The national directorate of the Public Security Police (PSP) has issued a clarification following complaints by the Police Union Association (ASPP/PSP) about inadequate conditions at the police facilities at Lisbon Airport. Issues raised include lack of cleanliness, presence of rats, and insufficient conditions for both police officers and foreigners at the border control.
Carlos Oliveira, a leader of the ASPP, highlighted the “poor conditions” at the airport’s police facilities, part of the airport security and border control division. These conditions pose a health risk to the officers stationed there, he said.
Photos provided by the ASPP depict areas within the police facilities infested with live and dead rats, exposed electrical wires, and tables being used as makeshift lockers for officers’ belongings.
Oliveira noted that rats are present throughout the facilities, including the passenger control booths and the officers’ dining area.
In a statement, the PSP announced that a “replacement and renewal process of various items and equipment is underway to improve working conditions.”
However, regarding the tables used as lockers, the PSP clarified that “all officers have individual lockers available in a communal changing area.” The decision to carry personal items to the border area is a personal choice and not due to lack of available lockers.
The national directorate also stated that the management and maintenance of the facilities fall under the responsibility of ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal, and the police have reported the observed issues.
According to the PSP, ANA has begun rodent control measures and other corrective actions.
The inadequate conditions at the border station also affect passengers who are detained at the borders while awaiting entry decisions, Oliveira reported. These individuals are “heard in a small room” and, since they are not detained, they remain in the border area.
Regarding individuals denied entry into the country, the police emphasized that “they are not under PSP custody nor deprived of their liberty.” Their entry is refused, and they stay in the airport’s international area until they return to their country of origin as per the law.
The PSP also mentioned that “the conditions of this space, common to passengers, are ensured by the airport infrastructure management entity.”
The Public Security Police facilities at Lisbon Airport were previously occupied by the SEF, which was dismantled in 2023, and its responsibilities were transferred to the PSP.
