Lajes airport (TER)

Lajes Airport (TER), opened on 4 October 1930, is the main air gateway to Terceira Island in the Azores archipelago. In addition to serving as a hub for inter-island flights, it operates regular routes to mainland Portugal, the rest of Europe, the United States and Canada.

Official Website: aerogarelajes.azores.gov.pt

Telephone: +351 295 545 454

Terminals

The airport has a single passenger terminal, which remains open 24 hours a day to support both civil aviation and the operations of the shared air base.

Annual Traffic (2024): More than 950,000 passengers.

Information Points

A general information desk for traveller assistance is located in the check-in area on level 3. In addition, there is a tourist office in the arrivals hall for enquiries about transport and accommodation on the island.

 Location

The airport is located 4 km (2 miles) south-east of the town of Lajes.

What services does Lajes airport (TER) facilities include

The airport offers a range of essential services designed to facilitate passengers’ stay, distributed across the three levels of the passenger terminal.

Finance and Connectivity

Cash Machines: Multibanco network ATMs are available in the public areas of the terminal for cash withdrawals and other banking transactions.

Postal Services: The airport has a postal services counter (CTT) for sending correspondence and parcels.

Wi-Fi: Complimentary wireless internet access is provided throughout all public and departure areas via the Aerogare.Azores.Gov network.

Food and Drink

The food and beverage offer is mainly concentrated on the upper levels:

• Level 3 (Check-in Area): Restaurant and café with panoramic views, open to the general public.
• Level 2 (Departure Lounge and Public Area): Various cafés and snack options available both to passengers who have passed security and to accompanying visitors.

Shopping and Duty Free

On the second level, passengers travelling to destinations outside the European Union will find the Duty-Free Shop. The airport also features outlets selling newspapers, tobacco, magazines, clothing, accessories and typical Azorean products (local crafts and regional food items).

Baggage Services

• Luggage Trolleys: Available free of charge in the departure areas and in the baggage reclaim hall.
• Lost Property: The handling of items lost within the terminal is the responsibility of the Public Security Police (PSP). You may contact the airport police office to report or claim belongings by calling +351 295 542 683.

Other Services

Designated smoking areas and basic first aid services are available within the terminal. As the facility is shared with an air base, security and order are continuously monitored to ensure passengers’ peace of mind.

Parking services at Lajes airport (TER)

The airport offers outdoor parking areas distributed across several clearly defined sectors, all located within a short walking distance of the passenger terminal and accessible 24 hours a day.

Parking Areas

• P1 (Pick-up and Drop-off): Located immediately in front of the terminal’s entrance and exit doors. It is intended for short stops to drop off or collect passengers.
• P2 (Short/Medium Stay): Situated opposite the main building, this is the closest general parking area for stays of a few hours or days.
• P3–P7 (Long Stay): Located approximately 50–100 metres from the terminal. These are the most economical options for travellers who need to leave their vehicle for extended periods.

Management and Payment

The payment system is automated and managed through payment machines located both inside the terminal and within the parking areas themselves. Charges are calculated based on the length of stay and the selected parking sector.

Note: It is recommended to consult the location map on the airport’s official website to identify the most suitable sector according to the duration of your stay.

Facilities for passengers with special needs

Lajes Airport provides assistance services to ensure that all travellers, regardless of their abilities, can move through the terminal comfortably and safely. It is recommended to coordinate any special requirements in advance in order to guarantee the availability of support staff.

Passengers with Reduced Mobility

In compliance with European regulations, the airport offers a comprehensive assistance service for passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility. This service covers the entire journey from arrival at the terminal to the aircraft seat, including check-in, security and boarding procedures.

Requesting assistance: You must inform your airline or travel agency of your need for assistance at least 48 hours before your flight departure. Upon arrival at the airport, it is advisable to present yourself at least 2 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Meeting point: The main assistance point is located in the check-in area. Assistance can also be requested at the general information desks.

Travelling with Pets

The transport of animals is subject to current European Union health regulations and to the specific policies of each airline.

• Documentation: It is mandatory to present a European pet passport (for travel within the EU) or an official health certificate, as well as up-to-date vaccination records (especially rabies).
• Carriers: Pets must travel in approved carriers that are ventilated, waterproof and appropriately sized to ensure the animal’s welfare.
• Assistance dogs: Assistance dogs may travel in the cabin at no additional cost, provided they comply with official certification requirements and the safety measures established by the airline. It is advisable to inform the airline at the time of booking.