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Regarding the new airport, ANA Aeroportos expects it to open in mid-2037, or, with schedule optimisations to be negotiated with the Government, by the end of 2036.
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.
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.
The company is challenging the process conducted by ANAC in the Administrative Court and questioning the operational capacity of the winning consortium, warning of transition failures that could affect passengers, workers, and the operation of major airports.
João Oliveira, a PCP Member of the European Parliament, has questioned Brussels regarding the European Commission's pressure to privatise Azores Airlines. The MEP highlights the critical need for regular air links between the Azores and mainland Portugal, noting that Ryanair recently ceased operations there after being denied increased public subsidies. Oliveira expresses concern that TAP might stop flying to the Azores following the privatisation, despite government assurances that routes would be maintained. He criticises the potential impact of the sale, questions the European Commission's aggressive stance, and demands to know how social and territorial cohesion will be safeguarded.
Porto Airport reaches its 80th anniversary with 17 million passengers, inaugurates a €50 million investment in the runway and terminal, and is already planning a new phase of growth. The Prime Minister challenges ANA/Vinci to do 'more and faster', after highlighting that the French company has one of the most profitable operations in the world in Portugal.
The Prime Minister guarantees that the privatisation of TAP will only proceed if the airline's commitment to all airports in the country is safeguarded. The Liberal Initiative (IL) requested an urgent debate in the Assembly of the Republic regarding Iran.
Jorge Almeida, Mayor of Águeda, argues that the intervention aims to create operational conditions to safely accommodate larger capacity aircraft.
“There will be no privatisation [of TAP] if we do not guarantee that our airports, including Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, will have the potential, in terms of the company's activity, that they deserve and that is required in light of the country's strategic interest,” the Prime Minister states. Porto Airport celebrates its 80th anniversary today.
Luís Montenegro stated this Monday that the privatisation of TAP will not proceed unless the airline's commitment to all airports in the country is secured. The head of the executive warns the company Vinci that 'it is possible to do more and faster' at national airports. During the 80th anniversary celebrations of Sá Carneiro airport, Montenegro guarantees that the government will not waive deadlines, costs, and requirements regarding airport works and the privatisation of TAP.
Prime Minister Luís Montenegro stated that the privatisation of TAP will not move forward unless the airline's commitment to all national airports is guaranteed. During the 80th anniversary of Porto Airport, he emphasised that this requirement is a fundamental pillar of the process. Montenegro also urged Vinci, the airport concessionaire, to accelerate investments across the country, noting that Portugal is their most profitable operation globally, and reiterated the government's focus on the rapid construction of the new Lisbon airport alongside development in Porto, Faro, and the autonomous regions.
The Prime Minister states that this is a “cornerstone” for any future agreement.
Prime Minister Luís Montenegro stated that the privatisation of TAP will not move forward unless the airline's commitment to all national airports is secured. He also urged Vinci to accelerate investments in Portuguese airports, noting that Portugal is the company's most profitable operation globally.
Luís Montenegro guarantees that the privatisation of TAP is conditional on the strengthening of the company's operations at all national airports.
The Prime Minister guaranteed this Monday that 'there will be no privatisation of TAP' if the candidates do not provide a 'guarantee of utilising the entire airport capacity' of the country, beyond Lisbon, classifying this requirement as a 'cornerstone' in the company's privatisation process. 'There will be no privatisation if we do not ensure that our airports, including...'
As the use of this war tactic grows, experts fear that the impacts could go far beyond the battlefield.
The same Gol Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes that announced its international expansion with four weekly flights from Rio de Janeiro to Lisbon starting September 16 is the same company that faced one of the most serious crises in Brazilian aviation history between 2024 and 2025. After filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the US to restructure its finances, the airline is now seeking to recover by launching new international routes, introducing premium classes, and diversifying its fleet with Airbus A330-900 aircraft, while maintaining its partnership with TAP Air Portugal.
A Brazilian airline will begin operating direct flights between Lisbon and Rio de Janeiro four times a week, challenging TAP's dominance.
GOL Linhas Aéreas begins direct operations on 16 September connecting Rio de Janeiro International Airport (GIG) to Lisbon (LIS), with four weekly flights. The new route marks the company's debut on Portuguese soil and is part of its expansion as an intercontinental operator.
Home News Humberto Delgado Airport with new rules Humberto Delgado Airport with new rules At Humberto Delgado Airport, planes will now take off more quickly to reduce noise in urban areas. By Bruno G.
The president of NAV, the country's air navigation manager, says the solution lies in the construction of a new airport.
Lisbon airport failed to meet 12% of summer slot requests, with officials warning that infrastructure constraints are negatively impacting the national tourism sector.
The privatisation jury for Azores Airlines has recommended rejecting the Atlantic Connect Group's sole admitted bid — an offer of €17 million for 85% of Azores Airlines' share capital — on the grounds that it does not safeguard the interests of SATA and the Azores region. SATA said it is analysing the panel's recommendation.
