Sunday, 2 August 2026

A TAP Air Portugal flight bound for Curitiba, Brazil, returned to Lisbon on Saturday after the captain declared an emergency. The Airbus A330 experienced a suspected depressurization issue at 30,000 feet, prompting a descent to 10,000 feet and a fuel-dumping maneuver before landing safely. No injuries were reported among those on board.

The airport operator ANA | VINCI Airports has submitted the final Environmental Impact Study for the new Luís de Camões Airport to the Portuguese Environment Agency (Agência Portuguesa do Ambiente or APA). The 5,000-page report, developed over 18 months by more than 60 experts, evaluates impacts on water resources, noise levels, air quality, and socioeconomics.

Emergency teams have brought several significant wildfires under control, including a major blaze in Mesão Frio and another in Valpaços. While the fire in Valpaços consumed nearly 16,000 hectares and destroyed 20 homes, authorities continue to monitor the areas to prevent potential flare-ups. Additional fires in Vila Nova de Gaia and other regions were also contained without posing risks to local populations.

Portugal recorded three million tourist arrivals in July, generating 800 million euros in revenue. Despite these record-breaking figures, the tourism industry is struggling with a critical labor shortage as workers increasingly prioritize stability and work-life balance over traditional hospitality roles.

Wildfires in the Valpaços, Mirandela, and Vinhais regions have caused significant damage, destroying vineyards, olive groves, and homes. While firefighting efforts are progressing favorably in some areas, the first seven months of 2026 have already seen over 5,700 rural fires, the highest figure in four years. The Valpaços City Council is currently seeking a declaration of a state of calamity (estado de calamidade) from the government to address the losses.

Update: Valpaços wildfire now under control after massive destruction

The wildfire that began in Valpaços last Tuesday is now considered controlled and is in the resolution phase. The blaze consumed over 16,000 hectares across 14 municipalities, damaging 20 houses and forcing the relocation of residents.

Starting this Saturday, new macroprudential measures from the Bank of Portugal (Banco de Portugal) will lower the debt-to-income ratio for mortgage applicants to 45%. While the move aims to protect buyers, banking leaders like Paulo Macedo, CEO of Caixa Geral de Depósitos, anticipate a potential 10% drop in credit production. Experts advise applicants to prepare complete dossiers and consult multiple institutions to navigate the stricter approval environment.

The Socialist Party (Partido Socialista or PS) has formally expressed reservations to the government regarding the new decree-law for the Single Social Benefit (Prestação Social Única or PSU). The party is questioning the proposed payment amounts and access criteria, signaling a potential push for a parliamentary debate on the matter.

Update: Socialists push for parliamentary debate on social benefit

The PS has now formally admitted it will force a parliamentary review of the decree-law. The party remains concerned that the proposed base value of 268.60 euros and new calculation rules could reduce support for some beneficiaries.

Investment in research and development in Portugal reached a record high of 1.82% of the country's GDP in 2025, totaling 5.58 billion euros. While this marks the second consecutive year of growth exceeding 5 billion euros, the figure remains significantly below the 3% target. The increase is primarily driven by higher spending from the private sector.

Municipalities affected by storms earlier this year can now apply for the Municipal Emergency Fund (Fundo de Emergência Municipal or FEM) to cover up to 60% of infrastructure repair costs. Applications remain open until November 30 for local authorities in areas where a state of calamity was declared. Some councils have previously resorted to bank loans to manage the damage while awaiting this state support.

The Judiciary Police (Polícia Judiciária or PJ) have arrested a 64-year-old man in the Penha de França parish of Lisbon for the murder of his 56-year-old housemate. Investigators believe the crime, which involved a stabbing, may have been motivated by disputes over household expenses.

The government has postponed the launch of a new surgery management system for the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS) following criticism from doctors and hospital administrators. The platform, intended to increase patient choice, faced concerns regarding technical flaws and a potential 30% reduction in surgeries at some hospitals. The system will now only be implemented once all units share a unified IT infrastructure.