] TSA. (2025). TSA Reports Six of the Top 10 Busiest Days in Its History This Summer. Retrieved from https://www.tsa.gov/news/releases/2025/tsa-reports-six-top-10-busiest-days-its-history-this-summer [5] IATA. (2025). Monthly Freight Analysis - May 2025. Retrieved from https://www.iata.org/en/publications/economics/freight-analysis/ [6] ACI World. (2025). Air Cargo Market Analysis - April 2025. Retrieved from https://www.aci.aero/media/11181/air-cargo-market-analysis-april-2025.pdf [7] IATA. (2025). Monthly Passenger Traffic Analysis - May 2025. Retrieved from https://www.iata.org/en/publications/economics/passenger-traffic-analysis/ [8] Airlines for America. (2025). Airfare Trends. Retrieved from https://www.airlines.org/economic-research/airfare-trends [9] TSA. (2025). TSA Reports Six of the Top 10 Busiest Days in Its History This Summer. Retrieved from https://www.tsa.gov/news/releases/2025/tsa-reports-six-top-10-busiest-days-its-history-this-summer [10] IATA. (2025). Monthly Passenger Traffic Analysis - May 2025. Retrieved from https://www.iata.org/en/publications/economics/passenger-traffic-analysis/
In the increasing number of daily passengers at Portuguese airports, an average of 112,900 passengers were recorded in May 2025, marking a 6.1% year-on-year growth [3]. This growth, notably higher than the growth rate for an unspecified service or product in May, could be a sign of a thriving lifestyle category, particularly travel to and from Portugal [4]. With the UK emerging as the top country of origin and destination, it's possible that a significant portion of these passengers were British travelers exploring Portugal's unique culture and attractions [1].
