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AECOM, a global infrastructure leader, has been chosen by VINCI Airports group’s ANA Aeroportos de Portugal S.A. to handle the preliminary design for the New Lisbon Airport (Luís de Camões Airport). Designed as a world-class international hub for Portugal’s capital, the new development aims to expand capacity significantly and drive regional economic growth as a primary gateway to the country.

Additionally, heading up the project alongside local Portuguese partners, AECOM is managing the initial design development phase. In this role, the firm will supply a complete suite of project management, technical, and design services.

Also, Russell Jackson, interim chief executive of AECOM’s global Transportation business, expressed pride in bringing the company’s international aviation background to the high-impact project. He noted that collaborating with local partners and ANA Aeroportos de Portugal will help establish an iconic gateway intended to boost tourism and strengthen the economy. Moreover, he noted that the collaboration would provide long-term benefits to the region.

New Lisbon Airport to Replace Humberto Delgado Airport

Additionally, the New Lisbon Airport is scheduled to replace Humberto Delgado Airport. Humberto Delgado Airport currently serves the city but faces tight space constraints that limit further expansion. Situated across the Tagus River from Lisbon, the chosen site spans the Montijo and Benavente municipalities, where it partially covers the existing Alcochete firing range.

Richard Whitehead, chief executive of AECOM’s Europe & India region, emphasized that their integrated design approach balances local insights with global capability to build a modern, forward-thinking airport. He highlighted that the project focuses heavily on the passenger experience and efficient design, offering built-in flexibility so the facility can expand incrementally with minimal disruption while enhancing national connectivity.

AECOM’s global aviation division offers a broad array of services worldwide, spanning program management, architecture, technical advisory, design, and sustainability support. Furthermore, this assignment builds on the firm’s history with major aviation infrastructure. The firm boasts recent projects such as Boston Logan International Airport in the United States, Kuwait International Airport, and Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, Peru.

Project Factsheet

Official Name: New Lisbon Airport (Aeroporto Luís de Camões)

Project Type: Greenfield international hub airport & full replacement project

Location: Municipalities of Benavente and Montijo

Projected Opening: 2034

Target Status: Complete replacement of the existing Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS)

Leadership and Key Stakeholders:

• Project Owner / Client: Government of Portugal
• Concessionaire / Operator: ANA Aeroportos de Portugal S.A. (VINCI Airports)
• Lead Design and Project Manager: AECOM (in partnership with local Portuguese engineering & architecture firms)

Capacity and Technical Scope

• Annual Passenger Capacity: Designed to support up to 100 million passengers per year by 2050 (up from Lisbon’s current 33–36 million).

Runway Layout:

• Initial build: 2 runways (up to 95 aircraft movements per hour).
• Future expansion: Built-in flexibility to scale up to 4 runways.

Estimated Investment: Approximately €6.1B–€9B, financed through European Union funds, public-private partnerships, and airport tariffs.

Key Motivations and Objectives:

• Overcoming Capacity Bottlenecks: Replaces Humberto Delgado Airport, which suffers from severe site constraints and zero physical expansion room within the city core.
• Regional Growth Engine: Designed as a strategic gateway linking Europe, Latin America, and Africa while expanding national tourism and trade capacity.
• Modular Infrastructure: Focuses on phased construction. This will allow future expansion with minimal disruption to ongoing airport operations.

Project Team

Project Owner / Concessionaire: ANA Aeroportos de Portugal S.A. (Part of VINCI Airports Group)

Lead Infrastructure Consultant: AECOM

Local Design and Engineering Partners: Local Portuguese Partners

Sponsoring Authority: Government of Portugal (Ministry of Infrastructure)