A new airport makeover in Portugal will not only generate money for the travel economy but it will also finance the construction of a new bridge over the Tagus River.
Portugal intends to allocate a portion of the revenue from the new Lisbon airport to help fund the construction of a new bridge over the Tagus River.
The project involves a third Tagus crossing, which is expected to improve connectivity between Lisbon and its surrounding areas.
This bridge will also accommodate both road and rail transport, playing a crucial role in regional infrastructure development.
The new Lisbon airport, located in Alcochete, is part of the country’s broader strategy to alleviate congestion at Humberto Delgado Airport and support economic growth.
The airport project is designed to improve long-term capacity and efficiency, with the expected completion timeline stretching into the next decade.
Infrastructure Minister Miguel Pinto Luz stated that the project is expected to cost up to 9 billion euros (approx £7.4 billion) and will be financed through EU funds, public-private partnerships, and airport tariffs, without relying on the state budget..
However, the current airport will undergo expansion to accommodate demand while the new airport is under construction.
It is reported that ANA Aeroportos de Portugal, the airport concessionaire, will present a report to the Ministers of Finance and Infrastructure detailing the conditions required to proceed with constructing the new Lisbon airport in Alcochete.
The airport aims to relieve pressure on the current Humberto Delgado Airport, which has faced capacity challenges amid rising passenger traffic.
Initially planned with two runways, the facility will eventually accommodate up to 100 million passengers annually by 2050, significantly increasing Lisbon’s air travel capacity.
While construction is expected to take years, 2035 is the anticipated operational date for the new airport. In the meantime, a complementary runway at Montijo will help manage the growing traffic by 2026, serving as a transitional solution until the new facility opens fully.
Environmental considerations, stakeholder consultations, and infrastructure enhancements for land connectivity are part of the plan to ensure long-term sustainability and efficiency
