The planned Aeroporto Luís de Camões, to be built in Alcochete on land that includes part of the current firing range, is expected to require an investment of €7.9–€8.9 billion (at 2024 prices).
To make the new infrastructure accessible, the plan includes hundreds of kilometres of new roads, a new bridge over the River Tagus, and a rail link dedicated to the airport. The Government says these works should make it possible to reach the new airport in around 20 minutes by train from central Lisbon.
Aeroporto Luís de Camões: location and access plan
The airport’s site in Alcochete is being paired with a major transport programme designed to connect the new hub to Lisbon and beyond, combining road upgrades with a new rail corridor.
What will change?
Portugal’s road network is set to be substantially strengthened to serve the future Aeroporto Luís de Camões. The programme provides for 250 kilometres of new roads and more than 50 kilometres of upgraded routes, including improved connections on the national roads EN4, EN10 and EN119, a link from the A33 to the A12 and the A13, the construction of the IC13 between the airport, Ponte de Sor and Alter do Chão, and the doubling of the EN118.
Beyond the road component, the Third Tagus Crossing will be built: a new combined road-and-rail bridge between Chelas and Lavradio, in Barreiro. This structure is described as essential for ensuring rail access to the new airport.
From this crossing, a new railway line dedicated to Aeroporto Luís de Camões will be created, with entry into service planned for 2034. The scheme includes a new station served by four lines and three platforms, enabling direct connections to central Lisbon as well as to long-distance services.
According to the Government, around 20 million passengers per year are expected to use the train to travel to or from the airport.
When will it enter service?
Construction of Aeroporto Luís de Camões is scheduled to begin in 2029 and be completed in 2033. The opening is planned for 2035, following operational testing and the certification process.
Financing and regulatory milestones
The technical report was submitted to the Government within the deadlines set out in the concession contract. Under the timetable presented by ANA, the next stage is to submit the Environmental Impact Assessment to the Portuguese Environment Agency, which is expected by the end of July.
The financial report is due to be completed by January 2027, with the final application planned for January 2028.
To fund the project, ANA expects to issue around €7 billion in debt. The concessionaire also proposes a gradual rise in airport charges at Humberto Delgado Airport between 2026 and 2030 to help cover part of the investment.
The date Aeroporto Luís de Camões enters service will depend not only on completion of the airport itself, but also on delivery of the new road and rail connections that will provide access to the future airport.
Comments
No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Leave a Comment