A significant change is coming to Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport as the Portuguese government has announced a ban on night flights from 1 AM to 5 AM. This decision follows mounting pressure from local residents, environmental groups, and the city council, all of whom have expressed concerns over noise pollution and its impact on their quality of life.
Background of the Decision
The announcement was made by the Minister for Infrastructure and Housing, Miguel Pinto Luz, during a parliamentary session. He stated that a working group had thoroughly examined the issue of night flights and concluded that a strict curfew was necessary to address the concerns raised by the community.
The ban is expected to alleviate the disturbances caused by aircraft noise, which has been reported as far away as Loures, Camarate, and Póvoa de Santa Iria. Residents have voiced their frustrations, citing issues such as disrupted sleep, interrupted classes, and health concerns related to noise and pollution.
Community Response
Local residents have been vocal in their opposition to night flights, organizing protests near the airport. Sérgio Morais, a representative from the activist group Aeroporto fora, Lisboa melhora, emphasized the need for a comprehensive solution, including the construction of a new airport outside the city to replace the existing one.
Government’s Justification
The government has framed the ban as a significant step forward in addressing the long-standing complaints from municipalities and citizens regarding noise and pollution. Minister Luz described the decision as a response to the criticism faced by the government and a necessary measure to improve the living conditions of those affected by the airport’s operations.
The government has yet to provide a specific timeline for when the ban will take effect, leaving both residents and tourists in a state of uncertainty. As Lisbon prepares for this significant change, the impact on the tourism industry, which heavily relies on the airport, remains to be seen.
