José Santos, president of the ERT, argues that the infrastructure is currently underutilised and that the region cannot afford to ignore its potential as a platform to accelerate tourism growth.

He has already presented a preliminary study to entities such as TAP and ANA Aeroportos to implement this plan.

The success of this transition is anchored in the development of hotel capacity, with the region expected to reach 35,000 tourist beds in the short term, an increase of 5,000 units compared to the current situation, driven by luxury investments in Melides and Comporta, which Santos believes will become one of the best European destinations.

The airport already plays a decisive role in enabling these residential tourism investments and has a solid performance in executive aviation, but its full commercial competitiveness critically depends on improving rail links and completing the A26 motorway between Santa Margarida do Sado and Beja.

The Beja City Council considers the lack of a highway a "profound limitation," warning that without this essential infrastructure, commercial operations could become a "mirage" despite the political will and the region's growing international recognition.

Although the Government has placed the highway as one of its national priorities, the municipality and the ERT (Regional Tourism Entity) emphasise that accessibility is the decisive factor in scheduling regular flights, ensuring that tourists can arrive and travel in the Alentejo region with the necessary quality.