The New Lisbon Airport

As part of the activities of the S+Academy, an open space for social debate, we recently organised a conference on the new Lisbon airport at S+A's facilities. The conference, which was attended by a wide and qualified audience and featured well-known national and international personalities as speakers, dealt with a topic that we are naturally particularly passionate about and which influences our activities.

As is well known, after several years of study and debate, the New Airport in Lisbon (NAL) – Luís de Camões Airport will be located on the Alcochete firing range, as provided for by Government Resolution of the Council of Ministers No. 66/2024 of May 27.

With regard to the accessibility of the NAL and public supply infrastructures, several projects are running in parallel to the NAL project to ensure multimodal access to the new airport. These projects are being developed by the Grantor (Portuguese State) and other entities, including the Concessionaire (ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal, S.A.).

The construction of an airport like the NAL is a large-scale project with multifaceted implications, encompassing economic, social, environmental, and political aspects.

Economically, it is undoubtedly an undertaking that boosts tourism, commerce, and foreign investment, generating a positive impact on the local and national economy. It is also decisive in creating direct jobs (construction and airport operations), and is significant in creating indirect jobs, such as support services and tourism. Furthermore, the development of airport infrastructures will stimulate the development of adjacent industries, such as logistics and technology. Additionally, a modern and efficient airport improves global connectivity, enabling international trade and tourism.

In terms of social implications, the construction and operation of an airport create thousands of jobs, from specialized to unskilled positions. It also promotes the development of surrounding areas, improving access to services and opportunities in various domains. Given that airport construction can cause community displacement and changes in their lifestyle, i tis essencial to carefully plan in order to minimize negative impacts and ensure benefits for local communities.

Environmentally and in terms of sustainability, the construction of a modern airport must incorporate sustainable technologies and practices to minimize environmental impact. Environmental compensation and the protection of sensitive areas are essential. By considering these implications, it is possible to maximize the benefits and minimize the negative impacts of airport construction, contributing to sustainable development and the society well-being in general.

For an architecture or engineering firm, participating in an airport construction project is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with significant and transformative potential. The scale and complexity of these projects offer unique challenges and benefits that go beyond the mere construction of infrastructure.

Firstly, because of the social and economic impacts already mentioned. Airports are indeed "gateways" that influence economic development and global connectivity. The work of the architect who can contribute to a project that shapes the future of a region comes with enormous responsibility. It is also a great privilege to create spaces that facilitate mobility and cultural exchange, leaving an indelible mark on society.

For an Architect, an airport project also entails extraordinary technical and innovation challenges. Indeed, airports require innovative architectural solutions, from optimizing passenger flow to integrating sustainable technologies; the opportunity to work with multidisciplinary teams and explore new approaches is an enriching experience; moreover, the scale of the project drives the search for creative and efficient solutions, raising the quality standards of architectural practice and our profession.
In terms of sustainability and environmental responsibility, architecture plays a crucial role in mitigating the environmental impact of airports. In the architect's activity, designing energy-efficient buildings that integrate landscapes and minimize the ecological footprint is a priority in our profession. Furthermore, the responsibility to create sustainable infrastructures that coexist harmoniously with the environment is an ethical commitment of extreme relevance.

Finally, in terms of vision and legacy, airports are architectural landmarks that transcend generations. Contributing to a project that becomes a symbol of progress and innovation is undoubtedly a lasting legacy. The possibility of shaping the future of mobility and leaving a landmark on the urban scape is an aspiration for any architect.

As outlined above, it is also a project with enormous challenges. It is essencial to reconcile functionality, security, and aesthetics in a complex context; it is extremely important to integrate cutting-edge technologies and passenger flow management systems; it is imperative to ensure accessibility and comfort for all users; and, last but not least, to adapt the project to future needs, anticipating the growth and evolution of aviation.

To sum up, participating in an airport construction project is an unique opportunity to practice architecture in its fullest sense, combining vision, technique, functionality, aesthetics, quality, and social responsibility.

In the course of S+A's approximately 30 years of activity, I have had the opportunity and privilege to take part and develop various airport and related infrastructure projects in different geographies, such as Brazil, Colombia, the United Arab Emirates, and Portugal.

Returning to the NAL project, and notwithstanding to ongoing activities, the team that will be part of the Airport Projects Management and Monitoring Structure (EGAPA), created to monitor the negotiations of the new airport and the Concession Contract, is yet to be selected, whose general coordinator, according to Council of Ministers Resolution No. 1-D/2025, of 01.17.2025, is appointed by the Minister of Infrastructure.

Given the strategic importance of the New Lisbon Airport project for the national interest, with the ongoing political crisis and the likely interruption of the legislature, it is important that this dossier is not stopped or suspended yet again.