According to Ana Vieira da Mata, the National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC) has requested a study from Eurocontrol, the European aviation entity, highlighting “some levels of greater pressure” at Porto Airport.
“We have traffic levels similar to those of Lisbon” at the time of the concession contract signing, she indicated, pointing out that there are also ‘slots’ (time slots) where there is “some demand”.
When questioned about delays and canceled flights, the ANAC president acknowledged it is an “organizational concern,” indicating that it “result from the constraints” at the infrastructure level.
“Bi-weekly meetings are held with carriers, in which root causes related to these delays are analyzed,” she noted, citing weather events, “lack of adherence to the reality of some flight plans,” “stress at the European network level,” and “the increasing complexity of operations.”
“ANAC is working with major airlines,” which represent 80% of traffic volume, she emphasized, “to understand the root causes and what mitigation plans are in place.”
In addition, she reminded, the organization continues activities in “operational constraint working groups,” with annual meetings with all involved in operations.
“Traditionally, these groups prepare for summer,” she stated, but ANAC decided that Lisbon, Porto airports, and Lajes air terminal in the Azores “deserve extra attention,” so the work will be conducted throughout the year.
Regarding the change in the legal framework for the ultralight segment, the ANAC president reported the proposal being developed, acknowledging that this legislation needs to be improved and updated.
In this case, the entity considered examples from other countries, as well as proposals from the sector’s representative association, stressing that it will not falter “on issues related to safety.”
