Data from the regulator indicates that in the first half of the year, 51 cases were initiated and 81 concluded, with total fines applied amounting to 1,978,700 euros. However, ANAC notes that the first semester’s data is still not final.
The cases concern flights landing or taking off between midnight and 6 a.m., exceeding the daily or weekly limits set by the current ordinances, which impose restrictions on nighttime air traffic due to noise.
Regarding noise violations recorded in June and the rest of the first semester, the authority stated that, according to the latest data, 595 reports of potential violations were received by the end of April and are still under review, so final data is not yet available.
The number of cases brought against airlines has been increasing, rising from 202 in 2023 to 208 in 2024, indicating a continued growth in enforcement and sanction application.
Concluded cases rose from 34 to 246 in the same period, while fines imposed also surged, from 266,200 euros in 2023 to 8,721,600 euros in 2024.
However, the total value of the fines may decrease, as not all cases have been legally concluded and are still subject to judicial appeal by the airlines in question.
According to the 2004 ordinance, a maximum of 91 weekly and 26 daily air movements are established between midnight and 6 a.m.
The ordinance also conditions authorization for night movements on the noise levels of the aircraft used.
The environmental association Zero has been warning about the increase in flights outside permitted hours and the noise pollution consequences caused by the aircraft.
Zero has called for a ban on night flights between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. starting in the summer of 2025, as well as strengthened monitoring and sanction application for legal violations.
This issue has received attention in connection with the implementation of noise mitigation measures, as determined by Council of Ministers Resolution No. 58/2025.
ANAC, along with NAV Portugal, is preparing to operationalize these measures, although deadlines may be extended due to the demanding requirements of European legislation, as explained by an official source from the regulator.
