A new Lisbon airport is confirmed — but not until the 2030s
Alcochete has been confirmed as the site of Lisbon's future airport. Here's what it actually means for a trip you're planning now: nothing, yet.
A new Lisbon airport has been confirmed — for the 2030s
After decades of on-again, off-again planning, the Portuguese government has confirmed the site for a new Lisbon airport, provisionally named Luís de Camões Airport, at Alcochete on the south bank of the Tagus. The project envisions two runways, around 120 aircraft stands and capacity for tens of millions of passengers a year, intended to eventually replace the current Humberto Delgado Airport. An Environmental Impact Study is working through approval, with construction and a realistic opening not expected until the mid-to-late 2030s.
What changes for your trip: nothing, yet
This is a long-range infrastructure story, not a near-term operational change. Humberto Delgado Airport continues to handle all Lisbon flights as normal, and nothing about current bookings, routes or airlines is affected. If you're planning a trip any time in the next several years, this news is background context rather than something to factor into planning.
The real near-term issue: congestion at today's airport
The more immediate story is that Humberto Delgado Airport is genuinely busy — passenger numbers have repeatedly outpaced the capacity it was designed for, and delays at peak times are a known issue. A masterplan approved for the existing airport aims to gradually increase capacity over the next several years, alongside new approach and departure routes intended to reduce air traffic delays. In the meantime, the practical takeaway for visitors is the same as it's always been: build in real buffer time, especially at peak season and peak hours.
What to actually do about this
Nothing changes about how to plan your airport transfer today — see our airport guide for current options. If anything, the ongoing congestion is a reason to build in slightly more buffer time than you might for a quieter European airport, particularly for peak summer travel.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Lisbon getting a new airport?
- Yes, in the long term — a new airport at Alcochete (provisionally Luís de Camões Airport) has been confirmed, but it isn't expected to open until the mid-to-late 2030s.
- Does the new Lisbon airport affect my upcoming trip?
- No — Humberto Delgado Airport continues to handle all flights as normal, and nothing about current bookings or routes changes because of this announcement.
- Is Lisbon's current airport busy?
- Yes — passenger numbers have repeatedly exceeded the airport's designed capacity, and delays at peak times are a known issue worth building buffer time around.