João Paulo II Airport

LPPD / PDL

Ponta Delgada, PT

Last Updated
Mar 4, 11:30Z

Current Weather

Display Units
Fresh 19 min ago
11:30Z

☀️ Day
LIFR
Flight Rules
16°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 15°C
6 kt
250°
0.1 km
Visibility
Ceiling
Unlimited
--
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR LPPD 041130Z 25006KT 0100 R30/0200 -DZ FG VV001 16/15 Q1025

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF AMD LPPD 041031Z 0410/0506 25012KT 0100 DZ FG VV001 TEMPO 0410/0412 2000 -RADZ BR BKN003 BECMG 0412/0414 01020G32KT 9999 NSW FEW015 BKN030 TEMPO 0414/0419 01025G38KT BECMG 0419/0421 01018KT TEMPO 0421/0502 01018G30KT BECMG 0503/0505 03013KT
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
11:49Z BASE
+0h
LIFR 250° 12 kt
Visibility: 0.1 km
Ceiling: 100 ft
Drizzle, Fog
12:00Z BECMG
+1h
VFR 10° 20 kt
Visibility: 10+ km
Ceiling: 3,000 ft
14:00Z TEMPO
+3h
VFR 10° 25 kt
19:00Z BECMG
+8h
VFR 10° 18 kt

24-Hour Weather Evolution

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Data Sources
  • • Current conditions from METAR observations
  • • Historical data from past 24 hours
  • • No forecast or predicted data included
  • • Data updated with each new METAR report
Chart Features
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Note: Future values beyond current TAF validity are estimates based on climatological data and trends. Always verify with current forecasts before flight operations.

Airport Runway Layout

N
PPD
12
30 ✈️

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
✈️ 12/30
Active: 30
8,192 ft 148 ft ASP 111°
3.9 kt 4.6 kt
50° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - LPPD

7,636 observations | Sep 2025 - Mar 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
76.7%
MVFR
13.1%
IFR
7%
LIFR
3.2%

João Paulo II Airport typically experiences VFR conditions 76.7% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 10.2% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the W averaging 11.4 knots, with gusts recorded up to 40 knots. Temperatures typically range between 8°C and 25°C with an average of 17°C. The best months for VFR flying are September, November, December.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: W (270°)
Average Speed: 11.4 kt
Maximum Recorded: 40 kt
Calm Winds: 1%
Direction Distribution:
N
16.2%
NE
6.5%
E
2.5%
SE
3%
S
13.3%
SW
18.7%
W
24.4%
NW
14.4%

Temperature Range

Average: 17°C
Range: 8°C to 25°C
8°C 25°C

Visibility

Average: 10 SM
Below 3 SM: 0%
Fog Frequency: 1.1%

Best Months for VFR

September November December

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 12/30
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 7.7 kt

Statistics computed from 7,636 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Mar 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.

João Paulo II Airport - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: LPPD
IATA Code: PDL
Type: large airport
Status: active
Elevation: 259 ft MSL

Location

City: Ponta Delgada
Country: PT
Latitude: 37.741199°
Longitude: -25.697901°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT+2

Runway Information

Runway 12/30
Length: 8,192 ft
Width: 148 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No

Nearby Airports

VFR MVFR IFR LIFR No Data

About João Paulo II Airport

Overview

João Paulo II Airport serves Ponta Delgada on São Miguel Island in the Azores, Portugal. As a large airport with a substantial 8,192-foot runway, it plays a critical role in regional transportation and serves as a key aviation hub for the Azorean archipelago. The airport's elevation of 259 feet above mean sea level provides a moderate terrain profile for aircraft operations.

Flying Conditions

Located in the mid-Atlantic, João Paulo II Airport experiences maritime climate conditions typical of the Azores, characterized by moderate temperatures and potential maritime weather variations. The airport's geographic position can introduce rapid weather changes, with potential maritime fog and wind shifts that pilots should anticipate. The single runway (12/30) is oriented to accommodate prevailing wind patterns in this oceanic environment.

Notable Features

The airport is situated at coordinates 37.741199, -25.697901, positioned on São Miguel Island with surrounding maritime terrain. Its single asphalt runway provides substantial landing length at 8,192 feet, which supports a wide range of aircraft types and operational requirements. The moderate elevation and island location suggest potential for localized wind gradient and thermal effects during approach and departure.

Approach Considerations

Runway 12/30 offers a significant operational length, providing flexibility for various aircraft categories and approach scenarios. Given the maritime location, pilots should be prepared for potential wind shifts and visibility changes, particularly during seasonal transition periods. The runway's orientation suggests potential crosswind conditions that require careful wind assessment during landing and takeoff operations.

Data Sources & Accuracy: Airport information sourced from OurAirports.com, a collaborative database of worldwide airport data. Weather data from official aviation weather services including NOAA Aviation Weather Center and international METAR/TAF providers. Information is updated regularly but pilots should always verify current conditions and NOTAMs through official channels before flight operations.

Official Data Sources

Weather NOAA Aviation Weather Center • International METAR/TAF Network
Airports OurAirports.com • Public domain airport database
NOTAMs FAA NOTAM System • ICAO NOTAM Distribution
Last updated: Jan 1, 1970 12:00 AM UTC

Disclaimer: Data is provided for informational purposes only. Pilots must verify all information through official sources before flight operations. Weather conditions change rapidly; always obtain a current briefing from approved weather services.