LAJES AIRPORT (TER) INFORMATION

Lajes Airport (IATA: TER, ICAO: LPLA) also known as Lajes Field or Lajes Air Base is a multi-use international airfield located in the parish and Vila das Lajes, municipality of Praia da Vitória, Terceira Island, in the Azores. It has an elevation of 88 meters or 180 feet Above Mean Sea Level (AMSL).

Lajes Field, or Lajes Air Base, is officially designated as Air Base No. 4 is a multi-use airfield near Lajes, about 15km northeast of Angra do Heroísmo, situated in Terceira island, Portugal.

Lajes Field is home to the Portuguese Air Force Base and Azores Air Zone Command, also locally called Comando da Zona Aerea dos Acores. This Air Force detachment unit is operated by the 65th Air Base Group of USAF in Europe and Air Forces in Africa.

Lajes Airport has one terminal building with three levels; the first level houses the Arrivals Hall, and the second is where the Departures Hall is situated. The third level is for the check-in counters or the pre-departures area.

Lajes Airport serves Terceira; specifically the towns of Praia da Vitoria and Angra do Heroismo. It is also a hub providing international access to the Azores. It shares a runway, control, and support structure with the military Lajes Field.

Lajes runway is the most extensive among the airports of the Azores, measuring about 4,000 meters in length.

Currently, six airline companies serve Lajes International Airport; SATA Air Azores, TAP Air Portugal, Azores Airlines, Ryanair, TUI, and Aireuropa.

History of Lajes Airport

In 1928, the origin of Lajes started when Portuguese Army Lieutenant Colonel (Lt. Col.) Eduardo Gomes da Silva reported on the possibility of building an airfield on the land of Lajes for the Air Forces aviation service, locally called Aeronáutica Militar. However, there are sudden changes regarding the structure of the land field. Instead of the area in Lajes, it was the location of Achada on São Miguel island, chosen for the airfield construction.

In 1934, the Achada airfield was marked as unsafe for its inadequate ground services and dimensions.

The area was also unsuitable for aviation activities due to its unfavorable weather conditions, which resulted in constructing a landing field with a small group of support facilities for the Portuguese military at Lajes in Terceira island.

During World War II, the airfield was designated Air Base No.4.

The local government expanded the landing strip, sending more military troops and equipment to Terceira, including Gloster Gladiator fighters.

In 1942, military activities in the Azores grew as Gladiators were used to support allied convoys, sent to special missions, and on meteorological air expeditions. To add up, the first Portuguese "Junkers Ju 52" arrived in July of the same year to fly cargo missions.

In 1943, the British and American military were allowed to base rights in Portugal. Within a month of disembarkation on the island of Terceira, in October 1943, the Royal Air Force reconstructed the airfield to lengthen the runway at Lajes Field, allowing them to begin patrolling within the area. The first attack happened in November 1943 on a German U-boat, leading to the submarine's sinking, after which a dozen more attacks on German U-boats followed by the end of February 1944.

After the recurring attacks, German forces stayed out of the British and American patrol areas. The Azores enabled British and American airmen to protect Allied shipping in the area.

On December 1, 1943, British and United States military representatives signed a joint agreement defining the roles and responsibilities of the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) and the United States Navy (USN) at Lajes Field. The agreement established strict implementation of guidelines and limitations for the ferrying of aircraft and the transport of aircraft to Europe via Lajes Field.

In return, the US agreed to assist the British in enhancing and extending their existing facilities at Lajes. Air Transport Command (ATC)- transport planes began landing at Lajes Field immediately after the US signed the agreement.

In June 1944, over 1,900 American airplanes had passed through the Azorean base.

Lajes Field was one of the two lay-overs and refueling quarters for the first trans-Atlantic crossing of non-rigid airships (blimps) in 1944. The United States Navy (USN) also sent six Goodyear-built K-ships from Naval Air Station South Weymouth in Massachusetts upon their first stopover base at Naval Station Argentia, Newfoundland, and then to Lajes Field in the Azores before flying to their final destination at Port Lyautey, French Morocco.

In 1945, two ZP-14 replacement blimps were sent from North Carolina to the Bermudas and Lajes before Craw Field, Kenitra Air Base, at Port Lyautey.

After these events, in 1946, the United States and the United Kingdom gave Portugal back control of Lajes. A temporary agreement was then reached, giving rights to the US military to utilize Lajes Field for an additional 18 months.

In 1949, Portugal joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) military alliance; the use of Lajes was their primary contribution to strengthening the Alliance.

Today, Lajes Field remains Portuguese Air Base 4; The US military resides at Lajes under tenancy status.

Transfer Services at Lajes Airport

Lajes Airport provides accessible transfer services for passengers. All transport vehicles are only allowed to pick up and drop off passengers at the ground transportation center of the facility.

Car rental agencies, taxis, buses, shuttles, and other public transport vehicles have served the airport.

It is recommended for passengers to check what is allowed for hand-carry baggage and check-in baggage. Also, securing personal belongings before and after boarding the aircraft is a must.

Rental Car Services at Lajes Airport

Reserve your vehicles or rent one on-site through Lajes Airport's Car Rental Services.

