The Associação Avenida would like to publicly express its deep concern regarding the growing difficulties in flight access to Portugal, particularly at Humberto Delgado Airport, in Lisbon.

As an organization representing more than 150 members from the retail, hospitality, restaurant, cultural, and service sectors of Avenida da Liberdade, Lisbon’s main premium and international avenue, and one of the country’s most important economic showcases, we witness on a daily basis the impact this situation has on the experience of those visiting Portugal.

With increasing frequency, we receive reports from tourists, investors, and international visitors faced with long waiting times at border controls, operational difficulties, and a disorganized arrival experience that contrasts sharply with the image of excellence that the country promotes abroad.

Over the past decade, Portugal has achieved a highly significant international position as a tourist, cultural, gastronomic, and investment destination. Lisbon, and Avenida da Liberdade in particular, have played a central role in this success, hosting global brands, luxury hotels, internationally acclaimed restaurants, and high-profile events.

Initiatives such as Avenida Open Week, Tasting in Avenida and Jazz in Avenida, as well as new internationally scaled events such as the Commedia à la Carte Festival and the Tribeca Festival, have consistently contributed to strengthening Lisbon’s appeal as a cosmopolitan, sophisticated and culturally dynamic destination.

However, this international promotional effort is undermined when the experience of entering the country does not reflect the same standards.

First impressions matter and, in far too many cases, Portugal is failing precisely at the moment of arrival.

This reality has impacts that go far beyond airport operations, directly affecting:

The country’s international reputation;
Lisbon’s tourism competitiveness;
The experience and satisfaction of visitors;
The attractiveness of foreign investment;
The performance of the retail, hospitality, restaurant and service sectors.

It therefore becomes difficult to reconcile the continued investment in promoting Portugal abroad with an arrival experience that, on a recurring basis, falls short of the standards of quality and efficiency expected from a leading international destination.

It is also important to recognize that the growth of tourism and international mobility requires structural responses proportionate to current demand. The pressure on airport infrastructure, combined with the operational challenges of border control systems, requires effective coordination, execution capacity, and strategic vision.

In this context, the Associação Avenida calls on the competent authorities to consider, as a matter of priority, concrete measures such as:

Immediate reinforcement of human resources at border controls;
Acceleration of technological modernization and process automation;
Improvement of operational coordination at airports;
Structural planning aligned with current and future demand;
Creation of reception conditions compatible with an international destination of excellence.

More than an operational issue, this is about protecting Portugal’s international credibility and the confidence of those who choose our country to visit, invest in, and return to.
The Avenida Association remains strongly convinced of the potential of Lisbon and Portugal as destinations of excellence, recognized for their hospitality, culture, and sophistication.
Protecting this positioning requires action, coordination, and commitment.

Lisbon, May 16, 2026

The Board of the Avenida Association