João Paulo II Airport (IATA: PDL, ICAO: LPPD) serves Ponta Delgada, PT. It has 61 scheduled routes to 39 destinations in 17 countries, operated by 25 airlines.
- Ease of Navigation: Travelers consistently praise the airport for being small, compact, and easy to get around, with a single passenger terminal that is difficult to get lost in.
- Cleanliness: The terminal facilities are generally reported as clean.
- Convenient Car Rental: Rental car offices are conveniently located directly in front of the terminal, making pick-up and drop-off straightforward.
- Efficient Security (sometimes): Many travelers report security checks as quick and hassle-free, with short queues.
- Crowding and Limited Space: The airport is frequently described as too small, crowded, and cramped for the current volume of air traffic, especially in waiting areas post-security.
- Scarcity of Amenities Post-Security: There are limited options for food, drinks, and shopping once past security, with some describing choices as expensive and poor. The main lounge is reportedly closed.
- Insufficient Seating and Charging Ports: Travelers often note a lack of adequate seating, particularly after security, and report that not all charging ports are functional or available.
- Limited Public Transportation to City: Direct public transport options to the city center are scarce, often necessitating taxis or hotel shuttles, which can be less cost-effective for solo travelers.
- Customs and Luggage Issues: Some experiences include "ridiculous behavior" from customs officials regarding luggage rules and potential delays at customs on arrival (30-45 minutes).
Bottom line: João Paulo II Airport offers a convenient and generally clean gateway to the Azores, but its small size and limited airside amenities can lead to a less comfortable experience for travelers, particularly during busy periods. Opting for a taxi or pre-booked transfer is often the recommended way to reach Ponta Delgada city center due to limited direct public transport.
New & changed departures
2 changes to PDL's schedule in the last 90 days.
Want the next one in your inbox?Track PDL and we'll email you every schedule change automatically.
Track all changesRoutes from PDL
39 nonstop destinations · 25 airlines.
Airlines at PDL
25 carriers operate scheduled departures.
Route Network Map
Search flights from PDL
Compare ticket prices across hundreds of booking sites
Search flights from PDLOpens a live price search from PDL — just pick your destination & dates
Airport routes
João Paulo II Airport (PDL) offers 61 flight routes operated by 25 airlines. Major carriers include Sata Internacional, SATA Air Açores, Universal Air Charter and Management and others. Popular destinations from Ponta Delgada include General Humberto Delgado Airport, Lajes Air Base Int., Horta, Santa Maria, Porto / Oporto.
Traveler reviews & tips
From people who've recently flown through Ponta Delgada.
No tips for PDL yet — be the first to help fellow travelers.
Share your tip or review
Help fellow travelers at João Paulo II Airport. Tips are reviewed before publishing.
Common questions about PDL
Quick answers, straight from the schedule data.
How many destinations have nonstop flights from PDL?
João Paulo II Airport has 61 scheduled routes to 39 destinations in 17 countries, operated by 25 airlines.
Which airlines fly from João Paulo II Airport?
25 carriers operate scheduled departures, including Sata Internacional, SATA Air Açores, Universal Air Charter and Management.
Where is João Paulo II Airport located?
João Paulo II Airport is located in Ponta Delgada, PT, at an elevation of 259 ft. Its IATA code is PDL and ICAO code is LPPD.