Menzies has expressed disappointment after losing the ground‑handling tender for Lisbon, Porto and Faro airports to the Spanish consortium Clece/South and says it is reviewing legal options to challenge the decision. The company warned of a 'high risk of operational disruptions' tied to transfer timelines and labour issues if the handover goes ahead as planned. Travellers and those with imminent flights should monitor airline notices and airport communications as potential service or staffing disruptions could affect travel.
Menzies may legally challenge ground‑handling tender award
Monday, 19 January 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
Ground handling covers the on-the-ground services airlines need at airports — check‑in, baggage handling, aircraft turnaround services (refuelling, cleaning), passenger boarding assistance and cargo handling. Ground‑handling licences determine which companies provide these services at airports like Lisbon, Porto and Faro, so tender outcomes affect service quality, potential delays, staff jobs and airline costs.
ANAC (Autoridade Nacional da Aviação Civil) is Portugal's national civil aviation regulator, responsible for safety oversight, licensing and economic regulation of airlines, airports and ground-handling services. It oversees tenders and issues licences such as the recent ground-handling awards for Lisbon, Porto and Faro, so its decisions directly affect airport operations, service providers and related jobs.
