José Manuel Bolieiro considers ANA's plan for Ponta Delgada Airport "a decisive step for the future of the Azores" - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, accompanied the managers of ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal (airport authority), headed by the President of the Board of Directors, José Luís Arnaut, on their visits to João Paulo II Airport in Ponta Delgada and Horta Airport in Faial.

During the presentation of the expansion plan for Ponta Delgada Airport, ANA's CEO, Thierry Ligonnière, announced a large-scale project that will "radically change" the airport's infrastructure. The investment involves doubling the size of the terminal, adding around 15,000 square metres, expanding the check-in and boarding areas, as well as the security and border control areas.

The works will take place between 2025 and 2030, in several phases, ensuring that airport operations continue throughout the process. The first phase, which has already been completed, represented an investment of about €20 million, covering upgrading works at the Ponta Delgada and Horta terminals.

In Ponta Delgada, the works included the renovation of exterior façades, the replacement of floors, walls and ceilings, the installation of new furniture, signage and LED lighting, the modernisation of sanitary facilities, and the implementation of new passenger support technologies. Energy efficiency and amenities were also improved, resulting in significant visual and environmental gains.

"We are seeing the fulfilment of a commitment that has now been met, following a fair demand from the Region,’ stated the President of the Azorean Government, José Manuel Bolieiro. In this regard, he emphasised that "the modernisation of João Paulo II Airport is essential to guarantee the quality of service and respond to the growth in tourist demand and the mobility of the Azorean population."

The next phase of the expansion plan, scheduled to begin in 2027, includes relocating the current VIP lounge and creating additional operational capacity, preparing the airport for major expansion works.

At the end of the intervention, the terminal will have an additional 15,000 square metres, doubling its current size. The check-in area will increase its capacity more than twofold, security control will triple, and boarding gates will also double.

“The Government of the Azores will be vigilant in ensuring that the deadlines and goals of this project are met. It is a shared responsibility that requires close and rigorous monitoring,” stressed José Manuel Bolieiro. He assured that the Government “will maintain a permanent dialogue with ANA and the National Government to ensure that these works are completed on time and with the expected quality.”

The Horta Airport has also completed its refurbishment work, with an investment of €10 million, which included improvements to the control and security areas, passenger boarding and disembarking, commercial areas and exterior panelling. The improvements have not only enhanced operations and comfort, but also brought benefits in terms of energy and environmental performance.

“These investments are a sign of confidence in the future of the Azores and their strategic importance. Enhancing air links is about strengthening the cohesion and development of our Region,” added the head of the Azorean Government.

As part of ANA's Master Plan for Ponta Delgada Airport, medium and long-term investments are also planned, with a view to developing the airlines' activities and achieving the environmental sustainability goals set by the airport manager.

The João Paulo II Airport was recently awarded Level 5 – the highest level of Airport Carbon Accreditation from the Airport Council International, joining a select group of airports worldwide that have achieved the highest standards of carbon management and reduction.

VINCI Airports, the entity responsible for managing ANA, reiterated its commitment to the global strategy for carbon neutrality by 2050, reinforcing the role of Azorean airports as key elements in the modernisation and sustainability of the sector.

The visit was also attended by the Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, the Regional Director for Mobility, Francisco Bettencourt, and the Director of ANA Azores Airports, José Luiz Alves, who accompanied the President of the Government and the ANA management delegation during the presentations and technical visits.