PICO AIRPORT (PIX) INFORMATION

Pico Airport, with IATA code PIX, is 8km from Madalena on the island of Pico, belonging to one of the two autonomous regions of Portugal, the Azores.

The airport has an altitude of 34 meters or 112 feet above sea level, with an operational runway of 1,745 meters and a width of 45 meters. The runway has fitted LED lights illuminating the path, enabling it to handle night operations using VFR or IFR flight rules. At the same time, approximation tools are based on PI Locators. Pico Airport is managed by SATA Gestao de Aerodromos.

Pico's aviation field facility is divided between two communities, Bandeiras, and Santa Luzia, on the island's northern coastline, along the regional E.R.1-1 roadway between Madalena, the island's capital, and São Roque do Pico.

The facility is currently served by two regularly scheduled charter flights, Azores Airlines, and SATA Air Acores.

Arrivals, Departures and Airlines at Pico Airport

• See live flight arrivals information at Pico Airport
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• See all airlines and routes that serve Pico Airport

Transfer Services at Pico Airport

Get to travel around Pico Island through transfer services such as taxis, car rentals, shuttles, and buses. They are most likely available and accessible on the island, serving several commuters and tourists.

There are also private transfers that offer low-cost rates for travelers. These include minibus, coach, mini coach, taxi, or minivan ideal for the whole family or traveling group.

The airport management also provides an outdoor free car park for every facility guest.

Rental Car Services at Pico Airport

Traveling by rented vehicle is one of the most fulfilling and thrilling trips a tourist could ever experience. It is like driving your own car taking an adventure and going to places you have never been. A unique way to enjoy your trip at your own pace.

Pico Airport is served by various Car Rental companies that offer quality services to every guest on the island.

Qualified renters must be at least 21 years old with a valid driver's license that has been held for one year. However, renters aged 21 to 24 may be subject to underage surcharges. They might also be restricted to specific car models, particularly high-end vehicle types.

For payment, one should also have an international credit card that has sufficient balance to cater to rental fees. A valid identification card or additional proof of identity must also be presented to the car rental company, such as a passport held for at least six months.

Rental fees may vary depending on the company and the chosen vehicle.

See and compare all rental car companies at Pico Airport.

Taxi Services at Pico Airport

Accessibility is one of the qualities transportation should acquire, which taxi services already have.

Taxis are one of the most utilized public transportation on the island of Pico. It is available in almost all areas, serving tourists and commuters.

A taxi rank is available outside Pico Airport's passenger terminal building.

The airport is about a 9km or 10 minutes drive via ER1 (fastest route) from the island's capital, Madalena. The estimated taxi fare between Pico Airport to Madalena and vice versa ranges from €10.00 to €15.00.

See more information about taxis at Pico Airport.

Train Services at Pico Airport

Railroad trains are among the fastest transportation in the world. However, Pico Island does not have a railway system. Therefore, trains are inaccessible in the area, and we do not recommend this transfer mode to guests or visitors. More information about train services near Pico Airport.

Bus Services at Pico Airport

The bus ride on the island is one of the public transportation most commuters take due to its affordable fare. They are also ideal for solo travelers or backpackers who love to mingle with the locals and other tourists while immersing themselves in the community's daily routine.

Pico Island has four bus routes, including Pico Airport, and a bus stop outside the airport terminal, where buses can pick up or drop off passengers. More information about buses to and from Pico Airport.

Bus fare varies depending on the destination of the passenger.

Hotel Shuttle Services at Pico Airport

Shuttle transfers are primarily provided by a private company or mostly offered by hotel accommodations. However, guests are advised to verify their shuttle service reservation from their chosen hotel before their flight to Pico for a hassle-free journey.

Some hotels provide shuttle services as a complimentary feature of their facility, but others offer it for an additional charge.

For more information, visit our hotel page.

Rideshare Services at Pico Airport

Rideshare vehicles are uncommon in Pico Island. They do not exist in any of the areas; therefore, it is highly recommended that travelers or commuters take other transport options such as buses, taxis, car rentals, and shuttles.

