Portugal’s Porto Airport is currently undergoing a groundbreaking runway renovation project that has led to significant flight disruptions, including widespread cancellations, delays, and diversions. This ambitious infrastructure overhaul, set to continue until 2026, aims to modernize and strengthen the airport’s runway and related systems, enhancing safety and operational capacity. While the upgrades promise long-term benefits, passengers and airlines are facing considerable short-term challenges as the airport adapts to the ongoing construction and limited runway availability.

Between early morning and midday on a recent day, Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport in Porto faced significant disruptions as nearly two dozen flights were canceled, affecting both arrivals and departures. In addition to these cancellations, several other flights experienced delays, while four aircraft were forced to divert to alternative airports to avoid operational issues. This interruption comes as part of ongoing extensive runway renovation works, which are expected to continue until February 2026.

The airport, managed by ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal, has been undergoing a major infrastructure upgrade aimed at improving safety, operational efficiency, and sustainability. These renovation efforts are part of a broader plan to modernize one of Portugal’s busiest airports and to ensure it meets future aviation demands and regulatory standards.

The recent cancellations and delays are a direct consequence of the intensive work being carried out on the runway and surrounding facilities. During maintenance work, flight operations must undergo limitations because essential infrastructure is temporarily out of service. Although such disruptions cause inconvenience to passengers and airlines alike, they are necessary to complete the upgrades safely and effectively.

Despite repeated inquiries by Lusa—the Portuguese news agency—ANA has yet to provide detailed information on the full scope of flight disruptions, including the exact number of affected flights on recent days. Similarly, the airport operator has not shared a clear timeline on when the Instrument Landing System (ILS), vital for guiding aircraft safely in poor visibility, will return to full operational status. The ILS system is a crucial component for landing precision, particularly during adverse weather conditions such as fog, heavy rain, or low clouds, which are common in the region.

The airport’s runway renovation project was officially announced on May 27, 2024, when ANA revealed plans to initiate the work on July 31 of the same year. The scheduled 19-month project carries an estimated investment of 50 million euros. This significant financial commitment reflects the importance of Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport as a key transport hub in northern Portugal, serving millions of passengers annually and handling both domestic and international flights.

The refurbishment encompasses several critical elements of the runway’s structure. One of the primary interventions is the complete resurfacing of the wear layer on runway 17-35. This wear layer is the topmost surface of the runway that comes into direct contact with aircraft tires and is crucial for maintaining grip and preventing skidding during take-offs and landings. Over time, this layer deteriorates due to constant use and weather exposure, making its renewal vital for safety and performance.

In addition to resurfacing, the project includes structural reinforcement of the runway itself. This involves strengthening the layers beneath the surface to support the increasing weight of modern aircraft and to extend the runway’s operational lifespan. Such reinforcement ensures that the pavement can withstand repeated stresses and reduces the risk of damage that could disrupt flights or compromise safety.

An essential aspect of the renovation includes altering the configuration and size of the runway strip. The runway strip refers to the cleared and graded area surrounding the runway, designed to provide a safety buffer zone for aircraft excursions during takeoff or landing. Modifying this geometry may include reshaping or expanding this area to meet updated safety regulations and accommodate newer aircraft performance standards.

Furthermore, the approach lighting systems for both runways 17 and 35 are being upgraded. These lighting systems are critical for assisting pilots during landing, especially under low visibility or nighttime conditions. As part of this work, the airport is replacing traditional lighting with state-of-the-art LED systems. LED lights offer significant benefits, including improved brightness, greater energy efficiency, and reduced maintenance costs, aligning with sustainability goals.

The renovation also entails a full overhaul of the runway’s drainage system. Proper drainage plays a crucial role in keeping the runway clear of water buildup, helping to avoid hydroplaning and other dangerous situations. Modernizing the drainage infrastructure will enhance safety by quickly removing rainwater and reducing the likelihood of runway closures during adverse weather.

A particularly noteworthy feature of this project is the installation of civil infrastructure necessary for the deployment of a Category II Instrument Landing System (ILS) on runway 35. This advanced ILS capability will enable aircraft to land safely under conditions of low visibility, such as heavy fog or rain, with decision heights as low as 100 feet above the runway. The addition of ILS Category II technology represents a significant safety upgrade, enhancing the airport’s operational resilience and reducing weather-related flight cancellations or diversions.

Currently, runway 35 lacks this level of ILS capability, which sometimes limits flight operations during challenging weather. Once the project is completed, the new system will allow pilots to rely on more precise guidance during the approach and landing phases, increasing overall safety and operational reliability.

The comprehensive runway renovation is part of Portugal’s larger plan to upgrade and modernize its airport infrastructure. By investing in safer, more efficient, and sustainable facilities, ANA aims to support growing passenger traffic and airline operations while minimizing environmental impact. The use of LED lighting and improved drainage are just two examples of how the airport is integrating modern technology to meet current and future demands.

While the temporary inconvenience caused by flight cancellations, delays, and diversions is understandable, these measures are necessary to ensure the long-term benefits of the runway enhancements. Passengers and airlines can expect improved safety, fewer weather-related disruptions, and better overall service quality once the renovations are complete.

Portugal’s Porto Airport is facing major flight disruptions due to an extensive runway renovation project underway until 2026. These upgrades are causing widespread cancellations, delays, and diversions as the airport modernizes its infrastructure.

In brief, Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport is currently undergoing an extensive runway and infrastructure modernization project scheduled for completion by early 2026. The works include resurfacing, structural reinforcement, runway geometry adjustments, lighting system upgrades, drainage improvements, and the installation of advanced navigation aids. Although these improvements have caused short-term flight disruptions, they will position the airport for safer and more efficient operations well into the future.

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