Portugal Invests Millions to Reduce Lisbon Airport Waiting Times, Boosting UK Visitor Experience: All You Need to Know

Published on November 8, 2025

Portugal is intensifying efforts to strengthen its position as a top tourism destination for travelers from the United Kingdom, the country’s largest foreign visitor market. Recognizing that airport waiting times, particularly at Humberto Delgado Airport, Lisbon are negatively affecting Portugal’s image and visitor satisfaction, the Portuguese government is investing euro five million in 2025 to improve infrastructure, enhance passenger flow, and promote tourism in the vital UK market.

The United Kingdom: Portugal’s Key Tourism Market

The UK remains Portugal’s foremost source country for inbound tourism, accounting for an estimated 2.5 million visitors and more than ten million overnight stays in 2024. British tourist expenditures generated approximately euro 4.13 billion last year, representing fifteen percent of Portugal’s total tourism revenue, a figure that has continued to grow this year.

To maintain and build on this momentum, Portugal has increased its promotional budget in the UK by about thirteen percent compared to the previous year. Investments include regional campaigns, participation at the World Travel Market (WTM) tourism fair, press trips, and targeted advertising designed to highlight Portugal’s diverse tourism offerings.

Addressing Airport Waiting Times to Improve Tourism Experience

The Portuguese government has identified Humberto Delgado Airport (Lisbon) as a critical area needing improvement due to current arrival waiting times ranging from sixty to one hundred twenty minutes, well above the target maximum of fifty-five minutes set by authorities. These delays mainly stem from immigration procedures exacerbated by the recent introduction of the European Entry/Exit System (EES) on October 12, 2025.

EES requires biometric data collection (facial images and fingerprints) of travelers from third countries during first entry, replacing traditional passport stamps. While the system enhances border security, it has initially increased passenger processing times, especially at busy airports like Lisbon.

Government’s Coordinated Response

To resolve this bottleneck and reduce wait times, Portugal’s Ministry of Internal Administration, the Ministry of Infrastructure, and the Agency for International Motor Transport (AIMA) have established a task force dedicated to accelerating improvements at immigration checkpoints. Their focus includes:

• Increasing the number of eGates to process biometric data more efficiently.
• Adding personnel dedicated to passport control to handle the growing volume of travelers.
• Streamlining border control procedures to align with EES requirements without compromising security.

These measures align with Portugal’s ambition to safeguard its tourism reputation and ensure visitor satisfaction during the country’s tourism peak season.

Economic and Tourism Implications

Long airport wait times pose a risk to Portugal’s competitiveness within the Europe tourism market as travelers increasingly prioritize convenience and seamless travel experiences. Negative media coverage, especially in the UK market, has underscored the urgency to act.

By reducing these delays, Portugal aims to protect its business from potential traveler diversions to other Mediterranean and European destinations. Efficient airport operations are key to maximizing tourism revenue, supporting local hospitality, and encouraging repeat visits.

Enhancing Promotional Efforts in the UK

Alongside infrastructure investments, Portugal continues aggressive marketing efforts in the UK, leveraging platforms such as the World Travel Market (WTM) to attract high-spending tourists. The country’s promotional campaigns focus on showcasing Portugal’s cultural heritage, beaches, gastronomy, and new experiences, appealing to diverse traveler segments.

The enhanced investment signals Portugal’s strong commitment to preserving the UK as a strategic market and displays readiness to adapt to evolving traveler expectations and security protocols.

Outlook for Portugal’s Tourism Sector

As Portugal works to minimize airport-related frictions and elevate the traveler experience, experts anticipate a rebound in visitor satisfaction and increased arrivals from the UK. These improvements, combined with targeted marketing and regional development, will continue fueling Portugal’s tourism growth through 2025 and beyond.

The government’s proactive approach enhances not only visitor processing efficiency but also confidence in Portugal as a welcoming, innovative, and secure tourism destination.