Modern white and glass terminal exterior at Santa Maria Airport in the Azores with coastal volcanic hills and soft morning light

Airport

Santa Maria Airport (SMA)

Santa Maria Airport is the gateway to the island of Santa Maria in the Azores and the closest arrival point for Vila do Porto. Compare transfer options to Vila do Porto, Praia Formosa, São Lourenço and other island destinations before continuing your journey.

Passengers

Luggage

About Santa Maria Airport

Santa Maria Airport is the only airport serving the island of Santa Maria, the southernmost and easternmost island of the Azores archipelago in Portugal. It is located about 5 km west of Vila do Porto, the island's main town, and serves both domestic inter-island routes and international flights.

The airport was built during the Second World War and officially inaugurated on 26 July 1945. Its 3,048-metre runway is the longest in the Azores, which historically made Santa Maria an important refuelling and stopover point for transatlantic air traffic.

Today, scheduled services are mainly operated by SATA and Azores Airlines, with connections within the Azores typically routed through Ponta Delgada on São Miguel, from where mainland and international links continue. Taxis, a weekday minibus and car rental are available for the short journey into Vila do Porto.

With a compact single terminal offering a bar, café, shop, ATM, car rental and tourism information, the airport provides a convenient arrival point for travellers exploring Santa Maria's beaches, walking routes and coastal villages.

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Terminal Overview

Travelers walking beneath terminal signs inside an airport

Terminals

Santa Maria Airport operates passenger services through a single terminal building serving domestic inter-island flights and international operations. All check-in, arrivals and boarding areas are located within this one terminal.

Ground Transportation Services to and from Santa Maria Airport

Transfers

Book private transfers from Santa Maria Airport to hotels, Vila do Porto, Praia Formosa and other locations across Santa Maria island.

Hourly Chauffeur

Arrange a professional chauffeur by the hour for flexible travel from the airport, business visits or journeys around Santa Maria.

Car Rental

Rent a car from Santa Maria Airport for independent travel around the island and onward visits to beaches and coastal villages.

Bus & Group Transfers

Organise minibuses or charter buses for groups travelling between Santa Maria Airport, hotels, event venues and other island destinations.