In response to years of mounting complaints from residents, Lisbon Airport will introduce a ban on night flights between 1:00 AM and 5:00 AM. Portugal’s Minister for Infrastructure and Housing, Miguel Pinto Luz, announced the decision on November 7, 2024, during a parliamentary discussion on the proposed State Budget. The move aims to address public frustration over aircraft noise and pollution, which have sparked widespread criticism and protests.
Pinto Luz described the measure as a “giant step forward,” emphasising the government’s commitment to improving the quality of life for affected citizens. “We are taking decisive action to ensure that residents have the rest they deserve,” he said, highlighting findings from a government working group that informed the decision.
Current Night Flight Limit Often Exceeded
The airport has long been subject to a weekly limit of 92 night flights. However, local campaigners and environmental groups, including the NGO Zero, report that this cap is frequently breached. Recent studies indicate that as many as 160 flights take place during nighttime hours each week, significantly disrupting the lives of nearby residents.
Protesters argue that the noise has far-reaching consequences. Sergio Morais, a representative from the campaign group “Airport Out, Lisbon Improves,” noted that aircraft noise affects up to 380,000 people, leading to issues such as poor sleep, interruptions in education and medical care, and increased health risks like hypertension. “Residents have the right to rest,” Morais said, underscoring the community’s frustration.
Skepticism Over the Ban
While the night flight ban has been welcomed by some, critics remain unconvinced of its effectiveness. Activists claim that few flights operate during the proposed curfew hours, reducing the policy’s real impact. They are also concerned about potential loopholes, such as whether delayed flights will still be permitted to land during the restricted period.
Many protesters argue that the ban alone is insufficient. Instead, they are calling for the relocation of Humberto Delgado Airport, located just seven kilometers northeast of the capital. The facility, a key domestic and international hub, is aging and costly to upgrade, with planned renovations expected to take three years and cost approximately €300 million.
Calls for Relocation and Broader Action
Protest groups insist that moving the airport to a less populated area would provide a more comprehensive solution to noise and pollution concerns. “Expanding this outdated airport is not the answer,” one campaigner stated. “We need to rethink its location entirely.”
A Widespread Issue Across Europe
Lisbon’s struggles with night flights mirror challenges faced by other European cities. Dublin has faced pressure to limit night flights, while Brussels has been embroiled in a legal dispute over the disproportionate impact of flight routes on nearby Flemish communes.
As Lisbon enforces its new curfew, the measure represents a step toward addressing resident concerns. However, as demands for relocation and stricter regulations grow, the debate over balancing urban development with quality-of-life considerations is far from over.
