In May, the Azores experienced a remarkable milestone as the region witnessed a record-breaking number of passengers disembarking at its airports. According to data released by the

Regional Statistics Service (SREA), there were 185,980 disembarkations, marking a significant increase of 20.9% compared to the same period last year.

SREA's publication on air transport statistics states, "In the month of May 2023, 185,980 passengers disembarked at the airports of the Azores, with a positive variation of 20.9% compared to the same month of the previous year." This figure represents the highest number of disembarkations in May since 1986, based on available data from the SREA website.

The previous record was set in 2022, with 153,829 passengers disembarking. The notable growth in 2023 demonstrates the increasing popularity of the Azores as a travel destination.

SREA's report indicates that all the islands of the Azores experienced a positive year-on-year change in passenger disembarkation during May. Some islands saw particularly notable increases, including São Jorge (33.9%), Corvo (30.7%), and Flores (26.3%).

The largest island in the archipelago, São Miguel, welcomed the highest number of passengers, with 108,947 individuals (58.6% of the total) disembarking there. This highlights the significance of São Miguel as a major entry point for travelers visiting the Azores.

The record-breaking numbers in May underscore the Azores' appeal as a sought-after destination, drawing both domestic and international tourists to explore the breathtaking beauty and unique experiences the region has to offer. Photo by Vdugrain, Wikimedia commons.