🛬 Higher Traffic at Faro Combined with Rotating Single-Stand Closures
From July 22 to October 29, 2026, Faro Airport will repair the service road at Apron 8. The project will proceed in three phases, with one stand near Stands 29–34 closed in coordination during each phase. From October 26 to November 30, portions of the taxiways at Apron 9 will also be resurfaced. Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport plans to reconfigure the C2 Apron at the Schengen terminal starting at 06:00 on September 28, 2026, closing approximately six stands. The work is scheduled to continue until 14:00 on September 30, 2027. The expansion of Apron 10 and construction of the new Apron 23 are scheduled from February 1, 2025, to August 31, 2027. Avi-Go data show that, counting each takeoff or landing as one movement, Faro recorded 331 movements from August 15 to September 2, 2026, comprising 169 departures and 162 arrivals; Lisbon recorded 139 movements, comprising 67 departures and 72 arrivals. Faro handled 192 more business aviation movements than Lisbon during the same period. However, because the scope of construction differs between the two airports, operational planning should separately address Faro’s rotating single-stand closures and Lisbon’s closure of approximately six stands.
Impact: Faro handled higher business aviation traffic during the reporting window, and phased closures of individual stands will reduce parking and scheduling flexibility within the specific construction areas. At Lisbon, the C2 Apron project will affect approximately six stands at once, creating more immediate space constraints for overnight parking, towing, and PPR coordination. Apron 10, which is being expanded, and the new Apron 23 must not be counted as already available handling capacity.
Recommendation: Operators using Lisbon should immediately reconfirm C2 Apron parking and towing arrangements based on the construction scope effective September 28, and prepare alternatives in case overnight parking is unavailable. For Faro operations, operators should verify the closure location near Stands 29–34 during each phase and continuously monitor the actual impact of the Apron 9 taxiway resurfacing, beginning October 26, on ground movement routes.