“In 2024, fines worth 8,721,600 euros were applied for non-compliance with time slots and night restrictions,” said ANAC in response to ECO, adding that “246 administrative offense proceedings were concluded against 82 air carriers.”

The regulator points out that some processes have not yet become final and others have been appealed and are still ongoing, so the final values ​​may be different from those applied.

“Without prejudice to the sanctioning activity, it is important to emphasise that ANAC's priority has been to work in a committed manner with the sector's stakeholders in order to mitigate the root cause of these non-compliances, ensuring sustained and sustainable development of the sector, protecting passengers and promoting the well-being of the populations”, highlights the regulator.

The legislation imposes night traffic restrictions between midnight and 6am at Lisbon airport, with a limited number of flights authorised. The Government intends, however, to tighten the rules.

A Working Group was created for the Study and Evaluation of Night Traffic at Humberto Delgado Airport, on the initiative of the Minister of Infrastructure, Miguel Pinto Luz. The official said in November that “a hard night curfew would be implemented that prevents flights between 1am and 5am.”

This more restrictive system of authorising night flights will be translated into a diploma. When asked by ECO, the Ministry of Infrastructure responded that “the applicable legislative diploma is being analysed by the entities with competence in the matter”.