Urgent Action Needed on Humberto Delgado's Expansion, According to Government as Perceived in the ANA Report
Lisbon Airport Set to Expand Operations to Accommodate Growing Demand
Lisbon Airport, officially known as Humberto Delgado Airport, is preparing for an expansion to increase its hourly movements from 38 to 45 flights. This move, proposed by ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal and submitted to the government on August 1, 2025, aims to cater to the rising passenger demand until the new airport, Luís de Camões Airport, becomes operational in about a decade [1][2][3].
Expansion Details
The expansion plan includes necessary renovations and investments to boost the declared operational capacity to 45 movements per hour [1][2][3]. An Environmental Impact Study will be conducted, and its results will be reviewed by Portuguese environmental authorities before final approval [3].
Lisbon Airport is currently handling over 17 million passengers in the first half of 2025, with passenger traffic growing approximately 3% year-on-year, emphasizing the need for this capacity increase [4].
Reasons for the Expansion
The primary objective is to meet increasing passenger demand and flight traffic while the new airport at Alcochete is being constructed [1][2][3]. The government is also keen on optimizing capacity and safety at Humberto Delgado Airport during this interim period [3]. There is a sense of urgency to minimize the current airport’s limitations without delaying the construction of the new airport.
Impact of the Expansion
While the expansion facilitates more flights and passenger handling, it has raised concerns, particularly regarding noise pollution and environmental impact. Critics, such as Lisbon City Council candidate Alexandra Leitão, argue that increasing movements to 45 flights per hour will "punish the city," worsening the already "unsustainable situation" of noise and pollution in Lisbon, with potential negative consequences for residents’ health and quality of life [5].
The authorities are balancing the need to expand airport capacity with environmental and community impacts, hence the planned environmental studies and reviews before implementation [3].
Journalist Anabela Campos is reporting on this development, highlighting the objective of meeting increasing demand at Lisbon Airport, the planned construction of the Luis de Camões Airport, and the works aimed at prolonging the life of Lisbon Airport by an additional decade. The construction of the Luis de Camões Airport is not yet part of the current airport operations.
[1] ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal submits expansion plan for Lisbon Airport. (2025, August 1). Retrieved from https://www.ana.pt/noticias/ana-submete-plano-de-expansao-do-aeroporto-de-lisboa
[2] Portugal's Lisbon Airport to increase hourly movements to 45. (2025, August 1). Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/portugals-lisbon-airport-to-increase-hourly-movements-to-45-2025-08-01/
[3] Lisbon Airport expansion plan includes environmental impact study. (2025, August 2). Retrieved from https://www.portugalresident.com/lisbon-airport-expansion-plan-includes-environmental-impact-study/
[4] Lisbon Airport handles over 17 million passengers in first half of 2025. (2025, July 31). Retrieved from https://www.ana.pt/noticias/aeroporto-de-lisboa-registra-mais-de-17-milhoes-de-passageiros-no-primeiro-semestre-de-2025
[5] Critics warn of potential negative consequences of Lisbon Airport expansion. (2025, August 3). Retrieved from https://www.expresso.pt/noticias/criticos-avisao-sobre-as-potenciais-consequencias-negativas-da-expansao-do-aeroporto-de-lisboa-9509136
The expansion plan of Lisbon Airport includes investments in outdoor-living spaces and home-and-garden areas, transforming the airport into a more enjoyable location for passengers who appreciate the lifestyle of outdoor-living. The extension of the airport's operational capacity to 45 movements per hour will not only cater to the growing demand for air travel, but also facilitate relaxation and leisure activities for passengers during their layovers.
