Tancos Military Aerodrome to allow civil use alongside military operations

The Portuguese Ministry of National Defense has stated that the Tancos Military Aerodrome will allow for civil use, including a future Lufthansa pilot school, without compromising its primary military functions. The facility, located in Vila Nova da Barquinha, requires investments to requalify its runway, tower, and buildings to support both Army operations and civil activities.

The government emphasized that the aerodrome is a strategic asset for the Army, particularly for paratrooper training and as a base for the Army's Light Aviation, which expects to receive its first rotary-wing aircraft this year. The Ministry noted that other Portuguese military bases, such as those in Beja and Lajes, already permit varying degrees of civil use.

While the dual-use model is planned, specific details regarding the management model and the division of responsibilities for the Lufthansa pilot school are subject to ongoing negotiations.