The Prime Minister considered today that Portuguese airports guarantee safety and hygiene conditions to prevent contagion from the covid-19 and are prepared for the resumption of air traffic as of the next 15th.

António Costa transmitted this message after a visit of almost two hours to Lisbon International Airport, from the departures area, to the baggage reclaim area, going through the expansion works of the runway next to Terminal 2.

“I believe I can say what the Directorate-General for Health has already said, but also what international civil aviation institutions have already said, that is, that Portugal’s airports are ready, comply with safety standards and are prepared to welcome the resumption of air traffic with all normality”, declared the Prime Minister.

Having at his side the chairman of the Board of Directors of ANA José Luís Arnaut, and after a brief intervention by the president of Vinci Nicolas Notbaert, the Prime Minister considered “very important that the country be prepared, from 15 June, to the reactivation of routes and the opening of borders, with a collective effort being made within the framework of the European Union so that tourism can fully resume its activity”.

“For this to happen it is essential that passengers, whether they want to leave, or those who want to arrive, know that they can travel safely. There is work to be done with aviation companies, but airports are an absolutely critical point, because people from all over the world cross them”, stressed António Costa at the end of a visit in which none of the main members of the Commission was present Executive Board or the Board of Directors of TAP.

For the Prime Minister, “respect for hygiene and safety standards is the greatest guarantee that the reopening of traffic is not an uncontrolled risk factor for the development of this pandemic”.

Having the ministers of Economy Siza Vieira and Infrastructure Pedro Nuno Santos close by, António Costa then said that he had witnessed at Lisbon airport the compliance with the hygiene standards of those who circulate, public spaces and equipment.

António Costa also spoke about the improvements introduced in the airport stores and the creation of «safe circuits in order to avoid risky situations».