According to a statement released by the branch, “a pair of Air Force F-16M fighter planes will fly over certain regions of mainland Portugal tomorrow [Tuesday], 24 December, taking advantage of the occasion to wish the population a Happy Christmas".

“The Air Force has reserved a training flight for this special day, which will simultaneously serve to maintain the capabilities and qualifications of its military personnel to act at any time and under any circumstances, reinforcing the commitment to safeguard the integrity of the national territory, through compliance of surveillance, policing and air defense missions”, says the note.

The published route, which may change depending on weather conditions, foresees that the fighters will fly over the skies of Figueira da Foz at 12pm, Coimbra at 12pm, Aveiro at 12:15pm, Porto 12:20pm, Viana do Castelo 12:25pm, Braga 12:30pm, Guimarães at 12:35, Chaves 12:40, Bragança 12:45 and Mirandela at 12:55.

The flight will then proceed to Vila Real at 13:00, Viseu at 13:05, Guarda 13:10, Castelo Branco at 13:20, Portalegre 13:25, Évora 13:35, Setúbal 13:45, Santarém 13: 55, Rio Maior 14:00, Tomar 14:05 and Leiria at 14:15.