Parking Services at Pico Airport

Pico Airport is a small yet generous facility that provides guests a complimentary parking area. It is located on the airport's side runway. The management has also partnered with other parking agencies offering reasonable rates for long-term and short-term stays.

See more information about short and long term parking at Pico Airport.

Other Services at Pico Airport

Pico Island is loved by many because of its distinct ambiance that emits good vibes and brings you coolness with its bluish ocean, sheltering rich marine diversity underneath, which attracts more visitors to the area.

Pico Airport is the gateway to the island, providing other essential services, including WiFi service, a cafe bar, souvenir shops, lounges, an ATM, a Tourism office, and more.

Disabled Passengers at Pico Airport

Facilities for persons with special needs, including those with reduced mobility, pregnant women, senior citizens, and children, are provided inside Pico Airport.

Those requiring special assistance must notify the airport or their airline at least two days before their flight schedule to prepare necessary equipment such as a wheelchair.

WiFi at Pico Airport

Stay connected with your loved ones through your social media accounts, or engage yourself through virtual entertainment by linking your smart devices to the airport's free WiFi access.

Baggage Claim at Pico Airport

Passengers with checked-in baggage may reclaim them at the Baggage Claim Area at the Arrivals Hall. For heavy luggage, please ask for assistance from the airport staff.

If the baggage is lost, delayed, or damaged, please immediately contact your airline provider.

Information Desk at Pico Airport

Pico Airport has a small tourist information office that accommodates the queries of every guest, particularly about traveling around the island. The office is open daily for tourist assistance. Guests may also approach airport staff for further flight information and other facility concerns.

Smoking at Pico Airport

The airport does not have a designated smoking area. However, guests who want to smoke may do so outside the terminal building or away from the facility.

Lost and Found Section at Pico Airport

Passengers concerned about lost and found items, particularly their baggage, may approach any airport staff or directly ask for assistance from their airline provider.

Restrooms at Pico Airport

A few restrooms are available at Pico Airport. Since it is the entry point of the island, all washrooms or toilets are well-maintained and hygienic for all airport guests.

Nursing Mothers Station at Pico Airport

Stations for nursing or breastfeeding mothers are unavailable at the airport. However, there are facilities for persons with special needs that moms could utilize to cater to the needs of their infants. They are located within restrooms.

ATMs at Pico Airport

An ATM is available inside the passenger terminal building of Pico Airport. However, foreign travelers are advised to have some euros before their flight to the island.

Currency Exchange at Pico Airport

Currency exchange counters are inaccessible within Pico Airport. Therefore, foreign visitors should change their banknotes before traveling to Pico for a hassle-free trip.

Food and Beverages at Pico Airport

The airport has limited food hubs due to the facility's small space. It cannot accommodate more amenities because most guests do not stay longer inside the airport. However, a cafe with a few foodstuffs is open daily to serve passengers.

Shopping at Pico Airport

A mini travel shop called "Flight LK 777" sells souvenir items, sweet treats, and magazines inside the airport.

Pet Relief at Pico Airport

Pet Relief Areas or Animal potty sections are unavailable at Pico Airport. However, passengers with traveling pets must consider notifying the airport or their airline provider for specific instructions and other concerns relating to the facility's animal policy.

Ticketing Services at Pico Airport

Pico Airport has check-in counters of corresponding airline carriers serving the landing field facility. However, Pico guests are strongly encouraged to avail of the ticketing services beforehand through the airlines' official booking websites and legit third-party sites offering round-trip and one-way tickets.

History of Pico Airport

During the post-war era, initial research and studies were conducted for a runway construction on the island of Pico; in 1946, a final decision envisioned building an airport terminal on Faial Island.

On May 5, 1976, the construction of a landing strip and passenger terminal building started on Pico Island under the initiative of the Portuguese army. However, the project was completed under the administration of the Regional Government of the Azores.

