When questioned about the current situation, an official from the regulator clarified that “regarding the Resolution of the Council of Ministers No. 58/2025, which mandates ANAC to implement noise mitigation measures for night flights at Humberto Delgado Airport, in strict compliance with all applicable European legislation and directives, and to operationalize the recommended restrictions on night flights by the Night Flights Working Group, ANAC is preparing the necessary actions for this implementation.”
The official further noted that “it is important to consider that European legislation in this specific area presents a set of demanding requirements that extend the implementation timeline,” without providing specific dates.
An official from NAV Portugal, also contacted, reminded that “under the respective Resolution of the Council of Ministers, the responsibility for implementing the operational restrictions lies with ANAC as the regulatory entity.”
In this context, NAV Portugal, which controls air traffic, assures it has been actively collaborating with ANAC.
“This is a process that requires a high level of technical rigor and close coordination among different civil aviation entities. NAV Portugal is fully committed to contributing to a solution that safeguards public interest, operational safety, and community well-being,” the statement added.
In November 2024, the Infrastructure Minister from the previous and current Government, Miguel Pinto Luz, announced the immediate implementation of a total ban (‘hard curfew’) on flights between 01:00 and 05:00, as recommended by a working group that reviewed the issue and submitted its final report in July 2022.
By March of this year, prior to the legislative elections, the Council of Ministers tasked ANAC with operationalizing the nighttime operation restrictions, which include limitations on noisier aircraft between 23:00 and 07:00, the imposition of a no-slot period between 01:00 and 05:00, and new aeronautical procedures to reduce noise.
On July 2, Miguel Pinto Luz noted that “the political decision by the Government and ANAC has been made and is to be implemented, [but] it takes time,” he stated.
The implementation of new rules “requires regulation, needs to coordinate with air traffic control,” he enumerated, emphasizing that “ANAC is taking all procedures, in conjunction with NAV, to achieve this.”
Concurrently, ANAC has intensified its monitoring and imposition of fines on airlines operating outside permitted hours.
The number of initiated cases has increased from 202 in 2023 to 208 in 2024, with fines rising from 266,200 euros to 8.7 million euros over the same period.
In the first half of 2025, 51 cases were initiated, with fines already totaling approximately 1.98 million euros, according to preliminary data. The total fines may decrease as not all cases have been settled, and some are still subject to judicial appeal by condemned carriers.
The cases involve flights landing or taking off between 00:00 and 06:00, exceeding daily or weekly limits set by ordinances that impose restrictions on nighttime air traffic due to noise issues.
