Faro Airport

✅ Trip Verified | Without question the worst airport I have ever experienced. Shocking queues at arrival with hundreds of people crammed into a very small space waiting for only 3 border control staff, this process took over 1 hour. What a welcome to Portugal, well done. Some people not wearing masks, no monitoring of this breach, a huge Covid19 risk area. Several days later the departure process was no different. Queues, queues and more queues in congested areas, ditto the Covid risks. One hour required for bag drop off, further lengthy delays throughout the remaining processes, repetitive showing of Passport and boarding pass within the same section, eg security. The end result was a delayed departure because of the airports performance. The Easyjet Captain apologised for your delays. I will avoid Faro in future, Malaga is much more appealing as I recently experienced.

Not Verified | An absolute disgrace. The poorest welcome to any country we have ever experienced and a breeding ground for covid. 100s of tightly packed people amassed in a hall taking 2.5 hours to get through passport control and the border control official in our line was the most inefficient and unfriendliest, even worse than the traditionally unfriendly folk in Russia. Our plans were further disrupted as our pre booked transfer gave up and left us to make our own way to our hotel. All thanks to the shambles that is faro airport. We love the Algarve but the tourism industry needs to get its act together and sort out the airport.

Not Verified | The frequently out of order escalators and the length of walks, together with the stair climbing, makes the airport very difficult for disabled people and the elderly. Furthermore I did not always see lifts where needed. Whilst I am aware that assistance can be obtained sometimes all that is needed is a level walk.

Not Verified | I am just honestly appalled. I’ve just sat and cried for an hour as there is not one place, not one, to get sanitary products. No machines in the ladies bathroom, no pharmacy, nothing in duty free. It is disgusting and disgraceful. Not trying in any way to be a feminist or be difficult but it is a basic need. I spoke to staff and they seem equally disgusted. It needs to change.

✅ Trip Verified | If Portugal gives you an amazing holiday, Faro airport is the price you pay. Despite Covid and airlines recommending that you "arrive in good time" they are still only opening checkouts 2 hours before the flight (or even a few minutes late). Ridiculous. They seem to have no understanding of the impact on stress levels this puts on passengers, many of whom might be hoping to check in early, get through security, and then relax, feed the kids and do some shopping. There is also an extra passport check after security, so keep your passport handy. I don't know why they bother having any stores, you get no time to use them by the time they check everyone in. And don't expect empathy or patience from them if you step out of line. Their automatic reaction is to attack, inconvenience and put people out as they feel untouchable (many of the check in staff are not employed by the airlines which makes it harder to complain). Compared to airports in the UK it is rather parochial. I've used it a number of times and knew that things were never rushed, but to not open early with Covid is crazy. The building works have made it look more modern and clean, its just the staff that need a customer service update.

Not Verified | I don’t even know where to begin but I’ve never had such a lazy, poor check-in in all my years of travelling. The staff members took up to 30 minutes checking in just one customer. Despite the queue building up and not moving their pace still remained the same. There’s clearly a lack of training. It’s actually embarrassing. When trying from London all check in is so fast and efficient, I feel the staff need better training. One staff member had 3 other assistants helping him as he was struggling with something? This isn’t rocket science, especially as the majority already had boarding pass and all they needed to do was check in the luggage. Painful experience. Honestly a 1/10. Do better Faro.

Not Verified | Having a house in the Algarve I use Faro Airport often and has never been a pleasant experience but this evening has been awful. I took my partner for the evening London bound flight and after check in I accompanied him to the security level staying well away from the entrance but waited to say goodbye by the eye level fence which allows view to the security area, only to be confronted by a very angry police staff member and taking in consideration there are no signs that one can not wait in that area his behaviour and level of verbal aggression was unexpected and unnecessary. If only passengers can be on that floor then there should be a security staff member at the bottom of the escalators that give access to that level. I am Portuguese and I'm embarrassed of the lack of training some of the staff have, especially an airport policeman. This is definitely abuse of power.

Not Verified | I am disabled and had what can only be described as a dreadful experience at this airport. Initially we found it difficult to access any assistance, it is only available two hours before your flight. Then when we went through the security check the security person insisted I remove my shoes - something that no one else was required to do - I cannot remove my shoes in the normal way - as I tried to explain this the person became more and more derisive making me feel humiliated and embarrassed. Their whole procedure should be reviewed and their security personnel should be trained to treat those less fortunate than themselves with some degree of empathy. I will not be that eager to return.

Not Verified | We have a house in Portugal and come here 3 to 5 times a year for 20 years. Like many many people we were appalled from lack of airbridge and celebrated when it was granted as we love the Algarve and the people. When we landed, we were greeted by a queue that snacked around arrivals with hundreds of people and two people checking our passports! We believe 3 UK planes arrived during this time. The electronic passport checker was closed. I have never seen such appalling service. Does Portugal not want us back. This was around 9pm at night.

Not Verified | Despite paying for Fast Track and business class. The check in was chaotic and disorganised. I wasted my money as I priority check in was non-existent. When I arrived at security regardless of paying for Fast Track there is none. When I questioned security and the on site Information desk they were rude and disinterested. I spent the next 20 min waiting in a queue at security. If you want to be herded and treated like cattle then this is the airport for you, just don’t pay for anything to make the process less problematic as Faro don’t care.