Tourism chief urges return to Montijo airport option for Lisbon

Francisco Calheiros, president of the Confederation of Tourism of Portugal (CTP), has criticized the government's decision to abandon Montijo as an option for Lisbon's future airport. Speaking at a PSD Summer University event, Calheiros warned that the transition to the new airport in Alcochete could take over a decade, potentially hindering the country's tourism growth.

Calheiros argued that Montijo was a more practical immediate solution because it already had negotiated concessions and an environmental impact statement. He urged the government to reconsider a hybrid approach—utilizing Montijo while Alcochete is developed—to alleviate current congestion at Lisbon's main airport. He expressed skepticism regarding the timeline for the Alcochete project, noting the long delays expected for its operational status.