Plan to expand Humberto Delgado Airport was delivered within schedule and will be analysed

The Government received on 1 August from ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal the report on the Humberto Delgado Plan for Expansion (AHD) as set in the Council of Ministers Resolution 67/2024 of 27 May.

The submission of this document falls under the works undertaken by the Group to Monitor AHD Expansion set up through Decree 8171/2024 of 23 July, which featured the participation and contributions of various relevant entities.

The AHD Expansion Plan was a decision of Luís Montenegro’s first Government to adopt a series of measures to boost Humberto Delgado’s capacity. Until Luís de Camões Airport begins operating, which is expected to happen in ten years, it is indispensable to adopt measures at AHD airport that enable it to continue to respond to the growing demand in air traffic.

Among the measures set in Council of Ministers Resolution 67/2024 is included a phased investment plan in all the necessary subsystems to increase the airport’s declared operational capacity up to a maximum of 45 movements per hour.

Given the matter’s complexity and technical specificity, the Government has required an appraisal of the plan presented by the sector competent bodies with a view to its validation.

Once analysed and validated by the relevant entities and with the Government’s approval, ANA will draft an Environmental Impact Study that will then be submitted to the Portuguese Environment Agency, under the applicable law.

This phase is an important milestone in the process to develop airport capacity in the Lisbon area, guaranteeing an effective response to the sector’s needs.

"It is urgent that we do not miss a single day when it comes to the new airport so that 10 years from now, we can be opening it and decommissioning Portela airport. But until then we need to make sur that the restrictions we have at Humberto Delgado are minimised and that we can ensure all users and workers in this infrastructure have the best conditions for their comfort and safety".

Humberto Delgado Airport has been serving Lisbon since 1942. Once Luís de Camões Airport is concluded, the more than 500 hectares at Portela will be returned to the citizens.