Consortia win ground‑handling tenders amid dispute
Final jury reports upheld the victory of a Spanish consortium (reported variously as including Iberia's handling arm and Clece/South Spain teams) in the public tender to operate ground‑handling at Lisbon, Porto and Faro airports, while the incumbent SPdH/Menzies signals it will appeal. Coverage highlights the award decision and confirms the administrative record supports the jury's choice, but two outlets emphasise different lead partners in the winning bid. Travellers and airport workers should watch for possible legal challenges and operational changes if carriers switch providers.
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.
