VINCI Airports celebrates Porto airport’s 80th anniversary with the inauguration of a new operations centre and a fully renovated runway

VINCI Airports, shareholder of ANA Aeroportos de Portugal, is celebrating the 80th anniversary of Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, a strategic asset within its global airport network and a key driver of economic, social and tourism development in Northern Portugal. In 2025, Porto Airport handled 16.9 million passengers, its highest traffic level to date, confirming a sustained growth trajectory. With more than 120 direct destinations, the airport plays a central role in enhancing Portugal’s international connectivity and reinforcing the attractiveness of the north-west of the Iberian Peninsula.

On March 16, VINCI Airports officially inaugurated the new Operations Coordination Centre and the fully renovated runway at Porto Airport, in presence of the Portuguese Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro. Representing a €50 million investment, the largest ever made at the airport, the project was completed over 19 months and includes:

• Full runway resurfacing

• Modernisation of drainage systems

• Replacement of airfield lighting with LED technology

• Installation of a category II Instrument Landing System (ILS), enabling operations in low-visibility conditions.

These upgrades significantly enhance operational performance, safety and resilience, while supporting future traffic growth.

Besides, VINCI Airports is implementing a comprehensive modernisation programme at Porto Airport, focused on improving both operational efficiency and passenger experience. Key projects already delivered or underway include:

• Refurbishment of the departures area

• Expansion and renovation of the lounge (800 m², 200 seats)

• Modernisation of Fast Track services and reinforcement of priority lanes

• Deployment of Self Bag Drop 

• Expansion and modernisation of the Duty-Free store

• Creation of new waiting and entertainment areas, as well as pet relief areas

To address the expected increase in traffic in the coming years, an Airport Master Plan, including the construction of new boarding gates for domestic and international flights, has also been presented to the Government. Other major projects are also under consideration: a new maintenance hangar to be built by TAP airline and the future high-speed rail line planned by the Government. All these investments will further strengthen Porto airport’s strategic role in Portugal and the Iberian Peninsula.

Nicolas Notebaert, Chief Executive Officer of VINCI Concessions and President of VINCI Airports commented: “Celebrating 80 years of Porto Airport means looking ahead. We are building a more modern, more efficient and more sustainable airport, designed to support the growth of a dynamic region and to represent Portugal with excellence on the international stage. In Porto, we are developing the airport – in terms of both traffic and infrastructure – and we will continue to invest for the future, as we do in all Portuguese airports.”