Pedro Marquês revealed today that negotiations are still taking place over a new airport at the Montijo air base, admitting that he did not know when it will be possible to sign an agreement with airports operator, ANA.
The Minister of Planning and Infrastructures said that, "We are negotiating the financial conditions regarding the solution,"
At the end of September 2017, Prime Minister, António Costa, said that he is waiting for the environmental impact study but that progress towards establishing the 'Portela + Montijo' airports solution is irreversible as there is “a national consensus on this project and that there is no time to lose.”
The Government already has signed an agreement with ANA to define a strategic option to maintain Lisbon’s Portela airport (now, Humberto Delgado) and expand via a new airport at Montijo.
António Costa explained that, with the pace of growth in passenger demand, "there is no other solution than 'Portela + Montijo' and very soon negotiations with ANA will be concluded."
That was a year ago and last week, TAP's chief executive said he wants Montijo airport ready "as soon as possible" and that, when it is ready, ANA will secure a new contract including a review of airport fees at Humberto Delgado.
Meanwhile Lisbon's Humberto Delgado airport has reached maximum capacity, choking tourism inflow and causing passenger processing delays.
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