ANA is “in line” with the State in airport investments

Qused by Lusa on the statements of the Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, concerning the creation of a “Sovereign Fund of Portugal” that could intervene in strategic sectors, including airport infrastructure if dealers “do not meet their obligations”, official source of ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal did not comment directly on the statements, only ensuring that the ongoing projects are aligned with the State.

“ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal remains committed to the development of the various investment projects and connectivity of national airports, in alignment with the Portuguese State”, said official source of the concessionaire.

In the same written answer, the airport concessionaire highlighted the development project of the new Lisbon airport, which, according to the company, “follows rigorously in compliance with the timetable set with the State”.

“The ANA Aeroportos de Portugal thus continues its purpose as a reference operator, supporting the economy and bringing people closer together,” added the same source.

In the closing speech of the PSD Congress, Luís Montenegro stated that the sovereign fund “will be an instrument of autonomy and State intervention in strategic sectors”.

The Prime Minister also said that the intention is for the fund to have “shareholder participations” to ensure “a saving vehicle for future generations” and “an instrument to effect national sovereignty.”.

“ We are talking about participation in areas such as energy, but we do not exclude banking, communications or even the management of airport infrastructure, if their dealers do not fulfil their obligations,” Montenegro said.

ANA has until 17 July to submit the Technical Report of the new Lisbon airport, which should include detailed construction planning, construction timing, subcontracting structure and estimated budget.

In the initial report delivered to the Government in December and published in January, ANA estimated the cost of building the new Luís de Camões airport in the Alcochete Shooting Camp.

According to the document, the concessionaire plans to finance EUR 7 billion through debt issuance.

ANA also proposed the progressive increase in airport charges at Lisbon Airport between 2026 and 2030 and the extension of the current concession for another 30 years, until 2092, to ensure the reimbursement of the investment and the economic sustainability of the concession without public financial support.

The airport concession contract in force was signed in 2012 and lasts for 50 years.

ANA provides for the opening of the new Lisbon airport in mid 2037, or at the end of 2036 if they are agreed with the Government on timing optimizations.

ANA — Aeroportos de Portugal manages the airports of Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Madeira, Porto Santo, Ponta Delgada, Santa Maria, Horta and Flores, as well as the Beja Civil Terminal.

The concessionaire joined VINCI Airports in 2013, following the privatisation process.