The runway was inaugurated on April 25, 1982. In this period, the runway was only 1,200 meters, with limited capacity to accommodate large aircraft. This infrastructure was built in a morphological zone that only permitted construction-oriented east to west, exposing it to dominant southerly winds and raising questions about its original construction.

In 1990, the new ATP aircraft's arrival for SATA Air Açores' fleet led to the extension of the runway to enhance operations with this type of airliner. Upon completing this runway extension, it reached 1,520 meters or 4,990 feet in length and widened to 30 meters or 98 feet.

A dozen years later, the airport's landing strip was once again extended to support future medium-size jet or turboprop aircraft: at its inauguration, the new runway extended to 1,745 meters, a new terminal structure was completed with a car park area, a new control tower, first aid station, and firefighting centers, in addition to new cargo warehouse.

In April 2005, Pico welcomed its first direct flight from Lisbon. The airport had stable connections with Lisbon via TAP Portugal until 2015, Azores Airlines from 2015 to the present, and inter-island flights to other islands.

In 2008, SATA Air Açores was responsible for the movement of 58,000 passengers from the airport. Also, the ILS system was installed around 2010.

About Pico, Portugal

Pico Island, locally known as Ilha do Pico, is an isle in Portugal's Central Group of Azores. The terrain features a volcano called Ponta do Pico, the highest peak in Portugal, among the Azores, and the most elevated of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.

In the Portuguese tradition, according to poet Raul Brandão, Pico is called the Ilha Preta, which means "Black Island" for its volcanic ground covered with black soil which nourishes its UNESCO vineyards; this became a significant contribution to Pico Island's economic development. Pico is also the second largest and, geologically speaking, the most recently developed island of the Azores, around 300,000 years old.

Weather in Pico, Portugal

The summers in Pico Island are short but warm and muggy; the winters are long, cool, wet, windy, and partly cloudy all year round. Over the year, the temperature typically varies from about 13°C to 26°C and is rarely below 10°C or above 27°C.

It is said that the best time of year to visit the island for hot-weather activities is from mid-July to early September.

The warm season lasts 2.5 months, from July 10 to September 24, with an average daily high temperature above 23°C. The hottest month in Pico is August, with an average high of 25°C and a low of 21°C.

The cold season lasts for 5.2 months, from November 30 to May 3, with an average daily high temperature below 18°C. The coldest month of the year in Pico is February, with an average low of 13°C and a high of 17°C.

Tourists coming to the island mostly favor clear, rainless daytimes with perceived temperatures between 18°C and 27°C. Based on this tourist preference, the best time of year to visit Pico for public outdoor activities is from the late days of June to the early weeks of September, with a peak visit in the third week of July.

Useful Contact Details

Local and foreign visitors must always be aware of emergency services, especially in unfamiliar places. Knowing and searching for essential information, such as contact details of the community or regional hospital and police stations, are a must in case of crisis.

Portugal National Emergency Phone: 112

Portugal's National Emergency Hotline is 112. Callers to this number mainly seek assistance in emergencies, such as medical, crime, fire, maritime distress, etc. Below are some essential contact details on Pico Island.

Hospital

Centro de Saude da Madalena- Medical Center

Address: R. António Francisco de Sousa 527, Madalena, Portugal

Phone: +351 22 713 8511

Police Station

Madalena Police Station

Address: Rua Engenheiro Álvaro Freitas , Madalena, Portugal

Phone: +351 292622860

Website: N/A

Pico Airport Contact

Address: 9950-011 Bandeiras, Portugal

General Phone: +351 292 628 380

Lost and Found Phone: +351 292 628 380

Information Desk: +351 292 628 380

Official Website: https://www.caisdopico.pt/p/avioes.html

Local Information

Drive on: Right

Electricity: 230V/50Hz

Plug: C and F

Currency: Euro, €

WiFi at the Airport: Pico Airport offers a complimentary WiFi service to all its guests.