The Embassy is advising passengers to be at check-in at least three hours before their flight, according to a report by ECO.

"Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon is currently experiencing longer than usual waiting times, especially during peak hours," says the warning. "Travelers are strongly advised to allow extra time for check-in, security screening, and passport control during the holiday season," it adds.

The embassy advises passengers to arrive at the airport “at least 3 hours before the scheduled departure time,” warning that “passport control may take longer than expected, potentially leading to delays that cause you to miss your flight.”

It also recommends using electronic kiosks (e-gates) to expedite passport control, except if you are traveling with children, in which case, they must use the regular queue. It also warns travellers wishing to use the Tax-Free counter to allow additional time, “as long queues are common.” Finally, it advises regularly checking airline announcements and airport updates.

Waiting times

Humberto Delgado Airport has recorded high waiting times at passport control, which have worsened since the implementation of the Schengen Area Entry and Exit System (EES) on October 12th, which replaced manual passport stamps with centralized electronic records that include biometric data (fingerprints and facial photographs).

A problem acknowledged by the government in a decree published at the end of last month, which created a special team to respond to the difficult situation at Lisbon airport, as well as Faro airport.

In the document, the Executive states that “there have been significant constraints in the management of passenger queues in the departures and arrivals areas, especially at Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon (AHD) and Gago Coutinho International Airport in Faro (AGC), impacting passenger comfort and safety and the country's image and economy.”

Negative impact

The tourism sector has also highlighted the negative impact of the airport problems. The Portuguese Tourism Confederation (CTP) released a statement last month protesting the “chaos” at Lisbon airport and demanding government action. “The external image of national tourism and the country has been severely affected in recent weeks due to the long queues and delays at Lisbon Airport, which have been recurring since May. This situation cannot continue!!!” stated the CTP.

The Government has moved forward with the creation of a special team for integrated passenger flow management, which has been based at Humberto Delgado Airport since the end of October.

This task force is responsible for monitoring, “in real time,” waiting times and critical congestion points at Humberto Delgado, and for continuously predicting and analysing passenger flow patterns and potential operational constraints on a daily basis. During periods of pressure at the border, it will have to “activate contingency plans and reinforce resources.”

The order also provided for increased resources, with an increase in personnel allocated to border control, “ensuring the optimisation of the respective shifts and service schedules.” The plan to install more electronic kiosks and booths would also be implemented as a matter of urgency.