The Portuguese government has unveiled the first technical details of Luís de Camões Airport, the new international airport planned for Alcochete. A newly published technical report outlines the project’s key features, from passenger capacity to transport connections.

The need for a new airport has become increasingly urgent as Humberto Delgado Airport has effectively reached its physical limits. Since 2018, it has been operating above the capacity standards recommended by ICAO. One of its two runways has been unavailable since 2019, and further expansion is impossible because the airport is surrounded by residential neighborhoods. It currently handles around 35–38 aircraft movements per hour, while the planned upgrades would raise that figure to no more than 45 — the maximum the site can accommodate. Noise pollution and overnight flights over central Lisbon have also become a growing concern, with the municipality calling for stricter limits on air traffic.

One of the project’s standout features will be a railway station integrated directly into the terminal. Travelers are expected to reach central Lisbon in about 20 minutes via a rail connection across the Tagus River. In the future, the airport is also expected to join Portugal’s high-speed rail network, providing direct connections to Porto and Madrid. Officials estimate that around 20 million passengers will use the rail link each year.

During the first phase, the airport will feature two runways and a terminal covering approximately 500,000 square meters, with an annual capacity of up to 56 million passengers and room for future expansion. The project is expected to cost between €7.9 billion and €8.9 billion and will be financed by ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal under its concession agreement, without direct funding from the state budget.

Construction is scheduled to begin in 2029, with the airport expected to start opening in phases from 2035. Once fully operational, Luís de Camões Airport will gradually replace Humberto Delgado Airport as Portugal’s main international gateway.