Latest news and stories about travel delays in Portugal for expats and residents.
A recent analysis of train travel between Lisbon and Porto reveals that only 2.7% of services arrived on time between July 27 and August 2. On average, both Intercidades and Alfa Pendular trains are arriving 20 minutes behind schedule, with most delays originating at the departure station.
Lisbon Airport is facing increased operational challenges due to a record rise in non-Schengen passenger traffic. The facility, already operating near capacity, is managing new requirements from the European border control system. These pressures have led to calls for improved infrastructure to handle the growing volume of international travelers.
Two French children, aged three and five, who were abandoned by their parents in Alcácer do Sal last week, have returned to France. The Setúbal Judicial Court confirmed that the repatriation was organized through cooperation between Portuguese and French authorities to ensure the children's well-being. The case remains under investigation following the initial discovery of the minors alone on a road.
The government has approved the creation of a Single Social Benefit (Prestação Social Única or PSU) to consolidate 13 existing support schemes, including the Social Insertion Income (Rendimento Social de Inserção or RSI). The new policy requires working-age recipients to perform up to 15 hours of community work per week, with non-compliance resulting in the loss of benefits. Former Prime Minister Pedro Passos Coelho noted that the measure originated from a proposal by the previous socialist administration, while several left-wing parties have criticized the mandatory social work requirement.
Pedro Passos Coelho is a former Prime Minister of Portugal (2011–2015) and former leader of the centre-right PSD (Partido Social Democrata). His government steered Portugal through the 2011–2014 international bailout and its austerity programme. He remains an influential voice on the right, and his comments on alliances and leadership are closely watched by PSD voters.
The Rendimento Social de Inserção (RSI or Social Insertion Income) is a social support program designed to provide financial aid to households in extreme poverty while promoting their integration into the labor market. It consists of a monthly cash payment combined with a personalized plan that requires beneficiaries to actively seek employment or participate in training programs.
Portugal's public accounts shifted from a surplus in March to a deficit of 1.548 billion euros by the end of April. According to data from the Budgetary Entity, this negative balance represents a significant decline compared to the same period last year, driven by reduced revenue in central and regional administrations. While tax revenue saw a modest 1.2% increase, overall public expenditure grew by 6.9%.
The Public Security Police (Polícia de Segurança Pública or PSP) will deploy 360 new officers to Portuguese airports this July to help reduce waiting times for passengers arriving from outside the Schengen area. PSP spokesperson Sérgio Soares stated that these officers are part of a larger group of 560 new recruits currently completing their border guard training.
The PSP (Polícia de Segurança Pública) is Portugal's national civilian police force, founded in 1867. Responsible for defending Republican democracy and safeguarding internal security and citizens' rights, the PSP polices major cities—Lisbon, Porto, Faro—and large urban areas, covering only 4% of Portugal's territory but roughly half the population. Led by a National Director under the Ministry of Internal Affairs, its approximately 21,500 officers handle preventive policing, crime investigation, public order, airport security, diplomatic protection, private security regulation, firearms licensing, and border control (since 2023).
PSP vs. GNR: The PSP is civilian with police-focused training and urban jurisdiction, while the GNR (Guarda Nacional Republicana) is military (gendarmerie) with military training, covering 96% of Portugal's rural and suburban territory. Both share core public safety missions but differ fundamentally in nature, training, and geographic responsibility.
Wait times at Lisbon's Aeroporto Humberto Delgado reached two hours on Sunday morning during a peak in arrivals. The Polícia de Segurança Pública (PSP) reported that all border control posts were staffed as part of an Easter contingency plan, which includes 30 extra agents in Lisbon. Airport manager ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal confirmed that while waits hit 120 minutes at 08:30, they have since dropped to under an hour.
The PSP (Polícia de Segurança Pública) is Portugal's national civilian police force, founded in 1867. Responsible for defending Republican democracy and safeguarding internal security and citizens' rights, the PSP polices major cities—Lisbon, Porto, Faro—and large urban areas, covering only 4% of Portugal's territory but roughly half the population. Led by a National Director under the Ministry of Internal Affairs, its approximately 21,500 officers handle preventive policing, crime investigation, public order, airport security, diplomatic protection, private security regulation, firearms licensing, and border control (since 2023).
PSP vs. GNR: The PSP is civilian with police-focused training and urban jurisdiction, while the GNR (Guarda Nacional Republicana) is military (gendarmerie) with military training, covering 96% of Portugal's rural and suburban territory. Both share core public safety missions but differ fundamentally in nature, training, and geographic responsibility.
ANA (ANA Aeroportos de Portugal) is the company that manages Portugal's main airports, including Lisbon Humberto Delgado, Porto Francisco Sá Carneiro, Faro, and airports in the Azores and Madeira. Since 2013, ANA has been owned by the French group Vinci Airports following privatization.
ANA is responsible for airport operations, terminal management, and infrastructure investment across its network. The company has been at the center of Portugal's long-running debate over a new Lisbon airport, with plans for a new facility to relieve capacity constraints at the current airport, which is located in the city center.
Passenger traffic at Portuguese airports has grown significantly, with Lisbon consistently ranking among Europe's fastest-growing airports. ANA's investment decisions and concession terms directly affect flight capacity, passenger experience, and connectivity for residents and tourists.
