en 
"I don't have any optimism regarding Lisbon airport. I don't have optimism for a variety of reasons. Firstly, let's see what the Environmental Impact Study will show, which will have to be redone", he told journalists in Esposende.
For the mayor of Porto, the proposed location for the airport (Campo de Tiro de Alcochete) "has as many problems as Montijo", namely being "one of the largest aquifers in Europe" and "the problem of birds or migration between the Tagus and Sado estuaries", as well as the existence of "tens of thousands of cork oaks".
"In my opinion, the location is wrong, because it is an excessively long distance from the capital, and then because it is an airport that is expected to experience something like a tripling of traffic", something he doubts, "without putting into doubt the competence of the independent commission" which considered Alcochete the best location.
Questioning "where do so many people come from", Rui Moreira said he could not "imagine how Lisbon and the Setúbal Peninsula will have the capacity to have three times as many people", considering that this is not "reasonable".
"I know that there are a lot of people who think that people from Porto shouldn't give opinions on things in Lisbon, but this is a national project", which is why he based his opinion on studies commissioned when he was president of the Porto Commercial Association (ACP).
The mayor of Porto also said that there is "another problem" with the new airport, which is "having an airline that believes" in a large international hub.
"I don't know what will happen to TAP. I don't know if TAP will have the muscle, whatever the future of TAP, to justify a 'hub'", he considered.
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How about - most non-passenger flights are diverted there to the new airport? The flights that are (only) cargo etc that (don't need to go to the current Lisbon Airport) go to the new one instead? Is that a possibility?
By Bill from Other on 20 Jul 2024, 20:32
This guy is smart and speaks the truth. He doesn't have any personal interest except a good decision. But just like the political geniuses that decided the immigration policy with 400,000 or more in the past 2 or 3 years, they will continue with this bad idea.
By Rui dos Santos from Porto on 21 Jul 2024, 19:06
Don't listen to this man. He's always been Anti-TAP and anti-Lisboa. He's upset that the investment isn't going to Porto Airport. In fact the new location is closer to Porto so he's worried it might canibalise traffic from Porto Airport.
By K de Lemos from UK on 21 Jul 2024, 21:05
I have similar concerns about the high speed rail line going from Madrid to Lisbon. It should instead go from Madrid to Porto. Porto and Madrid are at a similar latitude. A railroad already has a business plan for overnight service from Paris to Porto via Madrid. Also more people live in the North and then the Central area of the country. Also the north supports the line more, has more business growth, is not overwhelmed by tourism and knows how to get infrastructure built...... airport and multiple metro expansions.....I could give more examples but will not....they are not necessary
By Mike Chappie from USA on 22 Jul 2024, 01:11
Lisbon residents already have a big enough airport in Portela (and if the residents near Tires airport must deal with noise polution, Portela can as well). Visitors have Beja airport, just build a fast railway. It will take them less time than commuters that need to work in Lisbon. This new airport (and the Tires "upgrade") is yet another money grab scheme to subtract public coffers.
By nunof from Lisbon on 22 Jul 2024, 09:49
New Lisbon airport. "has as many problems as Montijo", namely being "one of the largest aquifers in Europe" and "the problem of birds or migration between the Tagus and Sado estuaries". Back in the 1960 I was resident engineer for Marconi at LHR to introduce their new Doppler radar navigation systems. Indeed, airstrikes are a serious problem.
By David from Algarve on 22 Jul 2024, 09:56
Santarém is the best choice, more land, adequate infrastructure, already on a highway. Resistance is due to Lisbon leaders wanting to have their pockets lined even further than they are now.
By Santos from Lisbon on 22 Jul 2024, 11:58
Rui Moreira is not alone! Another asinine mistake is being made with the proposed location for the new but ill fated Lisbon's airport! This time the idiots we elect want to destroy for ever one of the richest agricultural lands of Portugal? What a shame!...
By Tony L. Fernandes from Other on 22 Jul 2024, 14:34
Broadly in agreement with the comments advanced by the Porto mayor concerning the Alcochete airport: too far, too costly due to the need for a 3rd bridge over the Tagus River; environmental issues; birds and questionable estimated volume of traffic. Far better would be the Alverca airport (to be built over an island in the Tagus River which is abandoned and not fit for agriculture); a plus is the proposed shuttle between Alverca and Portela airports.
By Fernando Fonseca from Lisbon on 22 Jul 2024, 18:47
No airport please! We're already over swamped with tourists. The infrastructure even now can't cope!
How much money went into whose pockets to allow for this insanity?
By Rita algerza from Lisbon on 23 Jul 2024, 08:58