Some passengers would opt to rent a car, as this is the most convenient and easiest way to explore the island.

There are ten car rental counters inside the terminal. See and compare all rental car companies at Lajes Airport.

Qualified renters must be at least 18 years old with a valid driver's license. However, renters ages 18 to 24 may pay a corresponding young driver's surcharge.

Renters must fill up the necessary information stated in the agreement form. All rental agencies accept cash, credit, and debit cards for payment.

Rental rates may vary depending upon the selected vehicle and agency.

Ride Shares at Lajes Airport

Rideshare transportation services are not famous in the area though there are available vehicles.

One rideshare company that operates on the island is Uber. Interested passengers may download the company's app on their smartphone to book a vehicle.

Rideshare rate may vary depending upon the chosen vehicle and the passenger's point of destination.

Taxis at Lajes Airport

Taxi cabs are accessible outside the terminal. They are only allowed to pick up and drop off passengers in the ground transportation area of the airport.

Lajes International Airport is about 3km to and from downtown Lajes, which is a 5 to 10 minutes drive via EN1-1A or V R and R. Diogo Meneses Avila. See more information about taxis at Lajes Airport.

The estimated taxi fare from downtown Lajes to Lajes International Airport and vice versa starts at €16.00. Some taxi services also charge an additional luggage fee of €2.50 per bag.

Buses at Lajes Airport

Lajes Airport connects to a local bus system, Empresa de Viacao Terceirense (EVT).

EVT buses can only pick up and drop off passengers at the designated bus stop within the airport premises.

A single-way bus fare from the airport to Praia da Vitoria and vice versa costs €1.05. More information about buses to and from Lajes Airport.

Trains at Lajes Airport

Train transit is unavailable in Lajes Airport and the whole town of Praia da Vitoria, Terceira.

Hotel Shuttle Services at Lajes Airport

Hotel Shuttles are allowed to pick up and drop off passengers at the ground transportation area of the airport.

Passengers with hotel reservations may contact their accommodation for their shuttle transfer.

Non-hotel Shuttles also serve the airport. There are available door-to-door shuttle transfers to and from the airport.

Non-hotel Shuttle rates may vary depending upon the passenger's negotiation with the service provider.

Parking at Lajes Airport

Lajes International Airport provides several convenient parking options for everyone.

There is short-term and long-term parking, daily parking, Valet parking, off-airport parking, and the park, sleep and fly parking lot.

These parking lots are located next to the access road, adjacent to the terminal building.

Parking rates may vary depending upon the parking lot you have selected. See more information about short and long term parking at Lajes Airport.

Other Services at Lajes Airport

WiFi at Lajes Airport

Complimentary WiFi service is available throughout the airport facility. You may connect your device to the "Aerogare.Azore.Gov" network.

ATMs at Lajes Airport

Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are conveniently located at levels 1 and 3 of the airport terminal building.

Currency exchange at Lajes Airport

A currency exchange service is not available inside the airport terminal.

Nursing Stations at Lajes Airport

A nursing or lactation room for infant attending mothers is unavailable at the airport.

Restrooms at Lajes Airport

Restrooms are available and open on all three levels of the Lajes airport terminal.

Food and Beverages at Lajes Airport

Restaurants and shops are located on levels two and 3 of the airport terminal.

Smoking at Lajes Airport

Smoking is strictly not allowed inside the airport terminal. However, passengers may smoke outside the terminal.

Lost and Found Section at Lajes Airport

Lost and found objects within the airport are given to airport authorities or taken to the information desk on the terminal's first and third levels.

Passengers may contact the lost and found facility at +351 295 542 683.

Please get in touch with your airline provider for further assistance for missing items during flight or inside the aircraft.

Airport Communication Center at Lajes Airport

Two information desks inside the airport terminal are located at the landside portion.

The SATA information desk is at the third level, where the check-in counters are situated, and the Azores information desk is on the first level within the Arrivals Hall.

Pet Relief at Lajes Airport

There are no pet-relief areas within the airport. However, passengers traveling with their pets must check the requirements and documents.

Baggage Claim at Lajes Airport

The baggage claim area is located at the first level of the terminal at the Arrivals Hall.

There are also baggage carts for passengers who need assistance for convenient and easy luggage transport.

In case of missing baggage, passengers may contact their airline carrier or approach Lajes airport's information counter for assistance.

Disabled Passengers at Lajes Airport

Lajes International Airport provides disabled-friendly facilities accessible for individuals with special needs.

Passengers requiring special assistance may ask for related services ahead of time by contacting the airport facility at +351 295 540 047.

Lajes Airport Contacts

Address: Pedreiras, 9760-251 Lajes, Praia da Vitória, Terceira, Açores

General Phone: +351 295 545 454

Email: acl.geral@azores.gov.pt

Lost and Found Phone: +351 295 542 683

Official Website: https://aerogarelajes.azores.gov.pt

Local Information

Drive on: Right

Electricity: 230V/50Hz

Plug: C and F

Currency: Euro, EUR, EU, €

WiFi at Airport: The airport provides unlimited WiFi inside the terminal. Passengers may connect to the "Aerogare Azores.Gov" network.