These are operated by major US carriers, United Airlines, American Airlines and Delta Airlines and two major Portuguese airlines, TAP Air Portugal and Azores Airlines, Portugal is getting even closer to the USA.


The US travel market was one of the top recovering markets in Lisbon post-pandemic. Looking at the profile of outbound passengers from the US, they travelled mostly for leisure, visiting friends and relatives and for transfer to other European or African countries, after a leisurely stopover in Portugal to see the sites.

Portugal is being rediscovered as a premium destination by US clients, not only by those that have their family roots linked to the strong emigration, from the North of Portugal and the Azorean islands that occurred in the 19th and 20th centuries. It is also being discovered by all of those looking for a peaceful, sunny, friendly, and historical country that offers many diverse experiences in such a small country – from monuments to breath-taking sceneries, from wine tasting to culinary relishes – Portugal is finally on the top list of dream destinations for many travelers. This ends several decades of confusion with Spain. American people are now finally aware of this small but wonderful independent country that has its borders set since the beginning of the 13th century.

US visitors often tour around the country. They generally stay longer in Lisbon, then usually visit Porto, the Douro and other northern regions. The Alentejo and the Algarve are increasingly on their tourist trail too.

More US residents


Additionally, in 10 years, the number of US citizens living in Portugal more than tripled. According to SEF, there were over 7,000 US citizens living in Portugal at the end of 2021. That is the highest number of Americans living in Portugal over the last 10 years. The amount of Americans living in Portugal rose 45% from the previous year in 2021. As for Portuguese communities in the US, in 2019, it accounted for 170,100 citizens, 76 percent of them living in the East Coast.

This growth has been accompanied by important investments as US companies are now seeing what excellent value Portugal has to offer. For example, several world-renowned US hotel chains are investing in Portugal (The Hilton, Sheraton, Hyatt and Viceroy in the Algarve).

Check United Airlines, Delta, Air Lines American Airlines, TAP Air Portugal and Azores Airlines websites or visit our website (www.ana.pt) for more information on our airports’ services and accessibilities.

by Ana Airports | contactar@ana.pt