The expansion of Lisbon Airport is set to undergo a comprehensive environmental assessment as mandated by the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA). This decision comes in light of plans to increase flight operations significantly, raising concerns about the potential environmental impacts of such changes.
Background of the Expansion
The Lisbon Airport, officially known as Humberto Delgado Airport, is undergoing significant changes aimed at improving operational efficiency. The APA’s recent decision highlights the need for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) due to the anticipated increase in flight movements. The current proposal includes enhancements to the airport’s runways and taxiways, which are expected to facilitate a smoother flow of air traffic.
The Role of Associação Zero
The environmental NGO, Associação Zero, has expressed support for the APA’s decision. They emphasize the importance of evaluating the cumulative impacts of airport operations since 2015. The organization has raised concerns about previous expansions and modifications that have occurred without adequate environmental assessments. They argue that these changes have already led to significant increases in passenger traffic and flight movements, which were not accounted for in earlier evaluations.
Conclusion
As Lisbon Airport prepares for its expansion, the requirement for an Environmental Impact Assessment underscores the importance of balancing operational efficiency with environmental stewardship. Interested parties, including local communities and environmental organizations, will be closely monitoring the process to ensure that the potential impacts are thoroughly evaluated and addressed. The outcome of this assessment will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of air travel in Lisbon and the surrounding areas.
