Lisbon's New Airport, Luís de Camões: Everything You Need to Know About Portugal's new airport

✈️ Key Takeaways:

📍 Location: Alcochete (30km from Lisbon), replacing Humberto Delgado Airport by 2034.💰 Mega-Project: €6.6B investment for 100M annual passengers by 2050 (initially 2 runways).⏳ Timeline:

• Phase 1 (2030): First runway (€3.2B)

• Phase 2 (2031): Second runway + terminals🚨 Why Needed? Current airport overwhelmed:

• Hit 33M passengers in 2023 (max capacity)

• Zero expansion space in urban locations

  • 🌿 Eco-Advantage: Built on low-density public land (ex-military site) → less noise pollution.

  • 🧳 Traveler Impact:

• More flights, better punctuality & modern terminals

• Until 2034: Upgrades at current airport (45+ flights/hour)⚠️ Short-Term Tip: For 2025–2033 travel, expect construction adjustments—consider flying into Porto as backup.

The new Luís de Camões Airport, set to become operational in 2034, represents one of the country's most significant infrastructure projects. After years of debate and planning, Portugal has finally announced a definitive solution to Lisbon's aviation capacity challenges. Here's everything travelers and residents need to know about this transformative development.

Key Details About Lisbon's New Airport, Luís de Camões

• Location: Campo de Tiro de Alcochete, approximately 30km from Lisbon

• Total Investment: €6.6 billion (USD 7.1 billion)

• Completion Date: 2034

• Passenger Capacity: Designed to handle up to 100 million passengers annually by 2050

• Infrastructure: Initially two runways, expandable to four

• Operations: Up to 95 movements per hour

Why Lisbon Needs a New Airport

The current Humberto Delgado Airport (Lisbon Airport) has been facing significant challenges:

• Reached a record 33 million passengers in 2023

• Expected to handle 39 million passengers by 2030

• Limited expansion possibilities due to urban location

• Noise pollution affecting nearby residents

• Growing concerns about punctuality and service quality

Project Timeline and Development Phases

Phase 1 (Through 2030)

• Construction of first runway: €3.2 billion investment

• Initial infrastructure development

• Ground transportation connections

Phase 2 (2031)

• Construction of second runway: €2.9 billion investment

• Terminal facilities completion

• Support infrastructure development

Interim Solutions

Until the new airport opens, the Portuguese government has implemented several measures at Humberto Delgado Airport:

• Increasing capacity to 45-48 movements per hour

• Terminal improvements

• Enhanced air traffic management

• Expansion of Lisbon airspace capacity

Environmental and Economic Impact

The new airport location offers several advantages:

• Located on public land (former military firing range)

• Situated in a low population density area

• Reduced noise pollution compared to current location

• Better environmental sustainability

• Strong connectivity via existing infrastructure like the Vasco da Gama Bridge

What This Means for Travelers

The new airport will bring significant improvements for visitors to Portugal:

• Increased flight options and frequencies

• Better terminal facilities

• Improved punctuality

• Enhanced passenger experience

• Better ground transportation connections

Luís de Camões

Looking to the Future

The Luís de Camões Airport, named after Portugal's celebrated 16th-century poet, represents more than just an infrastructure project. It's a strategic investment in Portugal's future as a major European aviation hub and tourist destination. The facility will support the growth of national carrier TAP Air Portugal, which plans to operate up to 250 aircraft by 2050.

Historical Context

The journey to this decision has been long:

• 2008: Initial selection of Alcochete location

• 2010: Project delayed due to financial crisis

• 2019: Environmental agency approval with conditions

• 2024: Final location confirmation and project green light

Travel Tips During Construction

For those planning to visit Portugal in the coming years:

• Current Humberto Delgado Airport will remain operational until 2034

• Expect ongoing improvements to existing facilities

• Plan for possible schedule adjustments during peak times

• Consider alternative arrival points like Porto for certain itineraries

Smart Planning Tip: While Lisbon’s airport upgrades will eventually streamline your travels, construction adjustments between now and 2034 mean savvy travelers should book flexible tickets and accommodations. For the best refundable flights and hotels near alternative airports like Porto (or future Alcochete transit hubs), check live deals here. Locking in cancellable options ensures peace of mind if schedules shift—plus, early bookings often secure significant savings on premium routes into Portugal.

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Looking for more travel tips? Check out our guides about getting around Portugal, best times to visit, and transportation options.