Lisbon's air traffic delays have seen a significant reduction of over 30% since the implementation of the Point Merge System (PMS) a year ago. This innovative system has saved more than 200,000 minutes in delays, according to NAV Portugal.
A Leap in Air Traffic Management
The PMS, introduced in May 2024, has transformed the approach to Humberto Delgado Airport and the Greater Lisbon airport system. By July 2024, when the system was fully operational, delays had already decreased by 25% compared to the same month in 2023. This trend continued, with delays dropping by up to 38% in April 2025.
Beyond General Delays
The system's impact is even more pronounced when considering delays directly linked to air traffic control, excluding factors like weather. Reductions ranged from 40.5% in the first month to an astonishing 91.6% in March 2025.
A Sustainable Future
The PMS replaces traditional holding patterns with more direct, predictable, and efficient trajectories. This not only improves efficiency but also reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Further optimizations are planned, including adjustments to altitudes, speeds, and routes, with a focus on environmental sustainability.
Looking Ahead
NAV Portugal is also exploring new takeoff configurations to mitigate noise impact on local communities, balancing operational efficiency with environmental sustainability.
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