“While we welcome the confirmation by the Portuguese Government of a new Lisbon airport, which will provide much-needed growth in air travel and tourism to Lisbon, against the backdrop of the current restriction of slots and the unsuitable Portela airport, we are disappointed with the choice of Alcochete and not Montijo“, states the airline in response to ECO.
“Alcochete is not the ‘most suitable location’, as it will only be ready in 2034. Lisbon cannot wait another decade to grow on new routes. Montijo airport already exists and could be ready in the summer of 2025, requiring only a modest investment in terminal infrastructure”.
In the public consultation on the report of the Independent Technical Commission on the new airport, Ryanair had already strongly criticised the option for the Alcochete, considering that it will be a “white elephant”.
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I feel beja would have been better choice with a cheaper option but of course fast links road and rail to Lisbon would have to be built
By James from Algarve on 18 May 2024, 16:04
If Montijo airport already exists, then the Government should just fix it up a bit so it's functional, just improve the infrastructure, and the Government can save millions, and also make millions in More flights and tourism. In a years time. Instead of waiting 10 years. They are not thinking, just spending money foolishly.
By Tony from Other on 18 May 2024, 16:19
Either Beja or Montijo airports, would've been a better option. Montijo could've been functional in a year's time. Beja wouldn't taken too much time either, until it would've been functional, with transportation. Why wait 10 years, that's a waste of time, and money. The Government is a big loser wasting time. When things could've been improved in less time.
By Tony from Other on 18 May 2024, 20:32
If the reason is the airport already exists, Alverca is the better than anything else option. Not even is needed to build new infrastructure as there is also the most important highway A1 Lisboa-Porto, with an exit right there, and the most important train line with a station just next to it.
Portuguese politicians are just addicted on spending money they stole from the people!
By fg from Lisbon on 19 May 2024, 00:33
O'Leary wants the best service and all the amenities and everything for free. Big gangster
By Nick from Lisbon on 19 May 2024, 08:07
Another question would be whether Lisbon needs any additional tourists (above and beyond what the current airport can handle). If so then I would build a new airport north of Lisbon not too far from existing railway tracks towards Oriente.
But, I guess I will anyway never the the new airport in operation.
By Tom from Lisbon on 19 May 2024, 08:58
As countries across Europe and the world highlight the detriments of overtourism, Lisbon builds another airport. Apparently the same country in the EU also committed to reducing its carbon emissions. Airports do not bring benefits to a country, as a rule. In moderation and with limits, yes. But this is excessive. It will put further strain on infrastructure within hundreds of kms, wrack up even more pollution and carbon emissions, and contribute to already bloated numbers of tourists. The brave and responsible decision would have been to refuse to build another airport. But as usual the rich men talk and the government jumps at their behest. At least we won't see the damage of this greed-fueled project for another decade!
By Rita algierza from Lisbon on 19 May 2024, 10:10
Lisbon needs a new world class airport, one similar to Madrid T4. The new airport will be more efficient, more environmentally friendly, and provide more jobs and create a much nicer experience for everyone. I just hope they commission Richard Rogers to design it.
By Jonathan Beaumont from Lisbon on 20 May 2024, 12:16
Mr. Ryan Air:
Deal with it. We are not an Irish colony (you're Irish, right?). Right or wrong, we the Portuguese make our own decisions!
Lisbon has already been invaded by tourists. We don't need any more!
Thank you and remember: not everything is about money!
By MIGUEL GALVÃO from Alentejo on 20 May 2024, 17:43