In a universe of 25 major hubs analysed by AirAdvisor's Rest and Recharge Index (ARRI), the Portuguese capital stands out for offering above-average conditions in terms of accessibility, 24-hour operation, and a variety of security options within the terminal.

Solid choice

With a score of 22.1, Lisbon establishes itself as a solid choice for the millions of passengers who make connecting flights, especially amid the growing number of intercontinental routes, where physical recovery between flights is crucial.

Lisbon's success in this index, led by Warsaw Chopin Airport, is due to investment in infrastructure that goes beyond retail and catering.

According to Anton Radchenko, CEO of AirAdvisor, access to showers and lounge density are critical differentiating factors.

Dedicated spaces

Lisbon has positioned itself favourably to ensure that transit passengers, subject to overnight or late-night flight layovers, have dedicated spaces to "recharge their batteries." This ability to adapt to modern air transport strengthens Lisbon's competitiveness against larger hubs like Frankfurt and Amsterdam, which are also part of this elite group.

Porto Airport

Conversely, Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport in Porto faces structural challenges regarding passenger comfort during extended layovers.

The northern terminal ranks among the five least prepared in the European Union, placing it at the very bottom with only 15.1 points.

According to the study, this ranking does not reflect the overall quality of service or the usual passenger satisfaction, but focuses exclusively on the scarcity of specific rest areas and limited access to showers, which in Porto are mostly restricted to VIP lounges.

For travellers facing overnight layovers or significant delays, Porto airport also presents limitations in the density of support infrastructure relative to the volume of traffic it handles.

This disparity between the two main national airports underscores a new trend in the sector: rest infrastructure as a competitive factor. While Lisbon invests in the functionality for transit passengers, Porto demonstrates a necessary margin for progress to respond to the reality of modern travel.

For Portuguese passengers or those transiting through Portugal, AirAdvisor reminds passengers that, in case of prolonged delays, Regulation (EC) No 261 guarantees the right to assistance and accommodation. Regardless of the terminal's quality, it is advisable for travellers to keep receipts for expenses and to protect their belongings in guarded areas, using accessories such as earplugs and eye masks to mitigate infrastructure failures at lower-rated airports.