Benavente Municipality Creates Technical Commission to Monitor New Lisbon Airport Project
The municipal government of Benavente, led by newly elected Mayor Sónia Ferreira, has announced the creation of a specialized technical commission to monitor and engage with the development of the new Luís Vaz de Camões International Airport. The project is set to be built at the Campo de Tiro da Força Aérea in Samora Correia, a location within the Benavente municipality.
The project specifications, while still in early stages, designate this as the primary international air hub for the Lisbon region, representing one of the most significant infrastructure investments in Portugal in decades. The commission's mandate will be to oversee land management, urban planning, and coordination with the central government to manage the project's local impact. Mayor Ferreira described it as “the largest project of the century,” highlighting the need for local involvement.
The construction timeline is projected to span the next decade, with initial phases focusing on environmental impact studies, land preparation, and infrastructure access. The commission will include technical experts in engineering, urbanism, and environmental science. “We will have to address all security and accessibility issues,” Ferreira told the Lusa news agency, indicating that planning for road and rail connections will be a priority. For investors, understanding the long-term effects on property is key, a topic covered in our guide on location issues.
Need Expert Guidance?
Get personalized insights from verified real estate professionals, lawyers, architects, and more.
Financing for the airport is expected to come from a combination of public funds, EU contributions, and private investment, although the final financing model is still under negotiation by the central government. The project has received the necessary high-level regulatory approvals to proceed, with this commission being one of the first concrete steps at the municipal level. The environmental impact assessment will be a critical upcoming milestone, likely influencing the final layout and design.
The local economic impact is projected to be substantial, creating thousands of jobs during construction and transforming the regional economy upon completion. The development is expected to spur significant residential and commercial real estate growth in Benavente and surrounding areas. Pre-development land acquisition and speculation are expected to increase as the project moves forward. Investors can follow related news in our Construction Updates section.
The announcement follows a major political change in Benavente, with the center-right Aliança Democrática (AD) taking control of the council for the first time in 46 years. The new administration has pledged to work with all political parties to ensure the project benefits the local community. The quality standards for the airport's construction will be aligned with top international hubs, focusing on efficiency, sustainability, and passenger experience. Monitor new development opportunities and understand their market impact at realestate-lisbon.com.