New Lisbon airport target set for 2034 by government

The Portuguese government has expressed its desire for the new Lisbon airport to open its doors in 2034, which is one to three years ahead of the current timetable being studied by the country’s airport concessionaire, ANA Aeroportos.

Miguel Pinto Luz, the Infrastructure and Housing Minister, formally requested that ANA Aeroportos assess whether the schedule for the future infrastructure can be shortened. If successful, the first aircraft could land at the site in 2034. This request highlights a renewed governmental push to accelerate one of the largest infrastructure projects in the nation, according to a local media report.

Accelerating timelines for the new Lisbon airport

Currently, ANA’s technical planning points towards an opening between 2035 and 2036, while earlier estimates suggested operations might not begin until 2037. Speaking at the VIII Portuguese Tourism Summit in Lisbon, Minister Pinto Luz noted that he had written to ANA to request a collective effort from all involved parties to bring the launch date forward.

Officially named Aeroporto Luís de Camões, the new Lisbon airport will be constructed at the Alcochete firing range on the south bank of the Tagus. It is designed to replace Humberto Delgado Airport as the primary international gateway for the capital city.

The report says that current estimates place the overall cost of the project between €7.9 billion and €8.9 billion (US$8.6 billion to US$9.7 billion) at 2024 prices. The government has confirmed that the facility itself will be funded through private investment. 

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Upon opening, the new Lisbon airport is projected to handle around 56 million passengers annually, with future expansion capabilities allowing capacity to rise to approximately 85 million passengers. Furthermore, integrated road and rail links are planned, with the rail connection anticipated to transport travellers from central Lisbon to the terminal in roughly 20 minutes.

Before building work can officially commence, several critical milestones must be achieved. ANA is scheduled to deliver its financial report in January 2027, followed by the final application for the facility in January 2028. Following this, the government will decide whether to formally invite the concessionaire to proceed. 

According to the report, additional requirements include the demilitarisation of the Alcochete firing range and the completion of essential access infrastructure. Until the new Lisbon airport is fully operational, Humberto Delgado Airport will remain the main aviation hub for Lisbon, despite ongoing concerns regarding congestion and capacity constraints.