The Portuguese Communist Party said on Wednesday that it had filed two amendments to Portugal's 2027 State Budget. Both were submitted to the Assembleia da RepĂşblica, the national parliament, and both target air transport in Madeira and Porto Santo.
Backup Airport Study Sought for 2027
The first amendment asks the central government to fund preliminary studies during 2027. The goal is to test technical solutions for building an aerodrome that would complement Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport, the region's only airport.
Single Airport Called a Safety Risk
PCP says having no backup airport is a weakness for security and civil protection. It blocks the use of aircraft that fight fires, the party says. It also leaves the island with no alternative when the main airport closes because of bad weather.
Fees Called 78% Higher Than Azores
The second amendment calls on the government to press ANA - Aeroportos de Portugal on airport fees. It wants yearly increases stopped and an effective cut secured for passengers at the Madeira and Porto Santo airports.
PCP says that in 2025 and 2026, passenger service fees at Madeira's airports were higher than Lisbon's, and about 78% higher than in the Azores. The party says this penalizes residents, passengers and the regional economy.
PCP describes the situation as unacceptable and is demanding concrete answers from the central government.
Source: dnoticias.pt
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