Portugal's New Airport: Government Acknowledges Potential Taxpayer Impact

Concerns Over Funding: The Government is increasingly worried about how the construction of the new airport in Lisbon will be financed. Recently, the ANA submitted its report on the new infrastructure, with Finance Minister Miranda Sarmento expressing hopes that the costs to taxpayers will be minimal. He stated, “If possible, even without any impact on taxpayers, with totally private financing.” The report's implications are being closely watched.

A Major Infrastructure Project: Sarmento emphasized that this will be the largest infrastructure project ever undertaken in Portugal, both in scale and cost, and will eventually fall under the responsibility of an international private group.

Timeline and Expectations: Following the report's submission, the Government has 30 days to analyze it. Infrastructure Minister Miguel Pinto Luz described this moment as “very significant,” marking the start of a crucial journey for the New Lisbon Airport (NAL), which is deemed essential for economic growth and progress in Portugal.

Collaboration and Future Plans: The decision was made with the collaboration of the current airport operator, who had preferred a dual approach that would have maintained operations at Portela Airport alongside Montijo, which would have been less costly. Sarmento stressed the importance of expanding Lisbon’s airport capacity for both the Lisbon Metropolitan Area and the rest of the country, particularly regarding its impact on tourism and business.

Future Developments: The new airport, named after Luís de Camões, is not expected to be completed before 2034 and will start with only one runway, complementing the existing Humberto Delgado Airport. An independent commission has indicated the need for a regulatory framework to enhance the new infrastructure's usage and manage demand at Humberto Delgado. They also noted that revising the concession contract may be necessary to ensure a balanced relationship between the State and the private operator.