Lisbon Airport's Terminal 2 Modernization Complete, Inauguration Set for January

Major Upgrade for Humberto Delgado Airport's Terminal 2

The comprehensive modernization works on Terminal 2 of Lisbon's Humberto Delgado Airport have reached completion and are slated for official inauguration by the Portuguese government in January. This significant upgrade is part of a broader investment aimed at enhancing the airport's infrastructure and passenger services.

Enhanced Capacity and Passenger Experience

The project, described as a 'complete modernisation' of the terminal, is designed to create 'better quality and more space' for travelers. Key improvements include:

• The creation of ten new direct access gates, connecting Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
• An increase in existing spaces by one-third.
• The introduction of self-service kiosks and wider security lanes equipped with CT scanners, allowing laptops to remain in bags.
• Eight new boarding gates, including two with biometric e-gates, replacing previous bus-boarding procedures.
• A new sun-lit food court overlooking the apron.
• The integration of energy-efficient HVAC systems and LED panels to reduce the terminal's environmental footprint.

Passengers will now navigate through 33,000 square meters of revamped space, significantly improving the overall travel experience. The modernized terminal is projected to handle approximately 8 million passengers annually, effectively doubling its pre-pandemic capacity.

Investment and Key Stakeholders

The modernization of Terminal 2 is a component of a larger €233 million project for Humberto Delgado Airport. The works were executed by a consortium primarily led by Mota-Engil and Vinci. Funding for the project has been provided through the concessionaire's balance sheet, ANA - Aeroportos de Portugal, a subsidiary of Vinci Airports, without direct reliance on public funds.

José Luís Arnaut, Chairman of the Board of Directors of ANA - Aeroportos de Portugal, confirmed the January inauguration, which will be attended by the Minister of Infrastructure, Miguel Pinto Luz. The overarching goal of these improvements is to increase the airport's operational capacity from 38 to 45 aircraft movements per hour by 2028.

Context Amidst Future Airport Plans

This modernization effort is strategically positioned to alleviate current congestion at Humberto Delgado Airport until the planned Luís de Camões Airport in Alcochete becomes operational, which is anticipated around mid-2037. The project has, however, faced scrutiny, with ongoing debates and legal challenges concerning the absence of a full environmental impact assessment for the expansion.