The new BA route to Porto in northern Portugal, strictly speaking, is not entirely new, but from February 2016, all BA flights to Porto from London are moved to Gatwick Airport – LGW.
Video introducing Porto in Portugal to new visitors.
Increased number of BA flights to Porto from London
When moving to Gatwick, the number of BA flights will increase to 4 times a week starting out with flights to Porto (and return flights same day) on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
In the summer season, British Airways adds two flights to a total of 6 connections per week to the UNESCO World Heritage city famous for its fortified Port wines and extensive trade with merchants from Great Britain over hundreds of years.
The summer schedule which commences from March 2016, will include daily BA flights to Porto except for on Wednesdays, is in force from March 27th, 2016.
British Airways destinations in Portugal
The Algarve coast is one of the most popular British holiday destinations; so popular that even the British prime minister and his family is known to visit Southern Portugal on a frequent basis.
British Airways operates flights from London-Heathrow in the summer to Faro Airport in the Algarve and from London-Gatwick to the Algarve all year. The British Airways company BA CityFlyer operates flights from Manchester and London-City Airport to Faro Airport in the Algarve.
Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is served by British Airways with daily flights from London-Heathrow.
Other flight to Porto Airport from the London area
As of late 2015, the competition from London on flights to Porto is limited.
Easyjet is by the far the most important competitor with cheap Porto flights from London-Luton and London-Gatwick (as well as from Bristol).
Ryanair is active on the London-Stansted to Porto route and Portuguese flag carrier TAP is flying London-Gatwick to Porto.
For the British Airways flights, a large number of travellers from London will be able to use frequent flyer points (Oneworld alliance). In order to obtain plane tickets for a decent price without frequent flyer points, early booking with British Airways is the way forward.
Travellers arrive to Porto Airport about 8 miles (14 km) north of Porto city centre (Douro River). Metro train service is available at the airport.
For rental cars please see: Cheap car hire rates from Porto Airport