Lisbon, July 11, 2025 (Lusa) - The Air Force will invest up to €30 million to relocate the Figo Maduro Military Aerodrome to Montijo Air Base, following the plan to expand the capacity of Lisbon airport, the government announced on Thursday.

The cabinet approved a resolution authorising the Air Force to “invest of up to €30 million in the Montijo Air Base, to relocate Transit Aerodrome No. 1 (AT1, Figo Maduro), an infrastructure belonging to the Air Force and located within the perimeter of Lisbon airport,” the statement said.

“This decision forms part of the government’s plan to temporarily expand the capacity of Lisbon airport in response to increased demand for air traffic until the new airport in Alcochete comes into operation,” the government said.

It added that the transfer of AT1 operations should be completed by the end of 2028.

The cabinet also approved a resolution mandating the Air Force to “carry out the necessary studies to define the future location of the Alcochete Shooting Range”.

“This decision, which follows the decision to build the New Lisbon Airport (NAL) at that location, is of great strategic importance, given the vital importance of this Air Force unit for national sovereignty,” the statement said.

The government also determined “the preparation of the necessary studies for the reorganisation of the airspace in the area of the new airport and the future firing range, to allow and reconcile military and civil aviation operations”.

According to the government led by Luís Montenegro, this will be a collaborative process between the competent authorities, the Air Force, NAV - Navegação Aérea de Portugal, the National Aeronautical Authority and ANAC (National Civil Aviation Authority).

On 14 May 2024, the government approved the construction of the new Lisbon region airport at the Alcochete Shooting Range, following the recommendation of the Independent Technical Commission (CTI).

DMC/ADB // ADB.

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