Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS)

Common Complaints

• Excessive Immigration Wait Times: Consistently the most significant complaint, with wait times for passport control (immigration) frequently reported as 1.5 to 2 hours, sometimes extending to 3.5 hours for non-EU travelers. E-gates often malfunction, contributing to longer queues.
• Overcrowding and Lack of Seating: Terminals are frequently described as overcrowded, with a severe shortage of seating, particularly after security and passport control, forcing many travelers to sit on the floor.
• Poor Signage and Disorganized Flow: Travelers often find inadequate signage and confusing layouts, leading to difficulties navigating the airport and finding security or gates.
• Unhelpful or Disinterested Staff: Numerous reviews mention unhelpful or grumpy staff at security, passport control, and information desks, which exacerbates the stressful environment.
• Terminal Facilities & Cleanliness: While some toilets are noted as clean, overall, facilities are sometimes described as outdated, dirty (especially bathrooms), and lacking sufficient power outlets or charging stations.
• Delays: Lisbon Airport is identified as Europe's second-most stressful airport in 2025 due to flight punctuality issues, with a low percentage of punctual departures and arrivals.
• Transportation Congestion: While options are good, ride-hailing app pickups can be affected by heavy traffic around the airport during peak hours.

In summary, while Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport benefits from its excellent location and diverse transport links, the overall traveler experience is significantly hampered by severe overcrowding, excessive immigration delays, and subpar facilities that struggle to accommodate the high passenger volume. Travelers are advised to arrive well in advance (at least 3 hours for international flights) and manage expectations regarding wait times and comfort. The Portuguese government is investing in improvements and increasing personnel to address these issues, especially in light of the new European Entry/Exit System (EES).