Airport services news in Portugal

Menzies wins airport ground-handling contracts in Lisbon, Porto and Faro

Essential Business25 Oct

Menzies wins tender for handling services at Lisbon, Porto, and Faro airports

The National Civil Aviation Authority has decided to award the new ground handling licenses at Lisbon, Porto, and Faro airports to SPdH/Menzies Aviation Portugal, thereby retaining the same operator. The ANAC concluded the evaluation process for the licensing conditions of SPdH — Serviços Portugueses de Handling, S.A. today [Friday].

Government extends handling licences at Lisbon, Porto and Faro airports

The licences for this service, currently provided by Menzies (SPdH), formerly Groundforce, may thus be extended for a total period not exceeding two years.

Police sign protocol with immigrant associations to “humanise” airports

Personnel recruited by the associations are being trained to provide support to travellers from the moment they leave the planes until they reach immigration areas to reduce waiting times.

Air France/KLM to switch ground handling services in Portugal from Menzies to Portway

Air France/KLM will no longer be assisted by Menzies for ground handling in Portugal, with operations moving to Portway.

Jornal Económico2 Sept

Regulator confirms exclusion of Spanish consortium for handling and proceeds with Menzies

The aviation regulator has removed the Spanish consortium Union South from the tender for ground handling services at Lisbon, Porto, and Faro airports and has called upon SPdH, the former Groundforce controlled by Menzies, to move forward in the process.

Electric BEN from CEiiA to join Lufthansa in 2027

The BEN vehicle fleet, developed in Portugal by CEiiA, will be tested in September at Porto and Lisbon airports. This is the first time a group of Lufthansa's size has adopted the vehicle.

Lufthansa adopts BEN developed in Portugal by CEiiA

The airline Lufthansa has implemented the BEN system, which was created in Portugal by the engineering centre CEiiA.

AICEP26 Jun

Menzies Aviation strengthens commitment to Portugal with full control of former Groundforce

Menzies Aviation has increased its investment in the Portuguese market by acquiring full ownership of the company formerly known as Groundforce.

Jornal Económico12 Jun

Government prepares legal change to keep Menzies at airports during court battle

Airport assistance remains in the hands of the former Groundforce until at least October. Pinto Luz considers changes to ensure stability during the legal dispute. TAP is preparing an internal solution.

Government extends validity of current handling licences until 25 October

The Government has extended the current ground handling licences for mainland airports (Lisbon, Faro and Porto) until 25 October to ensure service stability during the summer, when there is greater pressure.

ANAC bypasses Menzies' injunction against ground handling tender in court

The National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC) has filed a reasoned resolution in court to prevent the injunction filed by SPdH, majority-owned by Menzies, from halting the administrative procedures for awarding new ground handling licenses at airports, as reported by ECO. The company has already filed the main action contesting the process.

Emirates is back at Lisbon Airport

Home News Emirates is back at Lisbon Airport Emirates is back at Lisbon Airport Emirates has resumed flights to 125 of the 140 destinations it operated. By Bruno G.

Government to extend Menzies' handling licences again

The goal is to ensure service continuity while the tender process and legal disputes regarding the new contract award are ongoing.

Privatisation puts self-handling on TAP's radar with Menzies in the equation

The tender for the allocation of new ground handling licences at the airports of Lisbon, Porto and Faro is causing concern among workers and airlines, given the uncertainty of the process's outcome. One thing seems certain: if the Spanish group is selected, TAP will move forward with self-handling and may subcontract...

Handling: Menzies files for an injunction

In a statement, Menzies explains that the challenge relates to the structure and the way the tender process, promoted by the National Civil Aviation Authority, was conducted.

Clece/South consortium foresees integration of staff and a 'smooth transition'

The Clece/South consortium, winner of the ground-handling services tender, plans a 'smooth transition' at Lisbon, Porto and Faro airports and seeks to ensure continuity of employment for staff, according to IAG.

SATA expects to separate ground handling in March before beginning privatisation

SATA announced today that it expects to formalise in March the separation of its handling (ground assistance services) through the creation of a new company, and to begin the privatisation process for that service.

Clece's Spanish unit wins airport handling tender

The consortium of Spain's Clece and South was ranked first in the final report of the tender for ground handling at Lisbon, Porto and Faro. Menzies, the current operator, disputes the decision.

Airport strike planned for the 31st and 1st has been called off

SPdH/Menzies employs more than 3,700 workers, around 2,070 of whom are directly affected by the ongoing tender process.

Airport strike with minimum services imposed for 31 December and 1 January

During the strike, ground handling assistance must be guaranteed for state, military, emergency, humanitarian and rescue flights.