Military relocation
Claim
Firing-range land to be released in phases by 2029
Status: Target / forecast
The phased demilitarisation schedule provides for releasing the area needed for the airport by 2029.
Decision
Demilitarisation spending authorised
Status: Legally decided
Up to €4.5 million plus VAT for demilitarisation of the firing range.
Decision
Replacement firing range location announced
Status: Officially proposed
Alter do Chão chosen for the replacement range (about 7,500 ha).
Claim
Replacement firing range in Alter do Chão
Status: Officially proposed
The Ministry of National Defence announced in March 2026 that the replacement military firing range, of about 7,500 hectares, will be in Alter do Chão, with the municipal council's support.
Claim
Up to €4.5 million plus VAT for demilitarisation works
Status: Legally decided
A June 2026 Council of Ministers resolution authorised spending of up to €4.5 million plus VAT on demilitarisation work at the original firing range.
Explainer
Moving the military: Alter do Chão and the demilitarisation of the range
The airport’s site is an active firing range. Clearing it, and replacing it, is a project in its own right.
Explainer
Deslocalizar os militares: Alter do Chão e a desmilitarização do campo
O local do aeroporto é um campo de tiro ativo. Limpá-lo, e substituí-lo, é um projeto por si só.