That’s more than 1.5 billion euros per year, stressed Pedro Nunes, speaking at the Parliamentary Committee on Environment and Energy as part of a hearing requested by the Socialist Party (PS) on the environmental impact of Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon.

Pedro Vaz, from the PS, justified the request for a hearing by citing the non-compliance with obligations by the airport concessionaire (ANA), both regarding the Noise Action Plan for 2018-2023 and what should be in effect afterwards, and regarding night flights, saying that the entity was only fined €12,000.

"How can we guarantee that a state concessionaire complies with what the state itself demands?", the deputy questioned.

Pedro Nunes, in addition to discussing the costs (“estimates based on internationally established models”) for citizens and for the city and its heritage, said that the 2018-23 Noise Action Plan is “largely in default,” particularly on the most relevant issues such as the acoustic insulation of residential properties.

And the 2024-2029 Plan “is two years behind schedule,” noted the official, recalling that the plan that was in public consultation was not suitable and was ultimately rejected by the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA).

Pedro Nunes also said that Zero is against the financing of the Environmental Fund (support announced last year) for sound insulation works, because this “absolves polluters of responsibility” and it should instead be ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal that pays.

Regarding night flights, the environmentalist said that they continue to be "well above" the permitted levels, "and even more so than was the case" some time ago, and that recommendations from a working group of the Assembly of the Republic on the matter, such as a total ban on flights between 1:00 am and 5:00 am, have not been implemented.

In summary, he said, the restrictions are not being followed (between midnight and 6 am, the number of hourly (daytime) flights is increasing, and work is being done at Terminal 1 without an environmental impact assessment.

Zero proposed that the inspection and fines framework be reviewed, with airlines paying "upfront" for night flights, and said that the State should use the power the concession contract gives it to address non-compliance with environmental clauses.

"Our assessment of this situation is negative. Things have not improved, but have gotten worse," he said, recalling that Zero has already been heard in Parliament several times on the subject and arguing that there should be consequences for the work in the committee.

Acácio Pires, also from Zero, also told the deputies that the actions and interventions at Humberto Delgado Airport should be subject to an Environmental Impact Assessment, and that the increase in hourly flights should also be assessed, as the airport is in a "sensitive zone."

"It seems difficult to increase the number of flights without worsening the conditions for the affected populations," he said. official, referring to the fact that the planes fly over areas of Lisbon with large population clusters.

Acácio Pires observed that in this matter, "the State has to make itself respected," and that if the deadline for submitting a Noise Action Plan is not met, there must be a sanction, just as there must be a sanction for airlines that do not comply with schedules. Non-compliance may lead to the termination of the concession contract, he warned.