After 50 years of studies and analysis, the location for the new Lisbon airport has been chosen: Alcochete. The Portuguese Government approved the construction of the new infrastructure at the Alcochete Shooting Range on 14th May, following the recommendation of the Independent Technical Commission (CTI). The future international airport in the capital is expected to start operating in 2034, after which the current Humberto Delgado airport will be dismantled.
Lisbon's new airport plans approved
"The Government has decided to approve the development of the new Lisbon airport for the full replacement of Humberto Delgado Airport at the Alcochete shooting range and to designate it as Luís de Camões Airport," announced Prime Minister Luís Montenegro in a statement to the country following an extraordinary meeting of Portugal's Council of Ministers.
It was on the 11th of March that the ITC published the final report of the strategic environmental assessment of the new airport, maintaining the recommendation of a single solution in Alcochete, the most advantageous, or Vendas Novas, also pointing out that Humberto Delgado + Santarém could be a transitional solution.
For the Prime Minister, the option for a single airport is the "most appropriate solution for the country's strategic interests." "Alcochete, in particular, ensures physical expansion margin, accommodation of demand up to practically three times the current one, and safeguards the maintenance and possible growth of TAP's hub in Portugal," defended Luís Montenegro.
The construction of the new airport in the capital – as well as the associated investment – will be the responsibility of the concessionaire ANA. The Government will not burden the State Budget "with a single euro" for the development of the airport in Alcochete, said Miguel Pinto Luz, Minister of Infrastructure and Housing. The estimated construction cost by the ITC was around 6.1 billion euros, but the Government admits that the investment is expected to be higher.
TAP, ANA, and local leaders applaud the decision
Upon learning of the Government's decision, the mayor of Alcochete, Fernando Pinto, said he was "pleased because, although not within Alcochete's territory, considering the proximity of the town of Alcochete to the epicentre of all decisions, I understand that the impact from this investment is positive for my town and my people."
In turn, the mayor of Benavente, Carlos Coutinho, assured that the municipality "is prepared and available" to host the new airport in the Lisbon region and "serve the country's interests." "For the Benavente region, it is certainly good news because it will ensure development and improve the living conditions of our population [...] and we are prepared to receive such a facility," said the mayor of Benavente in statements to Lusa.
Also, the CEO of the Portuguese airline TAP, Luís Rodrigues, welcomed the Government's decision on the new airport in the Lisbon region, urging that the construction proceed "as quickly as possible and with minimal obstacles." "The new airport has a very long history that does not make us all proud. Having a decision and a process starting now, I think it's healthy for everyone, and it's good that it's happening," said Luís Rodrigues, speaking to journalists in London, where he was to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Lisbon-London air link.
In turn, ANA Airports says it is ready to immediately work on the Government's decision to proceed with an airport in Alcochete and to increase Portela's capacity until the new infrastructure is operational. Thus, ANA guaranteed that it "will follow up on the development process of this decision, according to the Concession Agreement."
Also, Pedro Nuno Santos, the General Secretary of the PS (Socialist Party), welcomed the Government's decision, considering that "Alcochete was the best location." And he notes "the unequivocal support of the PS" for being able to move forward with the solution in Alcochete. "The support of the PS was important to ensure this stability over time so that we do not go back," said Pedro Nuno Santos, recalling that Portugal has been "waiting for over 50 years to decide on the airport's location."
What does the future hold for Lisbon's Humberto Delgado Airport?
For now, Humberto Delgado Airport is set to undergo interventions to increase its capacity. The Government has outlined a plan for works at Portela Airport, "which includes investments postponed for the qualification of already provided services and adds investments to allow greater operational capacity in movements per hour," as stated in a note published on the official Government website.
However, once the new Alcochete airport starts operating in 2034, this infrastructure is expected to be dismantled. In this regard, the Minister of Infrastructure and Housing promised to assess with local authorities, associations, and even residents ways to reuse the land currently occupied by Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon.
"These grounds, without a doubt, need to be decontaminated: there was an airport infrastructure that worked there for almost a century, but it is possible, we will find, together with the local authorities of the region, with the central State, with various associations, with residents of the surrounding area, a way to reuse that space," he assured.
Miguel Pinto Luz also argued that, "in close dialogue with the Lisbon City Council, the Portuguese State, the various ministries, a new centrality" could be developed in the Portela lands where Humberto Delgado Airport is currently located.
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