José Manuel Bolieiro highlights "strategic importance" of new air terminal in Graciosa - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, presided over the opening of the new air terminal at Graciosa Island Aerodrome on Sunday, a ceremony also attended by the Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral.

The head of the Azorean Government highlighted the significance of the project for the island and the Region. He pointed out that “justice has finally been done to Graciosa,” adding that “the Azores are more prosperous with Graciosa, and happy Graciosa residents mean happy Azoreans.”

José Manuel Bolieiro emphasised that this project goes beyond a physical component, also representing a strategic vision for the future of the archipelago.

“We have not only completed a physical project, but have also addressed the strategic and intellectual aspects of developing the Azores with infrastructures to revitalise the present and shape the future of each of our islands,” he said.

The new infrastructure replaces a terminal built before 2001, which no longer meets current requirements, particularly in terms of security and operational capacity. Among the existing limitations were a departure lounge with direct access to the public area, manual processes for handling hold luggage, and cramped spaces for the operation of aircraft such as the Dash Q400.

Designed in accordance with contemporary airport safety and operational requirements, the new terminal incorporates a modern baggage handling system, a closed-circuit television (CCTV) system, specific areas for the Public Security Police and private security, which were previously non-existent, as well as retail and passenger support facilities. The departure lounge now has 100 seats, and the infrastructure has been designed to handle a capacity of 120 passengers per hour.

From an operational standpoint, the new terminal provides the facilities required for the simultaneous operation of two Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 aircraft, ensuring greater efficiency in boarding, disembarking and baggage handling processes.

The building is a ground-floor structure with over 2,000 square metres of floor space, organised to be functional and intuitive, with a clear separation between public areas, security zones and operational spaces. It includes reception and waiting areas, check-in desks, a passenger lounge, boarding and disembarking areas, a bar, retail spaces, as well as operational facilities such as a flight operations room, cargo and mail areas, and technical support.

The solution adopted prioritises universal accessibility, smooth passenger flow and efficient control of passengers and baggage, whilst also improving parking facilities, access routes and support for passengers with reduced mobility.

Once the new infrastructure becomes operational, the demolition of the old terminal will commence, bringing new value to this revitalised gateway to the island.

In a year marking the 50th anniversary of the Azores’ autonomy, José Manuel Bolieiro highlighted the Region’s journey towards transformation.

“We have moved from isolation and neglect to a sense of closeness and the ambition of the Azoreans,” he said, adding: “Autonomy has enabled us to build a capacity for self-government capable of meeting our needs and achieving our ambitions.”

The President of the Regional Government also emphasised the efforts made to strengthen the regional economy and counter demographic decline.

“We want to create the conditions so that every Azorean can stay in their homeland and build a life and a future of happiness on any island,” he said, advocating for consistent public policies geared towards wealth creation.

José Manuel Bolieiro also highlighted other ongoing investments on the island of Graciosa, such as the bypass to Santa Cruz, the works at the Health Centre and the redevelopment of the Carapacho Thermal Baths, assuring those present that these projects are being implemented.

Acknowledging the existing challenges, the President of the Government stated that the government is taking action with “realism and ambition,” seeking effective solutions for the Region’s progress. In the tourism sector, he highlighted Graciosa’s potential, advocating a commitment to a sustainable, high-quality model rather than mass tourism.

Also present at the ceremony were the President of the Board of Directors of the SATA Group, Tiago Santos, and the Deputy Mayor of Santa Cruz da Graciosa, Bruno Silveira, alongside other civil and institutional representatives.