According to several media outlets, the competition jury reportedly selected a Spanish consortium comprising Clece and South.

"Menzies Aviation was formally notified yesterday [Wednesday] of the results of the preliminary report issued by the National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC) regarding the bid to renew the operating licenses at the three mainland Portuguese airports – Lisbon (LIS), Porto (OPO), and Faro (FAO)," the company said.

"Menzies regrets this outcome and disagrees with the rating," it stated, indicating that it believes its proposal "demonstrates proven operational excellence, continuity, and a fully qualified workforce of more than 3,500 employees who have consistently provided high-quality, safe services to customers and the community."

The company noted that, since Menzies Aviation acquired SPdH (formerly Groundforce) in 2024, "the company has maintained strong operational performance, high compliance standards, and constructive labour relations, supported by a Company Agreement that protects employee rights and ensures service stability."

The group believes its proposal "represents the best overall value and the lowest risk for ANAC and the general public."

"Based on the analysis of the other proposals submitted, we believe there are multiple objective and technical grounds to challenge ANAC's preliminary report, within the timeframes established by the bidding process," it emphasized.

Menzies also said they are concerned that this decision "could cause significant operational disruptions and uncertainty for thousands of employees and customers, and undermine the stability of the sector."

Appeal

They will therefore "immediately initiate the formal appeal process and use all available means to ensure that the integrity and fairness of the outcome are fully reviewed, as stipulated in the tender rules."

Contacted by Lusa, ANAC said only that "as part of the tender procedure, the competitors were notified by the jury of the preliminary report" and that this is "normal and regular processing within the tender."

The regulator emphasized that "the competitors will now have the period to submit their comments," emphasizing that "the final report has not been prepared, nor has there been any decision or selection of the service provider at this stage."