3 days in Porto? That will do nicely say MIDAS Aviation’s Associate Partner Mark Clarkson

Reflecting on the delays and cancellations of 2022, a weekend break in 2023 might be booked with some hesitation, but Mark’s recent trip to Porto went without issue, prompting us to consider the data and ask if, in terms of resourcing and efficiency, things are only improving.

On the day of departure, Luton Airport had 32 flights scheduled to depart up to 7.15 AM, with easyJet operating 18 of them, and ultimately only one of which was delayed beyond 24 minutes. All flights with any aircraft are important, however for airlines and airports, getting the first flight away on time or close to it is imperative to setting up the day for operational success. The easyJet aircraft that Mark took to Porto operated Luton to Porto, Porto to Luton, Luton to Geneva, Geneva to Birmingham, Birmingham to Geneva, Geneva to Luton in that one day so any significant delays would have had major repercussions with limited opportunity for ‘catch-up’ during the day.

Therefore, it’s natural when booking an evening flight to have a lurking concern that delays can stack up and affect those later flights. On the way back, Mark was flying Ryanair on an aircraft that had been scheduled to operate Stansted to Cluj, Cluj to Stansted, Stansted to Hamburg, Hamburg to Stansted, Stansted to Porto, Porto to Stansted on that day. Despite Mark’s flight being the last of the day for that aircraft it is perhaps testament to the operational efficiency of the airline that it arrived on time.  

Airports and airlines have been working extremely hard to get staffing back to levels to cope with the ‘rebound’ demand and as bad as Summer 2022 was, early signs are that Summer 2023 will be more stable and traveller confidence will return – sometimes best laid plans do work out so let’s see how it unfolds!

Porto is a great choice for travellers looking for a weekend break. The architecture of the city, the dramatic landscape along the banks of the Douro, the options for Port tasting and the coastal location offers a great mix for all tastes. It is also a destination for Harry Potter fans given that is is widely reported as a source of inspiration for J.K. Rowling when writing her books. And for football lovers, soaking in the atmosphere of a live game at FC Porto’s stadium, Estádio do Dragão, is a must – especially when it is the local derby weekend to see FC Porto v Boavista!

With traveller confidence returning, and low-cost airlines delivering on time, Porto is a great choice for travellers looking for a weekend break.