Which UK airports fly direct to Portugal?

Sun, Sea, and Savings: Your Guide to Direct Flights from the UK to Portugal

Portugal’s stunning coastline, vibrant cities, and delicious cuisine make it a perennial favourite for UK travellers. Luckily, hopping across to this Iberian gem is easier than ever, thanks to a wealth of direct flight options from airports across the UK. Whether you’re eyeing up Lisbon’s historic streets, Porto’s port wine cellars, or the Algarve’s golden beaches, finding a direct flight to suit your needs is simple.

While London’s major airports dominate the Portugal route, regional departures offer increasing convenience and often better value. So, where can you fly direct from?

London’s Leading Trio:

• Heathrow (LHR): As the UK’s busiest airport, Heathrow unsurprisingly offers the most frequent direct flights to Portugal, serving multiple destinations including Lisbon, Porto, Faro, and Funchal (Madeira). This abundance of choice often translates to competitive fares, especially if you book in advance.

• Gatwick (LGW): Gatwick is another key player, providing a wide array of direct flights to popular Portuguese destinations. Competition between airlines here can also lead to attractive pricing, particularly for flights to the Algarve.

• Stansted (STN): Stansted often caters to budget-conscious travellers with direct flights to mainland Portugal and the islands, offering a convenient and cost-effective way to reach your Portuguese paradise.

Regional Departures:

Beyond London, a growing number of regional airports offer direct flights to Portugal, saving travellers time and the hassle of connecting flights. Some key departure points include:

• Manchester (MAN): Manchester Airport provides excellent connectivity to several Portuguese cities, making it a great option for travellers in the North of England.

• Birmingham (BHX): Birmingham Airport offers increasing direct routes to Portugal, providing convenient access for those in the Midlands.

• Glasgow (GLA): For travellers in Scotland, Glasgow Airport offers direct flights, primarily to Faro in the Algarve, making a sun-soaked getaway even easier.

• Other Regional Airports: Beyond these major hubs, keep an eye out for direct flights from other regional airports like Bristol, Edinburgh, and Newcastle. These routes may be seasonal or less frequent, but can offer significant convenience for travellers in those areas.

Tips for Booking:

• Flexibility is key: Travelling during the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) or mid-week can often yield lower fares.
• Compare and contrast: Use flight comparison websites to find the best deals across different airlines and airports.
• Consider all-inclusive packages: Sometimes booking flights and accommodation together can offer substantial savings.
• Book in advance: Especially during peak season, booking your flights early can secure the best prices and preferred flight times.

With so many direct flight options available, reaching Portugal from the UK has never been easier. So, start planning your Portuguese adventure today!