Faro Airport traffic numbers increased by 1.8% while traffic at Porto Airport was up by 1.3%.  Lisbon actually showed a decrease of 5.2% for 2008 in comparison to the previous year. Passenger numbers at Azores were down by 5.8%

ANA reported that passenger numbers were affected for eleven months of 2008 because of a sensitive retracting in transport demand and the changing prices of airlines.

Faro, Lisbon, Azores and Porto airports accounted for over twenty three million passengers overall. There was an eighteen percent increase in low budget airline passengers with Easyjet making up fifty five percent of the numbers and Ryanair making up twenty eight percent.

Major Airlines saw a growth of three and a half percent while charter flights dropped by fourteen percent.

There is great competition between airlines at present so it really pays to shop around and find the best price possible. Low budget airlines are fighting a price war to get your bum on their seat.

Aer Lingus announced a sale today offering up to 50% off on certain flights with a minimum 20% discount. Aer Lingus fly to Faro Airport and Lisbon Airport. Flights must be used between March and the end of May and booked within the next 4 days.