Latest news and stories about airport operations in Portugal for expats and residents.
The ANAC has lifted the limitations on the Horta airport runway following a meeting with ANA and other parties. Since Monday, flights from Lisbon had been diverted to Pico.
A prolonged interruption in the supply of kerosene (a petroleum derivative) would have direct effects on airport operations, connectivity, and the European economy, asserts the airport association ACI Europe.
This will be the second time the handling licences of the current service provider are extended. The decision comes while a precautionary measure from Menzies is pending, challenging the tender for licences to operate in Lisbon, Porto, and Faro, which was awarded to the Spanish company Clece/South.
Menzies has a licence to operate until 19 May, but due to the ongoing legal proceedings, this deadline will need to be extended. TAP is evaluating the possibility of performing its own handling.
An injunction against the regulator ANAC's decision to award the ground handling contract to South/Clece has resulted in an extension of the current Menzies/SPdh licence.
Home News EES is fully operational in Portugal EES is fully operational in Portugal The European border control system for non-EU citizens, suspended in December at Lisbon airport due to constraints in the arrivals area, is back in operation, having been gradually resumed, the government revealed
Air Force Two, the presidential Boeing, landed this Tuesday at Sá Carneiro Airport coming from Washington. The plane was parked on the main apron surrounded by several PSP vans and patrols before taking off after one in the afternoon heading to Macedonia.
The European border control system for non-EU citizens, which was suspended in December at Lisbon airport due to constraints in the arrivals area, is operational again and has been gradually resumed, the Government revealed today.
The European border control system for non-EU citizens, which was suspended in December at Lisbon airport due to constraints in the arrivals area, is operational again and has been gradually resumed, the Government revealed this Friday. In a response sent to the Lusa agency, the Ministry of Internal Administration (MAI) states that the European system...
By 5:00 PM, six flights had been diverted to other airports.
The National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC) rejects the criticisms made by Menzies (SPdH) regarding the process of the tender for new ground handling licences at Lisbon, Porto, and Faro airports, ensuring that it complied with the legal framework. The regulator confirms the submission of documentation by the selected consortium, which brings together Clece and...
TAP may move to self-handling if the Spanish consortium Clece/South remains the winner of the international tender for ground handling licenses at Lisbon, Porto, and Faro airports. This assurance was given to workers of Menzies/SPdH, the current operator, which placed second in the tender managed by the National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC). TAP is the main client for Menzies, and if the airline decides not to contract with the Spanish consortium, South's operation could be compromised due to a lack of staff, as TAP would likely absorb the majority of the existing workforce. Meanwhile, Menzies has filed an injunction in court to challenge the tender, and unions are threatening to contest the process, citing concerns over job security and the legality of the criteria set by the regulator.
Sitava, the Union of Aviation and Airport Workers, is considering legal action to challenge the airport handling tender won by the Clece/South consortium, aiming to protect workers' interests. The union criticises the lack of provisions for the transfer of staff and existing company agreements, labelling the process as ideologically driven and potentially damaging to airport operations. Meanwhile, Menzies has already filed an injunction in the Lisbon Administrative and Tax Court, citing concerns over the tender's structure, operational requirements, and the lack of a robust transition framework for employees.
The Clece/South consortium, winner of the tender for ground handling licences at Lisbon, Porto and Faro airports, has submitted the required documentation to the National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC), completing another stage of the process to operate in Portugal, ECO learned from a source close to the matter. The regulator will now assess compliance.
The company states that it disagrees with the design of the tender process and the way it was conducted.
Menzies (SPdH) has filed an injunction with the Lisbon Administrative and Tax Court challenging the structure and conduct of the tender launched by the National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC) for ground handling licenses at Lisbon, Porto, and Faro airports. The company argues that the tender criteria fail to reflect the operational complexity and safety requirements of high-traffic airports, warning of potential service disruptions and risks to Portugal's tourism image due to the lack of a robust transition plan. Menzies, which currently holds the licenses until May, questions the operational viability of the winning consortium led by Iberia, citing concerns over staffing levels and equipment, and seeks to ensure that the final decision prioritizes operational resilience and international best practices.
The company explains that the challenge relates to the structure and the way the tender process, promoted by the National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC), was conducted.
SPdH, majority-owned by the British company Menzies, has filed an injunction at the Administrative and Fiscal Court of Lisbon to challenge the process of awarding ground handling licenses at the airports of Lisbon, Porto, and Faro. This legal action aims to ensure that the process meets the necessary standards of technical rigor and operational realism.
Prime Minister Montenegro states that improvements can be made regarding airport operations.
The consortium that won the licences to operate at Lisbon, Porto and Faro airports must submit data to ANAC by this Monday proving they have the staff and equipment to provide the service. As a result, they are attempting to recruit volunteers in Spain, offering guaranteed housing and meals to those who accept.
Home News Madeira Airport resumes normal operations Madeira Airport resumes normal operations The movement of landings and take-offs at Madeira Airport returned to normal on 4 March.
Disruptions over the last two days have led to the cancellation of more than 70 flights. ANA warns that adverse conditions may affect operations in the coming days.
The Inspectorate imposed the minimum fine of €12,000 on the company that operates Lisbon Airport. The CEO says the obligations set out in the plan to alter structures were “fully complied with”.
The company maintains it fully complied with the obligations set out.
The Clece/South consortium, winner of the tender for handling licences at Lisbon, Porto and Faro airports, is already submitting the documentation requested by the National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC). Menzies, defeated in the tender, says it is preparing a challenge to the result with its advisers...
The final report from the aviation regulator ANAC named the South/Clece consortium the winner of the tender for ground handling at the country’s main airports, a decision Menzies/Spdh is disputing.
The evaluation panel for the ground handling tender found that the Clece/South consortium's proposal provides a better allocation of human and material resources than Menzies'.
easyJet Portugal's director-general says Humberto Delgado Airport is already operating at its limit and needs to become more operationally robust. José Lopes says it is among the worst in Europe for delays.
“Lisbon Airport is one of the worst in Europe” in terms of delays, says EasyJet's head in Portugal, José Lopes.
The president of the main PSP union says a possible plenary meeting would be a response to ANA Aeroportos. Police are committed to the 'unyielding defence of officers' rights' and to denouncing abusive practices.
