Lisbon, July 23, 2025 (Lusa) — The Portuguese Secretary of State for Tourism, Trade and Services said on Wednesday that Beja airport in the southern Alentejo region could play an important role, especially in private aviation and the defence industry, although it does not guarantee national or international commercial viability.

During a lunch debate organised by the International Club of Portugal, Pedro Machado pointed out that the airport could become more important in the private aviation sector, citing examples of international celebrities such as actress Nicole Kidman, who plans to move to Melides (on the western Alentejo coast), thus creating new flows and opportunities in the region.

When asked about the possibility of the infrastructure in the Alentejo becoming more valued, he said: “I wouldn't dare say that Beja airport could be in this equation of representing a national or international asset from the point of view of commercial aviation, but I believe it could play a role, especially in the defence industry”.

On the sidelines of the event, he explained to Lusa that “the defence industry is not necessarily military equipment”, giving as examples the production of drones, defence equipment and personal protective equipment.

Pedro Machado also pointed out that “Portugal is investing heavily in the defence industry”, highlighting that “Beja is now recognised for its workshops”, particularly in the area of aircraft maintenance.

In this regard, he believes that Portugal should “take advantage of this opportunity, given that it has the infrastructure in place, to make it profitable, especially in the defence industry”.

When asked if there are already contacts to develop this sector in Beja, he replied that this is not a matter for the State Secretariat he heads.

SCR/AYLS // AYLS

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