“There might be discussion on how we can do it more forcefully, but I cannot force the Government [to backtrack on increasing the airport’s capacity]. I can influence, I can be present, I can say no, and I have done this every time I meet with any member of the Government, particularly with the Prime Minister [Luís Montenegro of the PSD], where I bring up this topic and the concerns for Lisbon’s residents,” stated the social democrat Carlos Moedas.
During a public city council meeting, the PCP submitted a motion “against the works at Humberto Delgado Airport (AHD) that allow an increase in aircraft handling capacity,” which was supported by all executive members, including those from the PSD/CDS-PP leadership (which governs without an absolute majority).
On the same issue, the PS proposed a vote of repudiation against the expansion of AHD’s capacity and the “inaction” of the Lisbon City Council (CML) leadership, with the proposal passing despite opposition votes from PSD/CDS-PP members.
In presenting the vote, PS councilor Pedro Anastácio recalled the unanimous stance the council took in September 2024, through a motion refusing outright any increase in AHD’s airport capacity, considering the impacts at that time “very significant for public health, the environment, and the quality of life for Lisbon’s residents.”
The matter concerns the Government’s decision under PSD/CDS-PP to proceed with works expanding AHD’s capacity, increasing movements per hour from 38 to 45.
From PS’s perspective, the CML president, after supporting the motion approved in September, “did nothing and said nothing” following the Government’s announcement of expansion works.
In addition to criticizing the “inaction and absence of public intervention” by Carlos Moedas, the PS vote condemns the PSD mayor’s “political incapacity” to influence the Government and demands that the CML urgently adopt all legal and institutional actions available, including opposing the issuance of an Environmental Impact Declaration by the APA – Portuguese Environment Agency, “to protect the interests of the city and its residents.”
Regarding the motion proposed by the PCP, the council decided to “vehemently repudiate” the Government’s intention to advance with works aimed at increasing AHD’s capacity, reaffirming September’s stance and urging the Government to respect it.
Another point is to mandate the mayor to “intervene urgently with the Government,” to ensure the reversal of the expansion plan for AHD.
During the debate on the topic, the PS considered that the PCP’s motion “is a lifeline for Carlos Moedas,” an idea rejected by the communists, who noted the PSD mayor’s changing stance on the airport and demanded a “more proactive” attitude in defending the city’s interests.
The social democrat reiterated that his position aligns with the PCP’s: “No overnight flights, no increase in capacity at this airport. We want another airport.”
Regarding the PS’s vote of repudiation, Carlos Moedas said it is a proposal “that is not easy to follow,” as it is “against, from a bloc against,” recalling that in previous mandates, the socialists defended “exactly the opposite” of what they now demand.
The Lisbon City Council’s executive, comprising 17 members, includes seven elected from the New Times coalition – PSD/CDS-PP/MPT/PPM/Aliança, three from the PS, three from Citizens for Lisbon, two from PCP, one from Livre, and one from BE.
