The Portuguese Airlines Association (RENA) which represents airlines has criticised ANA's plans to raise fees starting in 2026 to pre-finance the development of the new infrastructure at the Campo de Tiro de Alcochete.

As the regulated rates at Humberto Delgado will rise by about 50% from 2026 to 2030 compared to current levels, the ANA's current proposal will ultimately have an impact on the state's future revenue from national airports.

Lisbon’s airport changing position in airport fee rankings

Historically, Lisbon was one of the most affordable airports in Europe. A graph from ANA's Initial Report on the new airport reveals that Lisbon ranked as the second cheapest in 2019 among 20 comparable European airports, just ahead of Rome-Ciampino.

However, in 2024, the airport climbed to the seventh most expensive, surpassing major hubs such as Madrid, Barcelona, Stockholm, and Dublin. With the proposed fee increases, Lisbon is projected to become the 11th most expensive airport by 2030, surpassing even Paris Charles de Gaulle, Geneva and Copenhagen.

RENA disapproves proposed increases

RENA’s executive director, António Moura Portugal, has criticised the proposed increases, emphasising that airlines already face high costs at Humberto Delgado Airport. The association has stated its intention to closely monitor the process and present its position at the appropriate time.

As António Moura Portugal shared “The Portuguese Airlines Association (RENA) has taken note of ANA’s proposal and the response from the grantor, the Portuguese State. This process will evolve and RENA will take its position at the appropriate time”.

ANA, however, argues that the proposed fee increase is necessary for funding the new airport, which carries an estimated cost of €8.5 billion. To ensure profitability, ANA also suggests removing an agreement that limits airport charges to no more than 15% above the median of comparable European airports, justifying these measures by highlighting the substantial financial needs during the construction phase of the airport, which will begin no earlier than 2030.

Government review and stakeholder consultation

The Portuguese government has acknowledged ANA’s proposal but expressed “substantial doubts” regarding the changes to airport tax models. The concessionaire, owned by the French company Vinci Group, must now consult with airlines and other stakeholders before preparing a summary report within the next six months.