It has been a long road with many false starts. But now, Portugal is set to embark on a massive project to construct a new international Lisbon airport, a culmination of years of deliberation over the airport's location.

Located in the Alentejo town of Alcochete, across the River Tejo from Lisbon, the new airport will be built on the site of a military airfield, approximately 40 km (25 miles) east of Lisbon. With an anticipated completion date of 2034, the project has been endorsed by an independent technical commission that extensively vetted several potential sites. It is expected to cost up to 9 billion euros ($9.74 billion), with funding sourced from EU funds, public-private partnerships, and airport tariffs, rather than relying on the state budget.

Alcochete beckons travelers with its blend of tradition, history, and natural beauty. Situated in Setúbal District, this picturesque town is home to a population of 17,569 residents occupying an area of 128.36 km². Alcochete is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and its close proximity to one of Europe's architectural marvels – the Vasco da Gama Bridge.

The new Luis de Camões Airport will replace Lisbon’s cramped Humberto Delgado airport, set near the city center. However, during the construction of the new facility, efforts will be made to expand the existing airport. why? Portugal's tourism sector is experiencing a huge upswing, attracting record numbers of visitors. 

To ensure swift connectivity between the Alcochete airport and Lisbon city center, the government plans a third bridge spanning the Tejo. But details regarding the bridge's specific usage – whether solely for trains or also accommodating vehicles – are still under consideration, the initiative underscores Portugal's commitment to enhancing transportation infrastructure to meet the demands of its booming tourism sector.