Lisbon airport will adopt new rules for takeoffs, which force planes to climb faster and reach higher altitudes in less time. According to the newspaper, the measure aims to reduce the impact of noise on inhabited areas close to the airport.
“We will slightly deviate the route and require a climb gradient for aircraft taking off on the more demanding runway 02 so that the altitude at which they fly over populated areas and residential neighborhoods is at a higher flight level”, explained Pedro Ângelo, president of NAV, in statements cited by the same newspaper. This strategy allows planes to reach safe altitudes quickly, reducing population exposure to noise.
The new rules will apply mainly to planes departing from Humberto Delgado Airport, Lisbon’s current infrastructure, whose proximity to the urban center has raised several concerns about noise. The news agency adds that NAV believes this solution is temporary until the new airport is built.
New airport in Alcochete
Pedro Ângelo defends the construction of the new Luís de Camões airport, in Alcochete, which will replace Humberto Delgado Airport. According to the same source, the new airport will have two runways and will increase the region’s operational capacity, allowing it to deal with the growth in air traffic more efficiently.
The president of NAV stressed that “it doesn’t make sense to have an airport next to the city center”, reinforcing that the current infrastructure is limited by the surrounding urban space. The transition to Alcochete is seen as essential for the expansion of air transport in the Lisbon region.
Gradual traffic growth
Meanwhile, the target of 45 movements per hour at the current airport has been abandoned. NAV is now working with ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal and ANAC in a scenario of gradual increase, going from 38 to 40 and then 42 movements per hour, writes the agency. This approach aims to reconcile traffic growth with operational safety and noise reduction.
The phased implementation of these changes will allow monitoring the impact of the new rules on routes and gradually adjusting the number of movements, says the same source.
Military restructuring for the new airport
The construction of Luís de Camões airport also involves the demilitarization of land currently occupied by the Air Force Shooting Range in Alcochete. The Minister of National Defense announced that the field will be transferred to Alter do Chão, in Portalegre.
According to the government official, moving the Shooting Field is “a fundamental step towards demilitarizing the land” and making the construction of the new airport viable, explaining that the operation is essential to free up space and allow for large-scale works.
Decision chronology and expectations
In May 2024, the Government approved the construction of the airport in Alcochete, with a view to fully replacing Humberto Delgado Airport, according to Correio da Manhã. Pedro Ângelo explains that, until the new infrastructure is operational, changes to current take-offs will minimize noise for residents and allow for more efficient management of air traffic.
In addition to reducing the acoustic impact, these measures are also seen as preparatory for the future operation of the airport, when traffic is expected to increase sustainably.
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