Portugal shooting range relocation controversy

In late July 2026 Portugal's defence minister announced a plan to move the Air Force's Alcochete shooting range to the Alter do Chão area in Alto Alentejo, freeing the current site for the new Lisbon airport. The Association for the Future of Alto Alentejo immediately voiced strong opposition, warning of severe impacts on agriculture, tourism, local municipalities and the safety of a nearby gas pipeline.

By early August, a civil movement called “Não ao campo de tiro” had collected more than 2,500 signatures demanding the publication of the project's perimeter, criteria, study results and hearings. The petition reached the threshold for review by a parliamentary commission, signalling growing public pressure on the government to provide transparent environmental and economic assessments before proceeding.

Both snapshots illustrate the progression from the government's announcement and initial local opposition to an organized petition that seeks formal parliamentary scrutiny of the relocation plan.