Portugal approves €7 billion Alcochete Airport to ease Lisbon congestion by 2030

Portugal's government has given the green light to a major new airport project near Lisbon. Announced on January 15, 2026, the Alcochete Airport will cost between €6 and €7 billion, with construction set to begin in mid-2027. Officials expect the facility to open by 2030, marking a key step in the country's infrastructure plans.

The decision confirms Alcochete as the selected location for Lisbon's second airport. The project includes environmental protection measures and the expropriation of 4,500 hectares of land. Authorities described the move as a milestone in modernising Portugal's air transport network.

The Infrastructure Ministry has questioned the traffic forecasts provided by ANA, the airport concessionaire. Officials believe the current projections underestimate future demand. As a result, the ministry has asked ANA to revise its figures before finalising plans. Despite the adjustments needed, the government remains confident in the project's timeline. Construction will start in mid-2027, with full operations expected by 2030. The total investment covers not only building work but also land acquisition and ecological safeguards.

The Alcochete Airport will become Portugal's largest infrastructure project in decades. Once operational, it will ease congestion at Lisbon's existing airport and support growing passenger numbers. The revised traffic forecasts will help shape the final design and capacity plans.